Winter Battery Storage

NOTE: Complete storage procedures can be found in all Maintenance and Service Manuals as well as the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual

All Electric Vehicles:

Turn the key switch to the OFF position, remove the key and leave the Forward/Reverse switch in the NEUTRAL position during storage. Place the Tow/Run switch in the TOW position. This is to prevent unintentionally starting the vehicle or a fire hazard.
Batteries should be fully charged prior to cars going into off-season storage. Ensure electrolyte level is at the proper level. Only check electrolyte level on a fully charged battery. If electrolyte level is below the top of the plates, refer to the Battery Care section of the Owner’s Manual. Check all electrical wiring and connections for tightness.

Electric Vehicles connected to chargers:

The electrolyte (water) level and AC power should be checked monthly. NOTE: If water has been added to batteries, either individually or through a Single Point Watering System (SPWS) to bring the electrolyte up to the proper level, the batteries must be placed on charge. Disconnect the DC charger cord from the charger receptacle, wait 5 seconds and reconnect the DC cord to restart the charger. This must be repeated each time water is added to batteries during storage. Chargers should be left plugged in so the batteries can be automatically maintained by the car's onboard computer (OBC) and charged as necessary. NOTE: The OBC keeps track of the time spent in storage mode. When the OBC detects that the storage charge cycles may have depleted the available electrolyte, it will stop the charger from further operation. Disconnecting then reconnecting the DC cord (stationary charger) or AC cord (onboard charger) indicates to the OBC that the electrolyte levels have been maintained and allows the OBC to resume operation. While in storage, the Tow/Run switch should be in Tow. When in Tow mode, the amber battery warning light will not illuminate. Do not attempt to use the battery light as an indication of battery state while in storage. If AC power is off for 7 days or longer, the OBC will not function or charge the vehicle again until it has been restarted. To restart the computer, make sure AC power has been restored, disconnect the DC cord (stationary charger) from the vehicle or the AC cord (onboard charger) from the power source, wait five seconds, then reconnect it. Be sure to check the batteries and charger monthly to maintain correct battery water level and ensure the charger is operating correctly during storage. If the charger cannot remain plugged in, AC power will not be available during extended storage, or electrolyte levels will not be maintained, then disconnect the batteries for storage. Perform all required preventive maintenance procedures. Properly inflate tires to 18 to 20 psi. Perform all semiannual periodic lubrications. See the Periodic Lubrication Schedule in the Maintenance & Service and Owner’s manuals. Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.

Vehicles NOT connected to chargers:

If the chargers are not going to be used to maintain batteries, the Tow/Run switch should be placed in the TOW position and the batteries disconnected after a full charge to prevent any parasitic loss during storage. NOTE: If water has been added to batteries, either individually or through a Single Point Watering System (SPWS) to bring the electrolyte up to the proper level, the batteries must be placed on charge. Disconnect the DC charger cord from the charger receptacle, wait 5 seconds and reconnect the DC cord to restart the charger. Disconnect the charger and battery wiring only after the charger has shut itself off. Perform all required preventive maintenance procedures. Properly inflate tires to 18 to 20 psi. Perform all semiannual periodic lubrications. See the Periodic Lubrication Schedule in the Maintenance & Service and Owner’s manuals. Do not engage the park brake, but secure the car from rolling.