Alright, I need a bit of reassurance here. I commute frequently between Vancouver Island and Vancouver. I usually just sit in my car and watch some downloaded shows to avoid the crowd. But now that it’s getting colder, I want to keep the car on for warmth during the 90-minute ferry trip.
I know that in an EV, the main battery supports the accessory battery. So, technically, as long as there’s some charge left, I should be fine to keep everything running just like when driving, right? Or am I missing something here?
Also, there’s a setting that lets me run the accessory battery off the main one—does this only work in accessory mode, or is it fine to leave the car fully on?
@Ren
Good question. It’s probably something they carried over from gas cars. I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets phased out eventually. Doesn’t seem all that useful for an EV.
Kelley said: @Ren
Good question. It’s probably something they carried over from gas cars. I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets phased out eventually. Doesn’t seem all that useful for an EV.
It might be there just because people are used to having it. Like how some EVs simulate ‘idle rolling’ and ‘engine braking’ sounds. It’s all about making it feel familiar for people moving from gas cars.
@Harlem
Yeah, I see why some people like the rolling and engine braking, especially with regenerative braking. But accessory mode? I still don’t get it. Maybe it’s just for folks who don’t want to fully start the car for something minor.
@Kelley
Agreed. I like having the option to let it roll when I park. If an EV couldn’t roll, that’d be a dealbreaker for me. But new drivers probably wouldn’t even miss it if they never learned about it.
Vesper said:
Just keep the car on and in Park. Relying on accessory power alone isn’t necessary if you can have the car fully on.
That’s usually what I do too, but sometimes I get nervous and switch it off. It’s a habit from years of driving gas cars, I guess. Thanks for the reassurance .
@Finlo
You don’t need to worry at all. Leaving it fully powered up is fine. It’s just years of people telling you not to leave a gas car running too long.
Andi said: @Finlo
You don’t need to worry at all. Leaving it fully powered up is fine. It’s just years of people telling you not to leave a gas car running too long.
Yeah, that’s exactly it. Old habits from driving gas cars are hard to shake off .
@Finlo
No worries—just leave it on, and you’ll be fine. I had the same hesitation on the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry, but once I realized I could just leave it on, I relaxed.
Vesper said: @Finlo
No worries—just leave it on, and you’ll be fine. I had the same hesitation on the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry, but once I realized I could just leave it on, I relaxed.
Bainbridge is a beautiful route! I miss the Anacortes to Sidney ferry. I read that they’re planning to add a new boat for that route around 2030. It’s sad that the old ferry was retired.
@Finlo
You could probably keep it on for days before battery life becomes an issue. Lots of people camp in their EVs for long periods with everything running.
Marlowe said:
Just keep the car on or use utility mode if you have it, and you’ll be fine. Don’t use accessory mode, though—it drains the 12v battery fast.
I make the same trip a few times a year.
Good to know! I’m on the Vancouver trip 2-3 times a month. If you ever see a Snow White Pearl with an Italian flag decal on the license plate frames, that’s me. Say hi!
Marlowe said: @Finlo
I got one of those HOV mounts too . Mine’s red with ham plates. I’m up in Parksville, so if I see you, I’ll definitely say hi!
You’re probably on the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay or Duke Point to Tsawwassen routes, right? I usually go from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. But I’ll keep an eye out for the ham plates .
Bret said:
If you’re looking for peace of mind, use Utility Mode. Check out page 1-14 in the manual for instructions, and page 1-15 for how to turn it on.
If I can just leave the car on and in Park, what’s the advantage of Utility Mode?
. Mine’s red with ham plates. I’m up in Parksville, so if I see you, I’ll definitely say hi .