Deepal Owner's Guide: Caring for Your Battery and Charging Correctly in the Rainy Season

Toward the end of each rainy season, the Central region, including Ayutthaya, often sees heavy rain and flooding, leaving many EV owners with questions about charging and driving safely. This article brings together tips for caring for your Deepal S05, S07 and other Changan-group EVs so you can drive with confidence all season long.

Charging safely in the rain

EV charging systems are designed to be water-resistant and to cut power automatically if a fault is detected, so charging in the rain is perfectly normal. However, you should follow these guidelines.

• Make sure the charging plug and port are clean and dry before plugging in, and never leave the plug lying on waterlogged ground
• A home wall charger should be installed by a licensed electrician, with a residual current breaker and proper grounding
• If floodwater at your parking spot reaches the charger or socket, do not charge until the water has receded and the electrical system has been checked
• Only use the emergency charging cable supplied with the car on sockets rated for the current and properly grounded

Driving through floods

An EV's battery and high-voltage system are sealed to water-resistance standards, but that doesn't mean you should drive through deep water. Good practice is to avoid water higher than the middle of the wheels, drive slowly and steadily to minimize waves, and never stop in the water. Afterwards, brake gently to dry out the brake discs. If the car has been submerged or a warning appears on screen, do not start or charge it, and contact the service center to have it towed in for inspection immediately.

Keeping your LFP battery healthy for the long run

Deepal's main models in Thailand use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which withstand a high number of charge cycles. Here are some simple tips to keep your battery healthy.

• Charge mainly with AC at home and use DC fast charging on long trips
• LFP battery makers often recommend charging to 100% from time to time so the battery management system can accurately calibrate the charge level
• Park in the shade when possible to reduce heat build-up in both the battery and the cabin
• Install OTA software updates when prompted, as they often include energy management improvements

Making the most of your warranty and services

Changan Thailand periodically runs battery warranty campaigns for Deepal customers, such as a lifetime battery warranty extension package covering the high-voltage battery, drive motor and motor controller, subject to eligibility conditions, a vehicle inspection and a package fee depending on the model. During flooding, the company has also run assistance programs for affected customers. Terms and durations vary by campaign, so please ask the dealer directly for the latest information, and attend scheduled maintenance regularly to maintain your warranty coverage.

If your car needs a check after driving through water, you'd like a home charger installed, or you have questions about your warranty, the Motor Creation service center is ready to help with technicians trained in electric vehicles. If you're considering a new car, you can book a test drive of any Deepal model at our showroom. Our team is happy to advise on trims, financing packages, home charger installation and full after-sales service.

Sources: Car250, CHANGAN Thailand