Looking after the power battery

The power battery is the high-voltage battery that drives the electric motor. It is charged mainly from a charging cable, and also by the motor when braking, coasting, or when the engine runs.

The car can top up the 12V battery from the power battery automatically. So if the car has been parked for a while, the state of charge (SOC) or electric range shown may have dropped. This is normal.

In cold weather

• Battery performance drops in the cold. Below -10°C, park in a heated or room-temperature garage if you can.
• If you can't, leave the charging cable connected and set a travel reservation about half an hour before you leave (in the infotainment or the app). This warms the battery and pre-conditions the cabin.

Keeping the battery healthy

• Fully charge the power battery with a charger at least once a week.
• When SOC is below 30%, avoid hard acceleration and high speeds, and charge soon.
• If the car will stand for a long time, park somewhere below 45°C, out of standing water and direct sunlight.
• After a long lay-up the SOC reading may be wrong. Fully charge before driving.
• During a long lay-up, fully charge once a month, then run it down to about 50%. Damage from over-discharge is not covered.
• Electric range varies with driving style, hills, temperature and use of things like the air conditioning. This is normal.
• The battery ages naturally. If your range after a full charge has dropped noticeably, have the battery checked by your dealer.

Protecting the battery

• The battery sits under the car. Take care on rough roads so it does not take knocks.
• Park in sheltered, ventilated places where you can, to keep the battery at a good temperature.
• Keep liquids and moisture out. Liquid entering the battery can cause short circuits, leaks and corrosion.