Battery

[TXEMIRA]

As the proud owner of the only 2018 Racing Green Manual Evora in the United States, I was reminded that this vehicle needs to be plugged in likes it’s an EV anyway…

So I went to Autozone and got a new battery having forgotten to plug it in.

Anyone know the Emira battery situation?

1. Plug it in. Comes with a tender. Enjoy?
2. New technology. Don’t worry?
3. Not sure yet. Too early?

Thanks in advance!

#ForTheTender

 

[EspritGuy]

OK all. I successfully replaced the Evora battery this weekend. Just a small item that’s not listed anywhere I looked for advice…

The alarm definitely went off when I hooked up the new one.
Quite a sound. Woke me up for sure.

Not looking forward to plugging in the car, even as little as once a week, but I guess that’s a small price to pay to keep these cars maintained.

Congrats. You know the trick of labeling the battery with the Month/year install date (or similar recording keeping).

 

[ADC]

Potentially dumb suggestion, but being that you are in a sunny clime @TXEMIRA , I wonder if a solar-powered trickle charger might save you from remembering to plug it in... the downside being you have a goofy (or is it "futuristic"?!) looking solar panel sat inside the glasshouse.

You know... that is exactly the kind of thing they should have built into the car. Seriously. Just hire me... I'm full of this stuff*

PS: yes, this idea loses its lustre if you park it in a garage with no windows

*definitions of "stuff" may vary

 

[TXEMIRA]

Potentially dumb suggestion, but being that you are in a sunny clime @TXEMIRA , I wonder if a solar-powered trickle charger might save you from remembering to plug it in... the downside being you have a goofy (or is it "futuristic"?!) looking solar panel sat inside the glasshouse.

You know... that is exactly the kind of thing they should have built into the car. Seriously. Just hire me... I'm full of this stuff*

PS: yes, this idea loses its lustre if you park it in a garage with no windows

*definitions of "stuff" may vary

Love that idea. I think it’d look good.
I’m a tinkerer but not on cars…
Yes it’s garage parked always.

 

[Pugwash]

If the car is reversed into the garage, try to find a way to remind yourself that the car is connected to its trickle charger otherwise there is a danger you can get in the car and drive it out without disconnecting the trickle charger! It will then find its own way of disconnecting one way or the other. Ask me how I know……….

 

[Wolfram]

Check out the Magcode magnetic power system connector. This is basically a magnetic socket on the car, to which a magnetic battery tender plug can be attached. Modern Ferraris have this integrated on the back of the car (protected just under the lip above the rear numberplate) and I believe some Aston Martin and Lamborghini use it too.

It can be retrofitted to other cars, but may need some modification - not sure where it could go on an Emira and it would need some modification to install. Here's a video of one installed on a Lotus Exige Sport 350.




The beauty of this system is that it's safe to install externally so you don't need to leave any part of the car unlocked or open (to connect to the cigarette lighter or battery terminals) and, if you do forget and drive away without unplugging, the magnetic connection allows the charger plug to come away easily and safely.

https://www.rosenberger.com/product/magcode/

 

[EspritGuy]

If the car is reversed into the garage, try to find a way to remind yourself that the car is connected to its trickle charger otherwise there is a danger you can get in the car and drive it out without disconnecting the trickle charger! It will then find its own way of disconnecting one way or the other. Ask me how I know……….

Ha! Good one

 

[virtualmacho]

Hope the MagCode connector can fit under here. I think I'll go with the HethelSport kit, since it includes the CTEK cable which I need.

 

[TXEMIRA]

Hope the MagCode connector can fit under here. I think I'll go with the HethelSport kit, since it includes the CTEK cable which I need.
View attachment 3242

I can’t imagine, in 2022, on this car, that in the case Lotus still recommends the trickle charger be connected, that it wouldn’t be fitted from the factory with an amazing rig.

#ForTheUnbelievable

Edit: 2023 or 2024…

 

[virtualmacho]

I can’t imagine, in 2022, on this car, that in the case Lotus still recommends the trickle charger be connected, that it wouldn’t be fitted from the factory with an amazing rig.

I was thinking more electronics on standby (remote controlled entry, alarms, WiFi updates to the system?) could result in more drain. Also, in my case, I will be starting/stopping the engine (electricity used) more per distance travelled (electricity generated) than folks in Texas

 

[TXEMIRA]

I was thinking more electronics on standby (remote controlled entry, alarms, WiFi updates to the system?) could result in more drain. Also, in my case, I will be starting/stopping the engine (electricity used) more per distance travelled (electricity generated) than folks in Texas

#ForTheOpenRoads

 

[Tonyshepp]

Can I ask why this happens to a Lotus?
I don’t have to charge up my 9 year old M3 battery regularly and it’s only being driven at weekends as I’m working from home all the time.

 

[virtualmacho]

Can I ask why this happens to a Lotus?

Not just a Lotus, it can happen to any car. With my current car, I have experienced 2 occasions where the battery died when I didn't drive it for a 3 month period (supposed business trips ).

I don’t have to charge up my 9 year old M3 battery regularly and it’s only being driven at weekends as I’m working from home all the time.

You probably don't have to worry about if if you drive it that often. And when we all get our Emiras, we will be too busy driving them around to worry about dying batteries!

 

[Pugwash]

Elegant as the MagCode is, it does seem to be a solution looking for a problem with Emira. Assuming the layout for the Emira is the same as Evora (battery accessed via hatch in boot/trunk), a CTEK fly lead can be attached to the battery inside the boot. It’s a simple matter of opening the boot, connecting the lead and closing the boot again. The cable is small enough that it makes no impact on the seal. No need to cut holes in anything. I did this on my Evora with no problems at all. What is a useful accessory from CTEK is they have a fly lead with 3 leds on it so you can see at a glance if the red one is flashing and the car needs a top up. Then plug in. I have no relationship with CTEK apart from having used their products for many years.

 

[virtualmacho]

No intent to hijack @TXEMIRA 's thread, but I have a personal interest in being able to charge the battery with the doors and boot closed, so please bear with me.

Elegant as the MagCode is, it does seem to be a solution looking for a problem with Emira.

I understand. Don't fix it unless it's broken, especially if it is 12V and gets wet. I totally agree. My concern is that I would not be able to open the boot if the battery dies. It has happened to me twice in my current car:

• The door locks are normally operated with a wireless fob.
• The passenger side door doesn't have a keyhole, only the driver side door. (no idea why the manufacturer designed it this way)
• My garage layout requires me to park the car with the driver side door flush against the wall (I climb back and forth between the two front seats when getting in and out of the vehicle).
• The bonnet/hood where the battery is located can be opened only via the latch in the driver's seat.

So, when the battery dies, I have to lift the car, put it on skates, and push it halfway out of the garage to open the driver's side door, allowing access to the battery . And believe it or not, it has happened twice!

I don't see a keyhole on the Emira's boot, hence my anxiety. The charger that I have will not be able to resuscitate a dead battery, but it should provide enough current to open the boot or doors in an emergency. Plus, such emergencies will be less probable if I hook it up to charge once in a while. This is my unique situation, and I envy all of you with spacious garages!

 

[TXEMIRA]

Elegant as the MagCode is, it does seem to be a solution looking for a problem with Emira. Assuming the layout for the Emira is the same as Evora (battery accessed via hatch in boot/trunk), a CTEK fly lead can be attached to the battery inside the boot. It’s a simple matter of opening the boot, connecting the lead and closing the boot again. The cable is small enough that it makes no impact on the seal. No need to cut holes in anything. I did this on my Evora with no problems at all. What is a useful accessory from CTEK is they have a fly lead with 3 leds on it so you can see at a glance if the red one is flashing and the car needs a top up. Then plug in. I have no relationship with CTEK apart from having used their products for many years.

Right. My whole point is that the Emira, if needing a tender, should have an amazing set-up for it already. There shouldn’t be this 100% number of buyers that have to go do something to the car immediately upon delivery.

 

[Tonyshepp]

Elegant as the MagCode is, it does seem to be a solution looking for a problem with Emira. Assuming the layout for the Emira is the same as Evora (battery accessed via hatch in boot/trunk), a CTEK fly lead can be attached to the battery inside the boot. It’s a simple matter of opening the boot, connecting the lead and closing the boot again. The cable is small enough that it makes no impact on the seal. No need to cut holes in anything. I did this on my Evora with no problems at all. What is a useful accessory from CTEK is they have a fly lead with 3 leds on it so you can see at a glance if the red one is flashing and the car needs a top up. Then plug in. I have no relationship with CTEK apart from having used their products for many years.

I can vouch for Ctek chargers.

 

[Pugwash]

No intent to hijack @TXEMIRA 's thread, but I have a personal interest in being able to charge the battery with the doors and boot closed, so please bear with me.

I understand. Don't fix it unless it's broken, especially if it is 12V and gets wet. I totally agree. My concern is that I would not be able to open the boot if the battery dies. It has happened to me twice in my current car:

• The door locks are normally operated with a wireless fob.
• The passenger side door doesn't have a keyhole, only the driver side door. (no idea why the manufacturer designed it this way)
• My garage layout requires me to park the car with the driver side door flush against the wall (I climb back and forth between the two front seats when getting in and out of the vehicle).
• The bonnet/hood where the battery is located can be opened only via the latch in the driver's seat.

So, when the battery dies, I have to lift the car, put it on skates, and push it halfway out of the garage to open the driver's side door, allowing access to the battery . And believe it or not, it has happened twice!

I don't see a keyhole on the Emira's boot, hence my anxiety. The charger that I have will not be able to resuscitate a dead battery, but it should provide enough current to open the boot or doors in an emergency. Plus, such emergencies will be less probable if I hook it up to charge once in a while. This is my unique situation, and I envy all of you with spacious garages!

I see your challenge! All I can offer in addition is the Evora has a cable under the rear seat that enables you to release the trunk. Maybe Emira has same? You would still need to get into the car to access it though.

 

[SlavaUkraini]

Has Lotus said what kind of battery the Emira is using? AGM, Lithium? I would recommend a CTEK and call it a day. The microprocessor inside the CTEK MXS 5.0 has 8 stages and is designed to pulse charge and maintain the battery as to not damage it. They can be had for around $80.

 

[TomE]

Judging by the size of the battery compartment I’d say it’s a conventional battery rather than lithium.

There’s a hack somewhere on LotusTalk (and I think on YouTube) about setting up an emergency trunk/boot release that doesn’t require getting inside the car. It was developed by someone who had a flat battery and then found the interior emergency release was jammed or broken.

 

[TXEMIRA]

Judging by the size of the battery compartment I’d say it’s a conventional battery rather than lithium.

There’s a hack somewhere on LotusTalk (and I think on YouTube) about setting up an emergency trunk/boot release that doesn’t require getting inside the car. It was developed by someone who had a flat battery and then found the interior emergency release was jammed or broken.

The year 2022 and the manufacturer looking to IPO (probably) doesn’t have this feature standard. Ugh.