12v Battery Charging on L1?

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Superchewie

Member
Joined
May 1, 2017
Messages
23
Location
Vancouver, BC
Hi folks,

So sorry if this is covered here in the forum already; did my best on the search function to find the info I’m asking here, but it’s likely “my best” is a pitiful effort...

I’m curious as to if the 12v battery charges (or at least floats) on L1. I trickle charge my ‘13 at work for 3-4 hours per day using the stock EVSE. Am I also providing a slight conditioning benefit to the 12v battery?

It’s my understanding that the DC-DC converter is activated on L2 charges. Not sure about L1, though.

This affects how often I will schedule myself to put a battery tender on my 12v.

Thanks!
 
Yes, the LEAF charges then floats the 12-V battery when charging at an L1 rate. In very cold temperatures (below about 20F), it does not drop down to its float voltage of 13.1V. Rather, it stays at a temperature-compensated charging voltage of around 14.5V.
 
Thanks! That’s great info.

So my daily L1 charge cycles are likely giving the 12v battery some good conditioning time. I’ll still use a battery tender once a month or so, but will have less stress knowing that my L1 charges are helping out!
 
If you drive a pre-2015 leaf, and especially a 2013, that L-1 charging likely isn't enough for the 12 volt battery. Please add your year and model to a signature line.
 
Signature line is in the use control panel. I haven't done it lately, so don't remember the details. I suggest you measure the rest voltage of the 12 volt battery, by releasing the hood latch and then leaving the car off for 15-30 minutes, then opening the hood (but no doors) and checking voltage with a multimeter. Anything over 12.6 volts is fine, 12.5-12.6 is marginal, and anything below that indicates a very low battery. Many of us trickle charge our 2013's battery with a battery maintainer when plugged in. I added a hardwired connection through the charging port compartment. You especially want to avoid leaving the car plugged in but not charging for more than an hour or two, unless you know the 12 volt battery is above 12.6 volts or a maintainer is connected. The battery will eventually get drained otherwise.
 
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