Polaris Ranger EV (Electric Vehicle) Battery Maintenance Tips

Over the last couple of years we have learned many things relating to the maintenance of the batteries on electric vehicles, and we would like to pass that wisdom on to you. While most of these maintenance tips are covered in the owner’s manual you received at the time of purchase (the one we asked you to read through), we feel them important enough to specifically point out. As always, please make sure you read and fully understand   the contents of your Owner’s Manual prior to attempting any of this work. If you are unsure of the correct method, then be sure to contact your selling dealership. The amount of energy produced by an EV battery pack is enough to hurt, maim, or kill.

Cleaning batteries

• The tops of the batteries and the terminals tend to collect a lot of dirt and debris (along with some corrosion). This should be cleaned off with a stiff bristle brush (and/or wire brush) along with a solution of baking soda and water, and then rinsed off with a low pressure water hose.

Topping off the batteries

• The batteries should only be topped off when they are fully charged, and only distilled water should be used. When charging, the fluid in them expands, and topping the batteries off prior to charging them will just cause excess battery acid to bubble out of the battery vents.

Battery terminals

• The charging and discharging cycles cause the battery terminals to expand and shrink. Over time this can loosen the battery terminal nuts. The battery terminal nuts should be torqued to 8 ft-lbs using an insulated torque wrench (and the main power connector should be disconnected).
• After the terminals have been cleaned and torqued, they should be coated in either dielectric grease or petroleum jelly. This coating will prevent the corrosive battery fumes from damaging the posts.

Charging the batteries

• We have found it best to leave the hood propped open while charging the batteries and it also helps to remove the seat when the batteries will be on the charger for extended periods (this helps to dissipate the corrosive fumes generated during charging).

Battery maintenance should be performed at least once a month, or after 25 hours of use (whichever comes first). Due to the danger involved in this type of work, Woods Cycle Country recommends this maintenance be performed by a trained technician, or someone trained to work on electric vehicles. As the above are only general guidelines, we highly recommend you consult either your owner’s manual or a service manual for specific instructions on how to perform each task.

As determined by Polaris & U.S. Battery, battery defects may be covered by the 1 year battery warranty (separate from the 6-month vehicle warranty); however this warranty does not cover damage and defects due to a lack of maintenance. Beyond the initial factory 1 year battery warranty, the repair/replacement of damaged and/or worn out batteries and cables is not covered under any factory warranty, extended service contract, or maintenance plan. Ongoing maintenance is the best preventative against extremely costly repair bills.