Battery Preconditioning
Battery preconditioning brings an EV battery toward a suitable temperature before a planned event, most commonly DC fast charging or departure in very hot or cold weather.
Why it matters
Battery temperature affects how much charging or propulsion power the pack can safely accept or deliver. When a cold battery is prepared before a fast-charging stop, the vehicle may reach a higher charging rate sooner and produce a more predictable stop. Cooling can serve the same purpose when the pack is too warm.
Preconditioning may start automatically after a compatible fast charger is selected in the navigation system, or through a manual control or departure schedule. Availability and behavior are vehicle-specific, and heating the pack itself consumes energy. For the complete relationship between battery temperature, charging, and the vehicle's cooling and heating systems, see Battery Thermal Management.