EVc hybrid battery repair tools
Hybrid vehicle battery reconditioning & cell balancing
Battery reconditioning and cell balancing is a well understood process initially developed for NiCad batteries. NuVant has simplified the process to bring electrochemistry to the streets. The EVc unit is a push-one-button-after-wire-up system for small shops to large vehicle operators.
The EVd-40 Power Tester is an additional tool for quality control of aftermarket electric vehicle battery production.
We ship world-wide! Over 100 EVc battery reconditioners operate in 14 countries / 6 continents!
The turnkey system includes:
- software configured laptop computer (USB connection to the EVc unit)
- battery pack cooling box
- free software upgrades
The EVc battery reconditioner comes in 3 models:
Video: How to use the EVc Battery Reconditioner
Equipment for hybrid vehicle battery reconditioning, repair and balancing
What is a hybrid battery module?
Modules are nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells connected in series. NiMH cells have a nominal voltage of 1.2 V. A Ford Escape module has 5 cylindrical NiMH cells in series. A Toyota Prius module has 6 prismatic NiMH cells. A hybrid vehicle traction pack battery consists of modules configured in series. A Ford Escape has two 25-module traction packs. A Prius has a single 28-module pack.
| cells/module | module V | type | modules/pack | pack V | |
| Ford Escape | 5 | 6 | cylinder | 25 | 150 V |
| Prius | 6 | 7.2 | prismatic | 28 | 202 V |
| Honda | 6 | 7.2 | cylinder | 26 | 187 V |
What does “out of balance” mean?
The driving cycle of a hybrid vehicle subjects the battery pack to repeated shallow depths of discharge of less than 10% of the battery capacity. The unused capacity undergoes a correctable degradation process that reduces battery capacity. This failure process (i.e., module-to-module variation of amp-hour (Ah) capacity) is referred to as an “out of balance” pack. The modules have a memory of the small capacity demanded, thus resulting in the term “memory effect”.
What is battery cell balancing?
Reconditioning recovers lost capacity. When reconditioned modules are sorted and positioned for optimum performance, the battery pack is balanced. The steps are:
1 Extract the hybrid battery pack from the vehicle
2 Remove the high voltage cable
3 Connect modules in parallel to the EVc-30 (see photo below)
4 Press the start button.
The output report:
a identifies high resistance modules (e.g., > 10 mΩ for a 6-cell module).
b enables sorting and selecting of modules for pack assembly based on amp-hour or watt-hour capacity.
c pairs up modules into blocks based on module rest voltage.
d archives all data for your warranty management program.
EVc units are priced for a payback period of less than 2 months when fully deployed. The EVc tools are simple to use.
What tools are required for hybrid battery reconditioning and repair?
The required tools are (1) a menu driven charge discharge cycler (the EVc tool), (2) software for analysis of amp-hour capacity and midpoint voltage data on every module maintained in inventory, (3) a QR code reader and (4) a 50 inch-pound torque limited nut driver.
Hybrid battery repair tool: EVc-30
Includes EVc unit, training and EVc software (EVcharge). EVcharge imports module state-of-health data from the EVc-30.
How long does it take to recondition a hybrid battery pack?
High quality cell balancing requires a minimum of 20 hours on the EVc tool. NiMH modules have system parameters specific to the form factor (e.g., prismatic versus cylindrical) and number of cells in series (e.g., Ford Escape: 5; Prius prismatic: 6; etc.). These parameters govern the choice of recipe parameters. Balancing recipes and their automated implementation are covered in the NuVant battery reconditioning course. The business model is: 1. Establish an inventory of reconditioned modules archived with watt-hour capacity and nominal module voltage data. 2. Replace customer hybrid batteries. 3. Recovery the battery core from the customer.
What kind of data does the EVc output file provide?
NuVant EVc units are the only systems on the market that provide:
(1) internal resistance
(2) amp-hour capacity
(3) watt-hour capacity
(4) nominal module voltages
The chart below is a real time display of module parameters during the cell balancing process.
Example EVc output files for popular traction battery packs are shown below.
Toyota Highlander (click on figures to expand)
Ford Escape (click on figures to expand)
Toyota Prius (click on figure to expand)
How can I rapidly start up my battery replacement and installation business?
The hands-on hybrid electric vehicle battery reconditioning short course allows participants to connect Prius pack modules to an EVc reconditioning unit for cell balancing. During the reconditioning process, the terminology required for understanding cell balancing will be thoroughly explained. On the second day, results of the overnight process are thoroughly discussed along with data processing.
EVc Specifications
| Load | |
| Max Load Voltage | 10 V/channel (Customized up to 20V) |
| Max Load Current | 5A per channel |
| Number of channels | 10, 30 or 40 channel systems |
| Applied Current Accuracy | 0.5% of the Applied Current |
| Applied Current Resolution | .3 mA |
| Potential Measurement | |
| Measured DC Potential Ranges | 10 V/channel (Customized up to 20V) |
| Resolution | .6mV |
| Accuracy | 0.08 or 0.03% of FSR |
| Current Interrupt Resistance | |
| Data Acquisition Speed | 12.5 kS/s |
| Serial Resistance Precision | 0.5 % |
| Measurement logging time | 1 second |
What if I need additional training after an EVc purchase?
New owners of EVc reconditioning equipment receive a complementary 5-hour EZtime ticket. This complementary on-line (TeamViewer) training provides sufficient time for remote reconditioning of your first 2 packs simultaneous with the suggested training agenda.
- On-line training provided after customer receives purchased EVc unit. Training includes:
- Unpacking and set-up of EVc unit.
- Connections to prismatic or cylindrical modules
- Use of EVc to identify high resistance modules
- Module reconditioning
- BRIMS package for business management.
- Additional 5-hour EZtime tickets can be purchased for $450.
Call 219-644-3231 for more details!
For USA Financing: Crest Capital Financing
