Most hybrid and luxury vehicles like Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, etc., feature a main battery and an auxiliary battery. These auxiliary batteries are used to power all the 12V electronics and essential functions like engine start/stop. They tend to have a much smaller capacity compared to the main battery and running a dash cam in Parking Mode draws a significant amount of power, which can harm the battery in the long run and cause more wear and tear. These auxiliary batteries are not designed to be discharged when the vehicle is not in use, and using them to power a dash cam in Parking Mode can drain them completely. This can result in a vehicle that won’t start, leaving you stranded until the battery is replaced. A battery replacement can be very costly ranging from $500 and upwards.
Another issue is that the auxiliary battery only starts charging once the primary battery is charged to a certain level, usually around 13.6V. However, most people’s daily commutes are not long enough for the auxiliary battery to reach this charging threshold, resulting in a lower battery charge level. This is why we strongly recommend our customers to pair their Thinkware dash cam with an External Battery Pack for optimal performance and reliability.
Benefits of using an External Battery Pack
Safe for High-End Cars
If you own a luxury vehicle, battery drainage not only means replacing the vehicle’s battery but can also require the vehicle’s electronics to be reset, which can turn into an extremely expensive fix. An external battery, however, allows you to use our Advanced Parking Mode risk-free by reducing the load on the vehicle’s battery.
Parking Mode
Running the dash cam in Parking Mode can drain the auxiliary battery of the vehicle, especially when parked for extended periods of time. This may cause the battery to go into safe mode, leading to the dash cam’s failure to capture important events while the car is parked. By using an external battery, you can provide a dedicated power source for the dash cam, allowing the dash cam to operate for longer periods.
Standby Time
Extend the Battery’s Lifespan
Apart from prolonged dash cam run time, using an external battery can also extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s batteries. The iVolt Battery Pack only draws power to charge when you are driving the vehicle. With the ignition off, the Dash Cam relies solely on the Battery Pack for power, eliminating the need to draw power from the vehicle’s battery completely. By using an external battery, drivers can reduce the wear and tear on their vehicle’s batteries and extend its lifespan, ultimately saving money in the long run.
Our iVolt Xtra and iVolt Mini Battery Packs are highly recommended for running a 1-channel or 2-channel dash cam setup, providing a reliable power source for your dash cam. Additionally, we offer external battery bundles with our U1000 and Q1000 models, and you can choose the most suitable option for your high-end car.
Investing in an external battery for your dash cam is a wise decision that can enhance the safety and security of your luxury vehicle. Check out our external battery options now and experience the benefits of uninterrupted dash cam footage.
