Battery Status

[WelshGas]

Also if you drive the van as a car, every day? Or in that case it's not needed?

Due to the Emissions technology, smart alternator and Regenerative Braking coupled with Stop/Start the system only charges the Engine Battery to 80% capacity and likewise the Leisure Batteries are also not fully charged.
To prolong the life of the Leisure Batteries, as has been mentioned above and mentioned in the Handbook, plugging into the EHU monthly for at least 12 hrs is best practice.
Or fit a Solar Panel if parked outside with no access to EHU.

 

[Cali Down Under]

Newbie to all this - what does this mean for my understanding of the battery?

then when i have the engine running i get this:

 

[yossarian]

 

[yossarian]

The second photo shows a charge of about 4A and 14.4V. this is typically the constant voltage part of the charge cycle.

When charging using the alternator while driving you'll see the numbers bounce around a lot. The bar graph is accurate unless you mess with the wiring or something breaks.

 

[Cali Down Under]

oh thankyou Yosarrian. that all makes sense now. I am doing a lot of reading about batteries and their requirements but at my age the learning is a tad slow. I will get there and much appreciate your reply.