T7 vehicle battery trickle charge using the external

[Doug & Vanes]

Can the T7 be connected to an AC power source (in my garage) using the external power cable, for long periods while the vehicle is not in use? Are there any risks leaving the vehicle connected? In other words, will this power connection keep both the vehicle battery and auxiliary batteries charged?

 

[WelshGas]

Can the T7 be connected to an AC power source (in my garage) using the external power cable, for long periods while the vehicle is not in use? Are there any risks leaving the vehicle connected? In other words, will this power connection keep both the vehicle battery and auxiliary batteries charged?

I see no reason why you cannot do that BUT the EV battery should only be charged to and maintained at 50% capacity, as stated in the Handbook.
You could also use a plug in timer so the Charger only switches on for 4 hrs a day.

 

[Doug & Vanes]

Sorry I should’ve mentioned that the T7 is not an EV or hybrid. It is a diesel.

 

[WelshGas]

Sorry I should’ve mentioned that the T7 is not an EV or hybrid. It is a diesel.

Should be no problem. The T6.1 trickle charged the engine battery. It will either be stated in the Handbook or just plug into EHU for 24 hrs and use a multimeter to measure the voltage of the engine battery, while still plugged into EHU, and if it is 13 + volts then it is being trickle charged. The system may not be able to charge a dead engine battery but just trickle charge to maintain.

 

[Doug & Vanes]

Many thanx

 

[Lorri]

On subject of charging - on hybrid ocean.
The quick charge from engine side to 2nd battery - can the vehicle be in motion whilst doing this or just when stationary.
Having trouble finding some things in manual ?
Thank you

 

[sticky1]

I think the hybrid doesn’t have a traditional alternator, but from what I have picked up the hybrid system will maintain the leisure batteries within set parameters.
Petrol and diesel it will do both, it uses the alternator, you can also boost charge the leisure batteries from the California app or a button on the dash.
There’s a recommended time limit for stationary charging I seem remember.

 

[Doug & Vanes]

I am having a problem keeping my T7 California Coast Diesel batteries (primary and leisure) charged when not in use, which is for 3 or 4 months at a time. The VW dealership in Portugal, as well as members of this group indicated that by connecting the car to an EHU when not in use, would trickle charge the batteries. However on 2 occasions now, on returning to the vehicle the batteries have been flat/damaged. VW replaced the batteries and according to them fixed a software problem, but they won’t advise on how to keep the batteries charged when not in use.

The VW handbook/manual (including the online version) is silent on trickle charging using the EHU when not in use.

I do not know what to do as I live in South Africa and spend 4 to 6 months a year in Portugal.

Should I rather buy a CTEK MXS 5.0 or NOCO Genius smart charger and leave this on trickle charge whilst not driving the car?

As a novice I would be much obliged if someone can advise me.

 

[Californication69]

I am having a problem keeping my T7 California Coast Diesel batteries (primary and leisure) charged when not in use, which is for 3 or 4 months at a time. The VW dealership in Portugal, as well as members of this group indicated that by connecting the car to an EHU when not in use, would trickle charge the batteries. However on 2 occasions now, on returning to the vehicle the batteries have been flat/damaged. VW replaced the batteries and according to them fixed a software problem, but they won’t advise on how to keep the batteries charged when not in use.

The VW handbook/manual (including the online version) is silent on trickle charging using the EHU when not in use.

I do not know what to do as I live in South Africa and spend 4 to 6 months a year in Portugal.

Should I rather buy a CTEK MXS 5.0 or NOCO Genius smart charger and leave this on trickle charge whilst not driving the car?

As a novice I would be much obliged if someone can advise me.

Are you able to have somebody plug it in once a week for 24 / 48 hours.
Then leave it switched off for a week.

Or what about a router, connected to internet and a switch bot on the socket switch ?
(I use a switchbot switch to manually switch my EcoFlow delta 2 on and off in the boot)

Might be able to enlist an electrician to wire in a programmable timer for a socket.
Comes on once a week for 24 hours ?

I store my Saab 93 convertible for 6 months of the year and remove the +ve cable from the battery.
Come back after 6 months, connect the + cable and it fires right up.

But on a t7
(Removing the starter battery cables not an option as the passenger / driver ? Seat needs to be removed. )
Removing the cables from lesuire would be easy enough)

 

[Doug & Vanes]

Thanks for your prompt response Bill.

Unfortunately the van is parked in an underground parking garage with no WiFi/cellphone reception.

However, maybe getting someone to turn it on for 24 hours once a week is an option.

I also have a digital timer which plugs into a normal 2 prong socket into, which I could plug the EHU cable into? Set it for 24 hours once a week.

 

[Californication69]

Thanks for your prompt response Bill.

Unfortunately the van is parked in an underground parking garage with no WiFi/cellphone reception.

However, maybe getting someone to turn it on for 24 hours once a week is an option.

I also have a digital timer which plugs into a normal 2 prong socket into, which I could plug the EHU cable into? Set it for 24 hours once a week.

Worth a try, then see how that pans out.
Check the small button is working correctly too.
Just found another post relating to issues with EHU
Might be something and nothing.

 

[Huddy]

Can the T7 be connected to an AC power source (in my garage) using the external power cable, for long periods while the vehicle is not in use? Are there any risks leaving the vehicle connected? In other words, will this power connection keep both the vehicle battery and auxiliary batteries charged?

You need to put in camping mode. It is the only way to keep leisure batteries charged. Otherwise they will drain in around 3/4 days. If not in camping mode not hooked up it will also drain your main battery quickly.

 

[Chriskend]

I leave mine on ehu all the time while it’s parked in the garage and not in camping mode and all battery’s are full, never had an issue, once I left the fridge on for two weeks by mistake…still fully charged, I agree it’s a good idea to stick it on a timer

 

[Huddy]

I leave mine on ehu all the time while it’s parked in the garage and not in camping mode and all battery’s are full, never had an issue, once I left the fridge on for two weeks by mistake…still fully charged, I agree it’s a good idea to stick it on a timer

Do you know if any battery degradation leaving permanently on EHU?
Sorry meant to say camping mode when not on EHU.

 

[Chriskend]

Do you know if any battery degradation leaving permanently on EHU?
Sorry meant to say camping mode when not on EHU.

There will still be a drain on the battery if it’s not on ehu, if it’s left for long periods you could turn off internal monitoring on the alarm system, that may slow the expected 13.6 days it would normally last ( from calculations on the draw to the total available). Even if I leave it outside I have solar so it’s always topped up. I’m afraid I’m not much help as I knew the issues before getting a van so made sure I had every eventuality covered when it comes to the batteries