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How do electric cars charge a 12V battery?

Published in Electric Vehicle Batteries 1 min read

Electric cars charge their 12V battery through a process called trickle charging.

The Role of the 12V Battery in an EV

While electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by a large, high-voltage battery pack, they also incorporate a traditional 12V battery. This battery serves a similar purpose to the one found in gasoline-powered cars, providing power for:

  • Starting the car's systems.
  • Running accessories like lights, radio, and infotainment system.
  • Operating the car's computer systems.

The Trickle Charging Process

The 12V battery in an EV is typically charged using a process called "trickle charging." According to available information, this involves:

  • Using a small amount of electricity from the main high-voltage battery pack.
  • The electricity is used to continuously keep the 12-volt battery charged while the vehicle is in use.

Essentially, the high-voltage battery acts as a power source to maintain the 12V battery's charge level. This ensures that the 12V battery is always ready to perform its functions without being depleted.

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