DS7 E-Tense loss of Hybrid Battery miles

[Sabres54]

I have a 22 plate DS7 E tense when i got the car it would charge to 31 miles, but after a few weeks this dropped to 28 miles, i spoke to the DS Garage and got told this was normal to get some loss on the charge.

The car continued to reduce in miles when charged over the next few months from 28miles down to 18miles after a full charge, this time i took it to DS who looked at the car and and told me it was a known fault and i have to drive the car with the Heaters off until the Battery runs down and then charge it do this 10 times and then i should see the battery start to increase its miles range after that.

This did not happen and it has now gone down to 16miles on a full charge so again took it back to DS who said they would run a number of test but all they did was do an update they found needed to be done and charged the car back to 16miles and said go away and see what happens, well what happed was I'm down to 14miles after a full charge.

Has anyone else had the same issue and if so how did they fix it.

i brought the car form new and it only has only done 6k miles its only 8 months old

[Dormouse]

Hi and welcome. This issue is not normal and, unless someone comes up with a solution very soon, you need to consider asking to return the vehicle as not fit for purpose. Draconian I know, but you need to write to your supplying dealer and DS UK Office and ask for their responses, in writing, ASAP. Losing such a large amount of range is not normal and has occurred progressively over summer and winter conditions with no obvious solutions being offered.
Write, get the written replies, then consider your options. Whatever happens though, let the Forum know as it could help someone else in the future.
This is my personal opinion based on past professional experience.
There may be an issue that DS is aware of but you will only find out by asking them, officially if need be. Thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

All I can tell you that it is normal for hybrid vehicles to change their electric vehicle range up and down. This is common knowledge. The reason is because the batteries are subject to many conditions, not least external factors like the temperature and also equipment being operated in the vehicle, driving habits, stopping and starting etc.

However, if the range continues to fall and does not fall back to expected miles under normal driving conditions after you’ve had the car a bit longer I shouldn’t worry too much about it because you can always take it back under warranty. But I think you need to be driving it a bit more under ideal conditions too across the range of temperatures in order to ascertain if there is a fault. This can’t be done with just a few trips it needs to be done for a range of external temperatures and driving conditions.

We also know that electric range does not dynamically update as you’re driving the vehicle. The mileage remaining for electrical range will update once the vehicle is stopped in the battery rested, the next time you get in the vehicle and check the range.

[Dormouse]

I have expanded my reasoning in a PM to you. Look at the top right of the page for the link to PMs.
Cheers Sabre

[GiveMeABreak]

I haven’t received any pms from you as yet.

[Paul-R]

I think the PM is directed to Sabres54 if I read the post right.

[GiveMeABreak]

[Dormouse]

I think the PM is directed to Sabres54 if I read the post right.

Yes it was and he hasn't opened it yet.

[Muntle]

Was there any resolution to the issue of Traction Battery range degradation?

[GiveMeABreak]

There are a considerable number of technical bulletins concerning either malfunction of the range display and other issues with the hybrid mode, so have you contacted your dealership concerning this?

[Muntle]

Hi there, and thank you for the quick response. The short answer is yes, but at the moment I am just getting little response and, when I do, it is not helpful (or logical). Is there a link to the Bulletins so that I can read them? The only such webpage I have found so far is an owner group, but the search does not work.

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Unfortunately that information is not publicly available without charge and DS won't provide them to you - it's something they would check when booked in if you mention the symptoms and I don't have these actual bulletins handy.

[Muntle]

I expected that TBH. You say 'without charge' - is there somewhere I can pay to view?

Going back to your initial remarks, viz: "either malfunction of the range display and other issues with the hybrid mode" any clues as to what the seat of the display issues are? eg, as it is an LCD panel, is that software related?

I am also having difficulty ascertaining what type of cells the Lithium-Ion Battery utilises. The marketing bumff and manual gives nothing away, so is there anywhere I can find that info?

Really appreciate your assistance, thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

I can't advise you further because the content of the bulletins often rely on specific fault codes presenting themselves and other conditions detailed, that are undertaken with guided diagnostics online to determine what the repair is. This may be a software update or the complete replacement of the battery! If you car is under warranty I'd get them to deal with it as it will have to go through some hoops in order for DS to make a claim themselves depending on what the issue is.

As to your other question regarding the cell type, that info is not available as it is commercially sensitive I suspect and basically, when there's a fault the whole thing is swapped out.

[Beresfordj]

I have just purchased a DS7 hybrid 360 on a 72 plate on the basis it will do (they advertise 58 miles on electric) but the press have suggested 40 miles. I am only able to get a 100% charge that allows me to do 21 miles. In the cold it has dropped to 19 miles, so if the 100% charge won't get you 40 miles, how can there be a 50% discrepancy on what they are advertising. This seems extremely misleading and against the law!