Can someone explain tow mode to me please?

[Murby]

What's up with Tow mode?

I understand it disconnects the motor controller.. but why is this important? Wouldn't towing the vehicle just cause the controller to send power into the batteries to charge them?

I get it would add resistance, but I'm guessing its not as simple as that.

[Sergio]

It would not be so much of a problem if the Controller was doing Regen, but that is not the case.

For Regen to work, not only the Controller needs to be fully powered (a lot of logic goes into the process), but the Solenoid must be closed as well to provide the high current path to the batteries.

What happens when you push the cart is called "Dynamic Brake" which uses an internal resistor and the armature driver FETs to PWM (short) the Armature.

That heat is dissipated inside the Controller which can increase to the point of a meltdown.

[Murby]

Thanks Sergio!