An electric car battery is a large, flat, rectangular box made up of numerous smaller battery cells. It often sits underneath the electric vehicle‘s floor to minimize and balance out the weight. The typical electric car battery pack has roughly the same dimensions as a thick mattress, but it’s much thicker and encased in a protective metal cover.
The electric car battery supplies the power to operate the myriad functions of the electric vehicle (EV). It charges differently depending on the type of electric car. In a plug-in EV, the battery connects to the charging station. In a hybrid, the alternator charges the battery when the engine is running. Finally, if the electric car has regenerative brakes, the battery charges when you hit the brakes.
There are several types of electric car batteries. Most batteries use lithium-ion technology to store more energy in the same space. In the US, most lithium-ion batteries use a blend of either nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) or nickel, manganese, cobalt, and aluminum (NMCA).
Tips on How to Access the Electric Car Battery
Always put on protective clothing before touching high-voltage parts like the electric car battery. Wear gloves made of insulating material that prevents electricity from flowing through the handwear. The gloves must be thick enough to protect against injuries and sufficiently flexible to let you do fine work.
Disable the EV first before working on the electric car battery. Each EV manufacturer has specific procedures for disconnecting the high-voltage system. Consult your owner’s manual or look for the manufacturer’s official instructions on how to do so. You can also disconnect the 12-volt car battery or auxiliary power to prevent systems from turning on.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
