Note: Looping the DC cord through the steering wheel when charging serves as a good reminder to store
the cord out of the way when finished with charging. The DC plug can be damaged by driving over or
catching the cord on the vehicle when driving away.
WARNING!
To prevent a physical hazard that could result in an electrical shock or electrocution,
be sure that the charger plug
is not damaged and is inserted into the grounded receptacle. The power (AC) cord is equipped with a grounded
plug, do not attempt to pull out, cut or bend the ground post.
The charging (DC) cord is equipped with a polarised connector which fits into a matching receptacle on the
vehicle. The power (AC) cord is equipped with a grounded plug. Do not attempt to remove, cut or bend the
ground post.
STORAGE/BATTERY CHARGING
The controlling party shall require battery changing and charging facilities and procedures are in accordance with
all applicable regulations.
Battery General
A battery is defined as two dissimilar metals immersed in an acid. If the acid is absent or if the metals aren’t
dissimilar, a battery has not been created. The batteries most commonly used in these vehicles are lead acid.
A battery does not store electricity, but it is able to produce electricity as the result of a chemical reaction which
releases stored chemical energy in the form of electrical energy. The chemical reaction takes place faster in warm
conditions and slower in cold conditions. Temperature is important when conducting tests on a battery and test
results must be corrected to compensate for temperature differences.
As a battery ages, it still performs adequately except that its capacity is diminished. Capacity describes the time
that a battery can continue to provide its design amperes from a full charge.
A battery has a maximum life, therefore good
maintenance
is designed
to
maximise
the available
life
and reduce
the factors that can reduce the life of the battery.
Battery prolonged storage
All Batteries will self discharge over time. The rate of self discharge varies depending on the ambient temperature
and the age and condition of the batteries. A fully charged battery will not freeze in winter temperatures unless the
temperature falls below -60c.
For winter storage, the batteries must be clean,
fully charged and disconnected from any source of electrical
drain. Unplug the battery charger DC from the vehicle receptacle. As with all electric vehicles, the batteries must
be checked and recharged as required or at a minimum of 30 day intervals.
Caution: Battery charger and other electronic devices need to be disconnected since they will contribute to the
premature discharge of batteries.
During periods of storage, the batteries will need attention to keep them maintained and prevent discharge. In
high temperatures the chemical reaction is faster, while low temperatures cause the chemical reaction to slow
down. A vehicle that is stored at 32 C
will loose .002
of specific gravity
of 1.275, and the battery is allowed
to
sit unused, it will become partially discharged.
When it reaches
1.240, which it will do
in less than twenty days,
it should be recharged. If a battery is left in a discharged state, sulphating takes place on and within the plates.
This condition is not reversible and will cause permanent damage to the battery. In order to prevent damage, the
battery should be recharged. A hydrometer can be used to determine
the specific gravity
and therefore
the state
of
change of a battery.
In winter conditions, the battery must be fully charged to prevent the possibility of freezing. A fully charged battery will
not freeze in temperature’s above -60 C. Although the chemical reaction is slowed in cold temperatures,
the battery must be stored fully charged and disconnected from any circuit that could discharge the battery.
Chargers: disconnect the charging plug from the vehicle receptacle.
The batteries
must be cleaned and all
deposits neutralised and removed from the battery case to prevent self discharge. The batteries
should be tested
or recharged at thirty day minimum intervals.
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