Why Haven't Car Manufacturers Ever Considered Adding a Battery Level Indicator?

Every time you jump into your car, you rely on its battery to get you where you need to go. Yet, in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), there is no direct way to monitor the battery level in real-time. This article explores the reasons why battery level indicators are not commonly found in cars, along with the potential solutions for those who require this feature.

Challenges in Implementing Battery Level Indicators in ICEVs

The absence of a battery level indicator in traditional ICEVs can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the concept of a battery level indicator as we understand it in electric vehicles (EVs) is not applicable in the same way because the purposes and roles of the car's battery differ.

Unlike electric vehicles, where the battery is the primary source of power and the fuel gauge is directly related to the battery's state of charge (SOC), ICEVs rely on a different type of battery, typically lead-acid, for starting the engine. This battery, rather than storing a significant amount of energy for extended use, is continuously recharged whenever the engine is running. The primary function of this battery is to supply the necessary power to start the vehicle and to provide a brief boost of electricity to the ignition system.

The Complexity of Battery Monitoring in ICEVs

Your best bet for maintaining a healthy battery in ICEVs is to regularly check and maintain it with the support of an external charger. This practice ensures that the battery is kept at an optimal charge level. However, there are a few complexities associated with introducing a battery level indicator for ICEVs.

A simple microchip and sensing circuit would be required to constantly monitor and calculate the battery's state of charge. This adds significant cost to the production and might not be justified, as the benefits in an ICEV context are limited. While not directly measurable, voltage readings can provide a vague idea of the battery's condition, but it does not reliably indicate a need for a charge. A 'dead' but serviceable battery may still show a good voltage reading. The accuracy and reliability of such a system would also be questionable, given the cyclical charging patterns of a lead-acid battery.

Specific Groups That Might Require Battery Level Indicators

While the general public in ICEVs might not benefit significantly from a battery level indicator, specific groups such as truck drivers in cold regions, or individuals who live in their vans or RVs, might still find the feature useful. These groups need to ensure their batteries are prepared for extended periods without charging.

Advanced Features for Modern Batteries

For those who do require a more precise monitoring of their car's battery level, modern battery management systems (BMS) are equipped with features like Bluetooth connectivity. These systems can provide real-time voltage and state of health monitoring, and some even include alerts when the state of charge (SOC) drops below certain levels.

Conclusion

While electric vehicles have sophisticated battery management systems with indicators for state of charge, traditional ICEVs do not necessarily require a similar feature due to the unique functioning of their batteries. However, technological advancements continue to evolve, offering solutions for those who need more detailed battery monitoring. For now, the default assumption that an ICEV's battery is not fully charged is more practical.