Battery drain

[jfhcpa]

I own an '07 TCH with 10k miles on it. Had it for exactly a year.
I've notied the battery doesn't hold a charge for very long anymore.

I used to be able to drive almost 7 miles on flat road at 25 MPH w/o the gas motor kicking in. Now it's only about half that distance.

Is there a problem with these batteries and so-called battery memory?

[LOL TCH]

Seven miles is a REALLY long drive in the EV mode! I can't recall the exact numbers but the battery never discharges below 40% or charges above 80% so memory troubles shouldn't be an issue.

[Davwbs]

If you were to add 2 solar panels to the car, that would charge the battery right at 95% in the daytime & then increase your time just on battery power. I'm fixing to add 2 panles to mine as well. Just do your homework on what kind of panels to add.

[steve222]

If you do add panels, could you please send me an update how they work and how you did it?

Thanks,
Steve

[Davwbs]

As of right now, I just picked up 2 panels, both are 12v 1.8 watts --trickle charging panels for the battery in the trunk. 1 solar panel @ 1.8 watts will do the job of keeping a fresh fully charged battery if you have to leave it sit for a few weeks.

The 12v 1.8 watt trickle solar panels can be found around $25 each --- hassel free, easy to use, & I know they work myself from what just happened to me just a few days ago from my battery shooting craps. It charged the battery back to start the car in about 20mins with having the direct sunlight. I know sams club, a few truck stops have them & a few auto place stores are starting to sell them as well. No more electric outlets to look for to get a jump or asking everyone if they can jump your car ( if anyone now would even stop to help )

I'm looking into buying the higher 12v 50watt panels but I still have to see about the space & the hookup into the main hybrid cells to ensure that the cells are not over charged.

The 3rd break light in the back glass would be a great place to match up with the height of the light & then make 2 panels fitting each side of the breaklight to the end of the glass. The way I'm seeing the space used for, would be nothing more than the perfect fit & ensure a charged battery for starting the car as well as charging the hybrid cell.
My guess is the charging power would be around 10 watts MAX.

[ag4ever]

What battery are you connecting these panels to?

If they are connected to the 12 volt dry cell, they won't help your traction battery.

And if they are connected to the traction battery you will have to step the voltage up to 488 volts I think.