General Description
Note: The information provided in this chapter is specific to the electric vehicle. Chapters in this manual other than the engine and transmission chapters also apply to the electric vehicle.
Danger: Service and repair of the electric vehicle should only be performed by technicians that have completed HV3 Daimler Safety Training. To prevent personal injury or death, or damage to the electric system, do not attempt repairs yourself.
The Walk-In Van Electric Vehicle uses a low-voltage lead acid battery pack and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack. The low-voltage battery pack uses 12V lead acid batteries for startup. The high-voltage lithium-ion DC-DC converter uses energy from the high-voltage battery to power auxiliary components such as the headlights, power steering, and windshield wipers.
The high-voltage battery pack provides power to the propulsion motor that moves the vehicle. The high-voltage battery pack also charges the low-voltage battery pack through the DC-DC converter. The vehicle must be plugged to a charger in order to charge the high-voltage battery pack. If the battery check light illuminates, contact an authorized Freightliner dealer.
Additionally, the vehicle system can extend the vehicle range through regenerative braking. Induction from the drive motor being turned into a generator from the kinetic energy created by the forward momentum of the vehicle, simultaneously decelerates the vehicle and recharges the batteries when the driver's foot is off of the accelerator pedal. For further details, see 'Regenerative Braking' in this section.
Note: If the outside temperature is -13°F (-25°C) or less, the high-voltage battery pack may freeze, and it cannot be charged or provide power to run the vehicle. Move the vehicle to a warmer location.
Notice: To prevent damage to the lithium-ion battery, adhere to the following guidelines:
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The ambient operating temperature range for the high-voltage battery pack is -22 to 131°F (-30 to 55°C).
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The maximum ambient storage temperature range is -40 to 140°F (-40 to 60°C). To maximize life of the battery cells, the recommended storage range is -4 to 68°F (-20 to 20°C).
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While driving, battery cell temperature can be between -22 to 131°F (-30 to 55°C). To maximize life of the battery cells, the recommended temperature range while driving is 59 to 95°F (15 to 35°C). Battery discharge and regen capability may be derated when driving outside the recommended temperature range.
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When charging the high-voltage battery pack, the cell temperature can be between -4 to 131°F (-20 to 55°C). To maximize life of the battery cells, the recommended temperature range when charging the high-voltage battery pack is 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). Battery charging capability may be derated when charging outside the recommended temperature range.
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Do not use the lithium-ion battery for any purpose other than vehicle operation.
The capacity of the high-voltage battery pack to hold a charge will decrease with time and usage. As the battery pack ages and capacity decreases, the driving range of the vehicle will decrease. This is normal and does not indicate a defect in the high-voltage battery.
Battery pack tests have estimated that battery capacity will be approximately 80% of original capacity after six years—this is only an estimate. This percentage may vary, and could be significantly lower, depending on individual vehicle and high-voltage battery pack usage. The high-voltage battery pack has limited service life. When the battery pack reaches a specific level, the electric vehicle system warning light will illuminate. Owners should take the vehicle to an authorized Freightliner dealer for inspection and possible battery replacement.