FAQ – Hybrid battery repair
Which vehicle batteries can the EVc recondition? Can your battery reconditioner be used on lithium ion batteries?
The EVc units have reconditioning recipe plans that can be used on batteries composed of prismatic Toyota modules or any vehicle that use the same modules. Currently, reconditioning plans are available for the following vehicles:
| Toyota Camry Toyota Prius (and Prius C) Toyota Avalon Toyota Highlander GM Tahoe GM Escalade GM Yukon |
Lexus CT200H Lexus GS450H Lexus RX400H Honda Civic Honda Insight Ford Escape |
Yes, the EVc electronics can handle Li ion batteries (LIB). However, unlike nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the (LIB) cannot be overcharged. The EVc charge-discharge procedure for the LIB will be different from NiMH batteries. We will have LIB charge-discharge procedures for selected LIBs in the 1 st quarter of 2021.
Do you have instruction videos on how to use the reconditioner?
We have a PowerPoint presentation on EVc use that we use in a 2-day hands-on course. In most cases buyers take the course after they receive the EVc unit. The on-line course is taught using TeamViewer. We now have an introductory webinar and a short video on how to use the EVc reconditioner.
How many batteries can the reconditioner support at once?
The EVc-12, EVc-30 and EVc-120 have 12, 30 and 120 channels, respectively, that can be connected to modules in parallel. A processing session takes about 24 hours, with only 1.5 hours of labor. Thus, an EVc-30 can process enough modules for produce 30 Prius packs per month. The model number corresponds to Prius packs per month.
Can someone from another country come and attend your class? How long is the class?
For now, because of COVID-19, the end user training course is on-line. Check this link for dates and location: https://nuvant.com/hybrid-vehicles/hybrid-electric-vehicle-battery-conditioning/
Can you print data from the reconditioner on the computer?
The EVc units produce a CSV summary data file that can be printed. The laptops come equipped with a spreadsheet software in order to view/print and archive CSV files.
How many kilometers or miles after balancing the battery module can we give warranty for?
We do not have exact information on how many miles the battery will get. A more balanced pack with high Ah capacity will get you better mileage. This depends on two factors:
- the amp hour (Ah) spread of the conditioned modules selected for your pack
- total Ah capacity (or watt hour energy) of modules after reconditioning
The EVc user can also edit the reconditioning plan for a longer charge/discharge, which can increase the Ah capacity recovered. Please visit some of the websites of our other EVC users to get an idea of what warranties they provide. The map/list of EVc users can be found here: https://nuvant.com/hybrid-vehicles/evc-battery-reconditioning-end-users/
What is the minimum capacity that can be used to build a battery?
There are 28 modules within a Toyota Prius hybrid battery and 34 modules within a Toyota Hybrid Camry battery. The manufacturer’s spec sheet of the Toyota Prius modules indicate a amp hour capacity of 6.5 Ah for a brand new battery. After reconditioning, the module capacities are shown in the EVcharge software. We do not recommend using modules below 2 Ah within packs and we recommend assembling packs with the smallest Ah spread possible (no more than 5% spread).
How long does it take to recognize faulty modules and give information on technical data?
The first step of the reconditioning determines whether or not a module can hold 2 Ah of charge. If the module fails to hold 2 Ah of charge, it will be removed from the reconditioning process. We also provide a list of OBD-II diagnostic codes to help determine what issues are causing the battery to fail.
Does it read a temperature of one module or the whole set? Does it have an ability to connect the heat sensors?
The EVc-30 does not read temperature of the modules. However, during reconditioning, the battery pack must be cooled. We provide a cooling box with the instrument. If the battery pack is not cooled, then the modules will swell and heat up during reconditioning.
How and where to store tested modules?
Modules should be stored in a cool, dry environment. Reconditioned modules must be installed in vehicles by 30 days after reconditioning. If modules are left for longer than 30 days, they must be charged before installation.
