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.