Battery capacity in 2018 Outlander PHEV

[rishabhtulsian]

I own a 2018 Outlander PHEV in USA. The battery capacity is rated at 12 kWh. Ever since I bought the car I have noticed that on a full charge the energy used is between 9-9.6 kWh.

Should the energy used be close to 12 kWh like 11.something?? Anyone else notice the same behavior?

 

[robdickinson]

It keeps 30-35% as reserve, so you will only ever see ~9kwh used

 

[rishabhtulsian]

Ok that helps. I was wondering if something is wrong with my battery.

Follow up question: In what scenario will the reserve be used?

 

[Tai626]

If you dig a little bit in this forum, there is post where the OP drains the batteries to “reset” the BMS.
http://www.myoutlanderphev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=3691

IMO, lithium ion batteries doesn’t have memory effect like NiCd. And there is only on scenario I would use up all reserve: at end of life. Short both terminal and dispose them resposably.

Tai

 

[jaapv]

Shorting an Li-Ion battery will most likely cause it to catch fire and explode - not a good idea.

 

[anko]

In what scenario will the reserve be used?

 

[Harald]

Hi Anko,
thanks for the explanation.
Harald