Get High-voltage battery -> Charging the high-voltage battery Guide for Volkswagen E Golf 4 Door Second Generation (2017-2020)

Charging the high-voltage battery

Introduction to the topic

Fig. 1 On vehicle floor: location of high-voltage battery.

The electric motor of the vehicle is powered via a high-voltage battery located on the underbody

→ Fig. 1 .

The high-voltage battery can be charged immediately or timer-controlled (→ Timer-controlled

charging, Operation). Always observe the safety warnings →

.

Always deactivate the vehicle's drive system before charging (→ Deactivating the vehicle’s drive

system, Operation).

Charging options

—Charging the vehicle using a mains socket or charging station (“alternating current”) (→

Alternating current (AC), Operation).

—Home charging station (wall box) (“alternating current”) (→ Charging at a home charging

station, Operation).

—Fast charging at a charging station (“direct current”) (→ Direct current (DC), Operation).

For alternating current charging, Volkswagen recommends charging the high-voltage battery at

the wall box or charging station with maximum charging power. This results in higher efficiency

compared with charging using a mains socket.

Residual current protection

The vehicle is protected against direct current residual currents (DC residual current). This

prevents DC residual currents that can occur during charging from flowing into the domestic

electrical installation via the charging cable and impairing the function of a residual-current

circuit-breaker (in Germany, for example, residual current circuit breaker type A) during the

charging procedure.

Night current

Your electricity provider may offer cheaper electricity tariffs at night that you can use to charge

the high-voltage battery. In order to use these periods, a preferred charging period can be

defined in the e-manager battery management or at the wall box.

High-voltage battery guarantee

The new car warranty from Volkswagen AG also covers the vehicle's high-voltage battery (→

Guarantee for high-voltage battery, Description).

All batteries deteriorate with age, depending on their service life and how they are used. To

maintain the high-voltage battery in a good and reliable condition for as long as possible, it is

important to know how to handle and care for the battery properly. Please read the information

in the following section carefully, and take it into account when using your vehicle.

WARNING

An incorrect battery charging process, a failure to adhere to general safety procedures, the use

of unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging cables, charging on an unsuitable electrical

installation and improper handling of the high-voltage battery can cause short circuits, electric

shocks, explosions, fire, serious burns, injuries and death.

●

Always adhere to the stipulated sequence of steps in order to avoid the risk of an electric

shock and serious injuries caused by residual energy in the electrical storage system. Never

disconnect the cable during the charging process.

●

The charger with charging cable should only be connected to a socket that is protected from

water, moisture and other liquids.

Only charge the high-voltage battery on properly installed, tested and undamaged power

sockets as well as on a fault-free electrical installation. Have the sockets and electrical

installation checked by a qualified professional on a regular basis.

●

Never use damaged charging connectors or cables. Always check charging connectors and

cables for damage before use.

Use only supplied charging cables or the charging station cable. If you need a replacement,

we recommend only using Volkswagen charging cables.

●

Never modify or repair electrical components, in particular those in the high-voltage system.

Never charge the vehicle in areas at risk of explosion. Components of the charging cable can

cause sparks and thus ignite flammable or explosive vapours.

●

Never use the charging cable together with an extension cable, a cable reel, a multiple

socket outlet or an adapter such as a travel adapter or timer.

●

Always protect electrical connectors from water, moisture and other liquids.

For safety reasons, no other work should be carried out in or on the vehicle during the

charging process.

●

Always end the charging process before disconnecting the mains plug. Otherwise, the

charging cable and the electrical installation could be damaged.

The connecting cable must always be removed from the vehicle before starting the vehicle.

Mount the protective caps and close the charging socket flap.

Never charge multiple vehicles on the sockets in a single fuse circuit at the same time. Use a

different fuse circuit for charging other vehicles. Always comply with the power rating for

the fuse circuit being used. If necessary, contact a qualified electrician.

WARNING

Driving when the charge level of the high-voltage battery is too low can lead to the vehicle

breaking down when in traffic, and can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

NOTICE

Frequently charging the high-voltage battery with a high charging power can lead to a

permanent reduction in the charging capacity. Charge the high-voltage battery mainly with a

low charging power, e.g. at a home charging station (wall box) or tested mains socket.

NOTICE

If the vehicle is parked for a long period with a discharged high-voltage battery, irreversible

damage can be caused to the high-voltage battery.

●

Always charge the high-voltage battery without delay.

The high-voltage battery can only be charged at charging stations that meet the

requirements of the corresponding country and at least the following standards:

− IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe).

− GB/T 18487 and GB/T 20234 (China) in the 2015 version.

− SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO (Japan).

Charging of the high-voltage battery can be subject to limitations in very low and very

high temperature conditions.

Electric range and charge level display

Fig. 1 In the analogue instrument cluster: charge level display for the high-voltage battery with

reserve range marked in red.

Fig. 2 In the digital instrument cluster: charge level display for the high-voltage battery with

reserve range marked in red.

Range display

The range of the vehicle is displayed in the instrument cluster together with the indicator lamp

. The displayed value is calculated and updated depending on the driving style. The range can

therefore also vary even for a fully charged high-voltage battery.

The high-voltage battery's reserve range

The charge level display in the instrument cluster (depending on vehicle equipment) shows the

available battery charge and the “reserve range” → Fig. 1 or → Fig. 2 .

When the charge level of the high-voltage battery has reached the “reserve range”, the indicator

lamp lights up yellow.

A text message may also be shown on the instrument cluster display (→ Charging operations,

FAQ). Additionally, audible warnings will sound.

Charge the high-voltage battery as soon as possible to prevent the vehicle from breaking down.

WARNING

Driving when the charge level of the high-voltage battery is too low can lead to the vehicle

breaking down when in traffic, and can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

●

Always make sure the high-voltage battery has sufficient charge!

WARNING

When the charge level of the high-voltage battery reaches the “reserve range”, this may result

in changed vehicle handling, e.g. different acceleration response of the vehicle.

●

Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic

conditions as well as the charge level of the high-voltage battery.

NOTICE

Self-discharge of the high-voltage battery, e.g. due to the vehicle standing for periods of

several months, can lead to the high-voltage battery being damaged if ambient temperatures

are high and the high-voltage battery has a low charge level.

●

Always make sure the high-voltage battery has sufficient charge!

The range can also be increased by reducing or switching off convenience consumers,

e.g. seat heating or air conditioning. For more information, open the Range monitor in

the e-displays menu of the Infotainment system (→ Vehicle settings menu, Operation)

The range for electric driving may be reduced at very low outside temperatures when the

high-voltage battery is consequently very cold.

Charging the vehicle using a mains socket or charging

station (AC)

Fig. 1 Behind the charging socket flap: charging socket (illustration).

Key to → Fig. 1 :

1

2

3

Immediate charging button.

Charging process display.

Charging socket.

Using a corresponding charging socket, the vehicle's high-voltage battery can be charged with

alternating current (AC) → Fig. 1 3 .

Always observe the safety instructions before charging (→ High-voltage battery, General safety).

Always deactivate the vehicle's drive system before charging (→ Deactivating the vehicle’s drive

system, Operation).

Connecting the charge cable

—If present, remove protective caps.

—First connect the charging cable to the power supply or take it out of the charging station.

—Unravel charging cable completely.

—With the vehicle unlocked, press at the rear right on the charging socket flap to open the flap

→ Fig. 1 .

—Plug the charging connector into the charging socket → Fig. 1 3 .

As soon as the charging connector is detected, the charging process display lights up yellow

→ Fig. 1 2 . The indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Starting the charging process automatically

Charging starts immediately unless timer-controlled charging is activated. The charging station

may need to be activated (→ Timer-controlled charging, Operation).

The charging connector is locked during charging and cannot be removed.

During charging

During charging, the charging process display on the charging socket pulsates green → Fig. 1

2 . In the instrument cluster, the indicator lamp flashes yellow or the indicator lamp

green.

The remaining charging time is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Interrupting or terminating the charging process

Press the immediate charging button

→ Fig. 1 1 . The charging connector remains locked.

The charging process can be restarted by pressing the immediate charging button

again.

Unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key if you wish to remove the charging connector.

When the charging process has ended automatically and the high-voltage battery is charged:

—Unlock the vehicle with ignition switched off.

—Disconnect the charging connector from the charging socket within 30 seconds.

—Disconnect the charging cable from the power supply.

—If present, replace the protective caps.

—Close the charging socket flap so that it engages audibly.

Charging the vehicle for the first time or after it has not been used for a

long time

If the high-voltage battery is new or has not been charged for a long time, the maximum charge

of the high-voltage battery will probably not be reached until after several charging cycles. This

is for technical reasons and does not represent a vehicle malfunction.

If the vehicle is not used for a long period, the high-voltage battery must be charged after four

months at the latest (→ High-voltage battery, General safety).

If the charging cable is left connected after charging, the high-voltage battery will not

be discharged by electrical consumers in the vehicle.

Fast charging at a charging station (DC)

Fig. 1 Behind the charging socket flap at the rear right of the vehicle: charging socket

(illustration).

Key to → Fig. 1 :

1

2

3

4

Immediate charging button.

Charging process display.

Charging socket.

Protective cap.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the vehicle can be charged with direct current (DC) at a

charging station. This significantly shortens the charging time.

The permanently installed charging cable may have a maximum length of 30 metres. Observe

general information on charging the high-voltage battery and on preparing for charging (→ High-

voltage battery, General safety).

Always deactivate the vehicle's drive system before charging (→ Deactivating the vehicle’s drive

system, Operation).

Connecting the charge cable

Fast charging is performed using the connection in the lower part of the charging socket.

—Take the charging cable from the charging station.

—With the vehicle unlocked, press on the rear of the charging socket flap on the side panel of

the vehicle to open the flap → Fig. 1 .

—Remove the protective cap from the charging socket → Fig. 1 4 . To remove the lower

protective cap, first remove the upper protective cap.

—Plug the charging connector into the charging socket → Fig. 1 3 .

As soon as the charging connector is detected, the charging process display lights up yellow (→

Instrument cluster, Description). The indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster

display.

Starting the charging process automatically

Enable the charging station if necessary →

.

The charging process starts immediately.

The charging connector is locked during charging so that it cannot be removed from the charging

socket.

During charging

During charging, the charging process display on the charging socket pulsates green → Fig. 1

2 . In the instrument cluster, the indicator lamp flashes yellow or the indicator lamp

green.

The remaining charging time is shown on the instrument cluster display.

Ending the charging process

The charging process can be ended by pressing the immediate charging button

→ Fig. 1

1

or directly at the charging station. Removing the charging connector:

—Unlock the vehicle.

—Remove the charging connector from the charging socket.

—Fit protective cap on the charging socket → Fig. 1 4 .

—Close the charging socket flap so that it engages audibly. The charging socket flap must be

flush with the vehicle bodywork.

Manually unlocking the charging connector

If you cannot remove the charging connector after the charging process has been completed,

manually unlock the charging connector (→ Charging operations, Manual operation) and remove

it. If the charging connector cannot be removed after manual unlocking, seek expert assistance.

NOTICE

Follow the manufacturer's information and instructions on using the charging station.

The stationary air conditioning of the vehicle via a charging station is only possible

during a charging process. Alternatively, the “Air conditioning without external power

supply” setting can be activated in the e-manager of the Infotainment system (→

Stationary air conditioning, Operation).

Quick-charging the vehicle at a home charging station (wall

box)

Fig. 1 Home charging station (wall box)

Charging the vehicle using a permanent home charging station (wall box) → Fig. 1 achieves a

higher charging power from your home power network → . This significantly shortens the

charging time. The maximum amp rating is automatically selected by the device according to the

electric installation of the house.

Follow the instructions for charging from a mains socket or charging station (→ Alternating

current (AC), Operation).

NOTICE

The home charging station (wall box) must be installed by a qualified expert.

●

Have your home's electrical system checked before commissioning the home charging

station (wall box) for the first time.

●

Have the electrical installation checked by a professional on a regular basis.

The wall box is available as an accessory.

− A Volkswagen dealership will provide information on the home charging station.

− Read the operating manual for the device about charging with a home-charging station.

Immediate charging and timer-controlled charging

Fig. 1 Behind the charging socket flap: immediate charging button 1 and button for timer-

controlled charging 2 .

Immediate charging

The charging process of the high-voltage battery starts as soon as the charging cable is

connected. The high-voltage battery will be fully charged. The immediate charging button

→ Fig. 1 1 lights up.

Press the immediate charging button

again to interrupt charging.

→ Fig. 1 1 if you wish to start charging immediately

when “timer-controlled charging” is activated (

→ Fig. 1 2 button is lit).

Timer-controlled charging

—Open the e-manager in the Infotainment system (→ e‑manager, Description) or →

Infotainment system.

—Select charging timer.

—Enter the departure time for when the high-voltage battery should be charged.

—Activate the charging timer by placing a “tick” in the checkbox.

The symbol in the “timer-controlled charging” button

charging cable is connected. If not, press the button.

→ Fig. 1 2 lights up when the

If the charge level is very low, the high-voltage battery will be charged immediately up to the

lower battery charging limit.

Time-controlled charging is not supported by all charging stations.

Lower batter charge limit

In all charging processes with mains sockets, the high-voltage battery is immediately charged up

to the lower battery charge limit. This prevents a too low charge state.

This lower battery charge limit can be adjusted in the

system (→ Vehicle settings menu, Operation):

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—Tap the Electric driving/charging function button.

—Select the required value.

Upper battery charge limit

The high-voltage battery is only charged to the set value for the upper battery charge limit. This

takes the load off the high-voltage battery (→ Charging operations, Introduction/General

information).

The upper battery charge limit can be set in the settings of the charging location in the e-

Manager (→ e‑manager, Description).

Charging process indicator

Fig. 1 Behind the charging socket flap: charging process display 1 .

Fig. 2 On the inside of the charging socket flap: sticker with information on the charging process

indicator.

The charging process display is an LED light located on the charging socket → Fig. 1 1 and

shows the current charging status. A sticker explains what the various displays mean → Fig. 2 .

Key for the sticker with information on the charging process display → Fig. 2 :

1

2

3

LED lit up permanently green: high-voltage battery charging process is complete.

LED with pulsating green light: the high-voltage battery is charging.

LED flashes green for around one minute: timer-controlled charging (departure time) has

been activated but has not yet started (→ Timer-controlled charging, Operation).

4

LED lights up yellow briefly: charging connector is inserted in the charging socket and has

been detected by the vehicle.

LED lit up permanently yellow: no mains power has been detected.

Have the power supply and electricity mains checked. When the mains charging cable is

being used, the status of the electricity mains is displayed on the protection unit. Seek

expert assistance.

LED flashes yellow: parking lock P not engaged.

5

6

LED lit up permanently red: the charging connector could not be locked. Pull out the

charging connector and reinsert it into the charging socket. If the problem persists, seek

expert assistance.

LED flashes red: fault in the charging system. Seek expert assistance.

An active charging process is indicated on the instrument cluster by an indicator lamp together

with the remaining charging time on the instrument cluster display (→ Instrument cluster,

Description).

Troubleshooting

Charge level low

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. The needle of the charge level display is in the red area.

The charge level of the high-voltage battery has reached the reserve range.

—Charge the high-voltage battery.

Driving performance reduced and comfort restricted

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A text message is additionally shown on the instrument

cluster display.

The Eco or Eco+driving profile was activated. The power has been reduced and consumers will be

switched off automatically, e.g. air conditioning system. The vehicle may already drive in reserve

mode.

The high-voltage battery charge level is in the reserve range. The range is just a few kilometres.

—Charge the high-voltage battery immediately.

Reduced performance with very short range

The indicator lamp lights up yellow. A text message is additionally shown on the instrument

cluster display.

The maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h (50 mph). The Eco+ driving profile was activated.

The high-voltage battery is empty. The range is just a few hundred metres.

—Stop the vehicle safely.

—Charge the high-voltage battery immediately.

Charging not available or cancelled

A text message will be shown on the instrument cluster display.

The charging process will not start or has been cancelled.

There may be a fault in the charging system.

—Use another charging method (→ Charging operations, Introduction/General information).

—Go to a qualified workshop.

Fast charging not available

A text message will be shown on the instrument cluster display.

Fast charging with direct current is not possible.

Fault in charging system.

—Go to a qualified workshop.

—Alternatively, charge the high-voltage battery at a mains socket.

Fast charging is not continued

The charging process was cancelled and cannot be continued by pressing the immediate

charging button

or via the Volkswagen Car-Net services.

—Remove the charging cable from the vehicle and plug in again and restart the charging process

at the charging station.

Charging time is extended for fast charging

The charging current was automatically reduced.

This measure is intended to take the load off the high-voltage battery in continuous operation of

the vehicle, particularly at high temperatures.

Manually unlocking the charging connector

Conditions for unlocking the charging connector

✓ Parking lock P is engaged (→ Driving mode selection for electric vehicles, Function).

✓ The vehicle is unlocked (→ Vehicle key, Overview).

✓ The charging process has been completed or interrupted (→ Charging operations,

Introduction/General information).

If the charging connector cannot be removed despite the requisite conditions being fulfilled,

manually unlock and remove the charging connector as follows.

—Press and hold the immediate charging button

press the button on the vehicle key.

on the charging socket. At the same time

—Remove the charging connector from the charging socket.

—The vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.

High-voltage battery -> Charging the high-voltage battery for Your Volkswagen E Golf 4 Door Second Generation (2017-2020)

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