A light is added to the port to enhance visibility. The charge port lid can be released using the Intelligent Key or the charge port lid opener swich. The charging connector can be locked in place until charging is complete.
Charge Port Lid Release
An electric solenoid replaces the cable release on the charge port lid. The lid door can be released by pushing the charge port lid opener swich on the instrument panel or pressing and holding the charge unlock button on the intelligent key. When charge port lid opener switch is pressed, the charge port lid open operation is detected and charge port lid opener switch signal is transmitted to VCM. This will activate the release solenoid to open the charge port lid.
Charge Connector Lock
An electrically controlled lock has been added to the NORMAL charge port to lock the charging connector in place. There is a three position charge connector lock swich on the instrument panel. This switch will lock the charge connector to the vehicle while the battery is being charged.
The charge connector lock has 3 modes:
The full range of charge port control is performed by the VCM. This includes charge connector lock/unlock control which automatically locks the charge connector during normal charging and at other times, and charge port light control which automatically turns ON the LED illumination inside the port to improve charge port visibility when the charge connector is inserted or removed.
The VCM judges the lock operation conditions according to the mode signal from the charge connector lock switch, and the EVSE connection signal received from the PDM (Power Delivery Module). The VCM turns ON the charge connector lock actuator relay, and operates the charge connector lock actuator in the close direction to lock the normal charge connector. If normal charging is stopped and other unlock conditions are met, the VCM turns ON the charge connector lock actuator relay and operates the charge connector lock actuator in the open direction, to unlock the normal charge connector.
There is also a temporary lock release that can be enabled by using the charge port lid release swich on the instrument panel or the charge port lid release on the Intelligent key. To temporarily release the lock, press the charge lid door release button on the instrument panel or press and hold the charge unlock button on the intelligent key. This activates the charge port lock actuator and the charging status indicator lights flash 3 times and a beep sounds 3 times. The charge connector lock is unlocked for 30 seconds allowing the charge connector to be removed. If the charge port is still connected to the vehicle after the 30 seconds the charge port lock will lock the port again.
Service Point
If the charge port lock does not unlock it can be released manually with the tool supplied with the vehicle. To unlock, manually place the ignition switch in the OFF position and open the hood. Remove the jack rod from the tool set that is located in the cargo area. Insert the suitable tool into the screw that is located on the front of hood lock. Turn it clockwise to release the charge connector lock and remove the charger.
