General Information

LiveWire is powered by a lithium-ion Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Lithium-Ion technology provides higher power and energy density, faster charging, and longer life than traditional lead-acid batteries. The Onboard Charger (OBC) DC-to-DC charger handles all charging and maintenance of the 12 V battery.

State of Charge (SOC) is the amount of energy in the RESS available to use before it needs to be recharged. The State of Health (SOH) is the measurement of impedance and capacity degradation of the RESS compared to when it was new. All lithium-ion batteries chemically age through time and use, resulting in a gradual degradation of performance and the ability to hold a charge. A 20% loss of SOH is expected over the life of the RESS warranty.

A battery’s lifespan is related to the chemical breakdown and aging process which involves more than just time and use. It involves duration at high temperatures, types of charging, number of charge/discharge cycles, and storage duration. To maximize RESS performance and help extend RESS lifespan follow these tips:

When recharging the RESS, choose Level 1 (110V to 220V) charging when possible. Level 1 charging causes the least amount of stress to the RESS.
The RESS does not limit the number of times a Level 3 DC fast charger (480V) can be used. However, more frequent DC fast charging will stress the RESS more than Level 1 charging. If possible, avoid using DC fast charge, exclusively. The suggested best practice is to alternate your charging between Level 1 and Level 3 DC Fast Charge in a 4:1 ratio (4 Level 1 charges to every 1 Level 3 fast charge).
The battery will protect itself from thermal damage, however extended periods of time operating at high temperature can speed the chemical aging process and shorten RESS lifespan.
12-volt battery maintenance charging may not be performed at a very low RESSSOC. It is Electric Vehicle (EV) best practice to charge the vehicle after use to prevent conditions that lead to 12-volt battery depletion.

The RESS is designed to charge quickly to 80% of its capacity, at which point the charge rate then slows to reduce the rate of RESS degradation. If the battery is too hot or too cold, the charge rate will automatically reduce to a sustainable level. Charging below 0C/32F or over 50C/122F degrees will result in significantly increased charge time. Under extreme usage or extreme temperature conditions, the RESS may limit its performance in order to prevent damage.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), Level 1 Charging

The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is also commonly referred to as the vehicle charging cord which is stored under the seat. The EVSE includes the Charge Module (connection to the wall outlet), the cable and the Coupler (connection to the motorcycle). See Before Riding → EVSE Storage.

The EVSE features:

Compact, portable design
Overheating protection
Quick-read status indicator lights
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed
Auto-restart in event of ground fault or power outage

The motorcycle charging port provides primary EVSE theft resistance feature via an inlet lock pin commanded by the OBC.

Indicator Lights

Blue Light – Status Indicator

When plugged into the wall outlet, the blue status indicator light illuminates to communicate that the charger is ready to use.

While the battery is charging, the blue light will blink on and off approximately every two seconds. See Figure 1.

When fully charged, the blue light will change to solid blue. See Figure 2.

Red – Trouble Indicator

The red trouble indicator light illuminates when the charger has detected an error. See Figure 3. If the light is illuminated the charger will not deliver power to the vehicle. The error must be corrected before a charging cycle can begin or continue. Refer to Troubleshooting in the EVSE Owner's Manual for more information.

NOTE

A momentary blink of the red trouble indicator light at first plug-in to the wall is normal and functions as a start-up safety check. This momentary blink is followed by the solid blue light and the red light turns off.

A constant or blinking red light indicates an actual problem.

1	Blinking blue light

Figure 1. EVSE Charge Module - Charging

1	Solid blue light

Figure 2. EVSE Charge Module - Fully Charged

1	Solid or blinking red light

Figure 3. EVSE Charge Module - Fault

Charging

NOTE

EVSE is designed to plug directly into wall outlet. Do not use extension cords to reach motorcycle. Move motorcycle closer to outlet if EVSE will not reach. See Figure 4.

If the motorcycle tips over while plugged into a charger, the motorcycle will sense the tip and terminate charging.

When plugging into an unfamiliar wall outlet, it is good practice to let the vehicle charge for several minutes before leaving it unattended, to ensure it is in fact supplying the expected AC charging power.

Plug the CHARGE MODULE into the appropriate wall outlet. See Figure 5.
The red light will blink then the blue light on the CHARGE MODULE should be ON. This means that the charger is ready to provide power to your vehicle.

NOTE

When charging your motorcycle in a public location using the EVSE, be sure to use the Vehicle Inlet Security Insert to prevent theft of the EVSE. Install the insert into the motorcycle charging inlet, and then connect the charge coupler. See Figure 6. Store the insert with the EVSE in the EVSE caddy when not in use. See Before Riding → EVSE Storage.

Plug the COUPLER into your vehicle’s charging outlet until it clicks. See Figure 6. If inserted properly, the blue light on the CHARGE MODULE will blink once. Once latched, the COUPLER will not disengage unless the release button is manually pressed.
Automatic charging begins and power will be delivered in according to battery demand. While the battery is charging, the blue light will blink on and off approximately every two seconds.
When fully charged, the blue light will change to solid blue.

NOTE

Charging will automatically stop when battery is fully charged.

Disconnect COUPLER when the charge is complete by bringing fob to motorcycle, pressing the release button on the COUPLER and removing it from the vehicle. See Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Unplug CHARGE MODULE from wall outlet. See Figure 9.

Figure 4. EVSE Charge Module - No Extension Cord

Figure 5. EVSE Charge Module - Keep Dry

Figure 6. EVSE - Insert Coupler

Figure 7. EVSE Coupler - Fob Present to Unlock Coupler

Figure 8. EVSE - Remove Coupler

Figure 9. EVSE Charge Module - Un-Plug

Auto-Restart

Your EVSE has an auto-restart feature which ensures that your vehicle will be charged and ready for use when needed. When a charge interrupt occurs and an error is detected, the charger will cycle on and off to clear the error until the auto-restart removes the error. Charging will resume once the error is no longer detected. If the error is not overcome, the RED TROUBLE Indicator will remain.

The exception to an immediate restart is when the interruption is due to a charger GFCI fault. The Charger will attempt to restart 15 minutes after a GFCI event. After the fourth attempt to restart, the charger will shut down and the RED TROUBLE Indicator will stay ON.

If the fault persists, do not continue to try to charge your vehicle. Contact LiveWire Customer Support, www.LiveWire.com.

Charging Widget Displays

The charging widget, shown on the Instrument Module (IM), displays information related to specific charging faults. The charging widget will inform the user of conditions present that would prevent or delay charging. Refer to Table 1.

Table 1. Charging Widget Displays

Text Displayed	Cause	Action
EVSE Fault	EVSE fault.	See portable charger (EVSE) user guide.
Charge Port Lock Fault	Charge port lock not functioning.	See dealer.
Charge Plug Latch Pressed	EVSE latch switch indication pressed.	If EVSE latch not pressed - see dealer.
OBC Too Warm	OBC above operating temperature.	Verify unobstructed airflow to radiator. Restart charge after vehicle cools down.
RESS Too Warm	RESS above operating temperature.	Restart charge after vehicle cools down.
Establishing Communication	Vehicle establishing communication with external charger.	Check external charger for further instructions if needed.
User Delayed	DC fast charging delayed or stopped by user.	Restart charge if desired.

Level 1 and 2 AC Charging and Level 3 DC Fast Charging Stations

AC Level 1 and 2 slow chargers connect through the charging port and the electrical power is then converted to DC through the OBC which then charges the RESS. AC Level 2 can be accepted but OBC charging ability will only allow for it to charge at a Level 1 rate.

Level 3 DC fast charging stations provide a high power DC current to the electric vehicle’s battery without passing through the converter. Which means the current is connected directly to the RESS, making the charging process much faster than the AC slow charging process. Per industry standards for safety, inlet lock pin is also commanded by the OBC during all DC charging events to prevent High Voltage exposure.

NOTE

This vehicle complies with ECE R10 Section 7.20.4 when used in RESS charging mode coupled to a power grid with cables shorter than 30 m (98 ft).

EV charging stations are located in many places. Be sure to read and follow the instructions supplied at the charger location.

Storage

If it becomes necessary to store your motorcycle, follow the recommendations in After Riding → Storing Motorcycle.