Fan Noise While Charging - Loud!

[BTOR]

Returned home today after an 80 mile drive. Air temperature was around 100 degrees during the drive. My battery temperature was about the same. SOC was down to 7% when I pulled in to the garage so needed to charge. Our home wall charger runs at 48 Amps on a 60 Amp breaker so we typically see 10-11 kW delivered. After an hour or so I went out to the garage and there was a very loud fan noise coming from the vehicle (2025 R1S DM, Max battery). I've had the vehicle since November 2024 and never heard this loud fan noise while charging. I didn't monitor it regularly but checked back 20-30 minutes later and noise was less. I assumed the fans were running at a slower speed. It reminded me of my old ThinkPad and the turbo fan when the CPU & GPU got too warm. These are by far the warmest conditions I've charged in. I assume these are battery cooling fans and completely normal when conditions are hot. Living in the PNW, we don't see temperatures like this regularly. The delivered power has remained constant. I did feel the charger handle and it was warm but not so hot that I couldn't keep my hand on it. Even the frunk hood felt warm.

Although I assume this is normal, I was hoping I could get some testimonials/feedback from other Forum members that live in hotter regions and hear this type of fan noise on a regular basis.

I was thinking of ending the charging session when the SOC was around 35% (no longer making any fan noises) but decide to let it go to the 70% SOC set point. Everything on the app shows like a normal charge session. Only thing unusual is the cabin temp which it shows to be 91 degrees. I do have the windows cracked but not all the way down.

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It’s normal. Cooling battery back down to optimal range to ensure charging performance. Absolutely no reason to be alarmed. It’s still a machine after all. If things weren’t operating within parameters you would have been presented with faults and warnings.

 

[Judd]

Yeah…not sure where you are but mine started doing it since the garage temp has been over 100.

It’s HOT in TX right now…I also turned my charger down to 30amps to help with heat. It takes longer to charge but stuff was getting too hot.

 

[BTOR]

It’s normal. Cooling battery back down to optimal range to ensure charging performance. Absolutely no reason to be alarmed. It’s still a machine after all. If things weren’t operating within parameters you would have been presented with faults and warnings.

I figured that was what was happening. But I must say, it is very reassuring to get confirmation. Now I know for sure and can share it with the rest of the family. Thank you!

Yeah…not sure where you are but mine started doing it since the garage temp has been over 100.

It’s HOT in TX right now…I also turned my charger down to 30amps to help with heat. It takes longer to charge but stuff was getting too hot.

I’m in Oregon, Portland metro area. Not typically this hot but not uncommon to have a few days each summer where it reaches 100° or more.

Turning amps down is a good idea. Next time I charge in these conditions, I’ll do the same. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to end tomorrow night. Cool ocean air moves in Wednesday. Highs back to the mid 70’s and low 80’s.

 

[R1TCntrlMaIzzy]

Next time you post, it might be better to include some media. In this case you have your answer.

 

[BTOR]

Next time you post, it might be better to include some media. In this case you have your answer.

Sure, NP. Thx for the suggestion.

 

[Judd]

Enjoy the break from it…I figure we have another 4-6 weeks before we see some relief. But it’s not been horrible this summer so I’m not complaining.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I figured that was what was happening. But I must say, it is very reassuring to get confirmation. Now I know for sure and can share it with the rest of the family. Thank you!

I’m in Oregon, Portland metro area. Not typically this hot but not uncommon to have a few days each summer where it reaches 100° or more.

Turning amps down is a good idea. Next time I charge in these conditions, I’ll do the same. Fortunately, the heat is supposed to end tomorrow night. Cool ocean air moves in Wednesday. Highs back to the mid 70’s and low 80’s.

Also keep in mind too hot/cold to battery chemistry is different from human perception. When you see high temperatures in instruments, it doesn’t mean it’s overheating or in danger—unless accompanied by actual warning. Charging/discharging is a chemical reaction. As such, optimal reaction requires optimal conditions. Software and its control of thermal management hardware attempts to manage/facilitate that. ICE occasionally turn on radiator fan to manage coolant temperatures, right? It’s similar, you just notice it more since there aren’t engine noises to mask sounds of the cooling system.

 

[BTOR]

Also keep in mind too hot/cold to battery chemistry is different from human perception. When you see high temperatures in instruments, it doesn’t mean it’s overheating or in danger—unless accompanied by actual warning. Charging/discharging is a chemical reaction. As such, optimal reaction requires optimal conditions. Software and its control of thermal management hardware attempts to manage/facilitate that. ICE occasionally turn on radiator fan to manage coolant temperatures, right? It’s similar, you just notice it more since there aren’t engine noises to mask sounds of the cooling system.

Sure. Our old MDX (replaced by our R1S) had an electric fan since the engine was transverse mounted. It would stay on for a few minutes during hot days even with the engine shut off. Since the water pump wasn’t operational to circulate coolant without the engine running the fan was basically circulating air in the engine compartment. Our Prius does the same thing.

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