BMS Recalibration: Does It Work and How to Do It Effectively?
Understanding BMS Recalibration
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The battery management system (BMS) recalibration process has been a topic of discussion among electric vehicle owners, particularly those who own Teslas. Some believe that draining the battery low and then fully recharging it for a couple of cycles can help calibrate the BMS, while others argue that this doesn't work. The purpose of this blog post is to explore whether BMS recalibration is a real step we should take, and if so, how to do it effectively.
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To understand the BMS recalibration process, it's important to first know what a BMS does. A battery management system is an electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery by monitoring its state, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, protecting the battery, controlling its environment, and balancing it. Essentially, the BMS ensures that the battery operates within safe parameters and provides accurate information about its current state.
Does BMS Recalibration Work?
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There are mixed opinions on whether or not BMS recalibration works. Some people have reported seeing improvements in their estimated range after performing a few full charge cycles, while others haven't noticed any difference. It's worth noting that traditional lithium-ion battery thinking suggests spending some time at both low and high charges may allow the BMS to better understand the battery's current state.
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It's essential to keep in mind that batteries naturally degrade over time. Most degradation occurs within the first year of use, with a few percentage points lost. Afterward, degradation tends to be slow and linear. This means that even if BMS recalibration does work, it might not reverse significant degradation that has already occurred due to normal wear and tear on the battery.
How To Perform BMS Recalibration And Manage Expectations
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If you decide to try BMS recalibration, the process typically involves draining your battery down to around 10% and then fully recharging it back up to 90%. This should be done for a couple of cycles. Keep in mind that this may not yield immediate results, as some people have reported needing multiple cycles before noticing any improvements.
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It's important to manage expectations when it comes to BMS recalibration. While it might help improve the accuracy of your estimated range, it won't necessarily increase the actual range itself. The main benefit is that the software in your electric vehicle will better understand the current state of the battery, allowing for more accurate estimations of remaining range while driving.
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In conclusion, BMS recalibration is a topic with mixed opinions and results. It may help improve the accuracy of your electric vehicle's estimated range but won't necessarily reverse significant degradation that has already occurred due to normal wear and tear on the battery. If you choose to attempt BMS recalibration, remember to manage your expectations and understand that results may vary. Ultimately, proper care and maintenance of your electric vehicle's battery are essential for ensuring its longevity and performance over time.