Grooming van batteries and EV charging

What does the battery bank power?

The auxiliary battery bank in a ProVanWorks grooming van powers the grooming side of the van: clippers and other tools, the ceiling lights, the two cargo-area fans and the controls for the water and heating. It is separate from the van's own starting battery, so a long day of grooming never leaves you unable to start the van. The battery bank runs whatever you specify, including dryers and the air conditioning, and high-amp inverters and chargers are available for heavy loads.

How do you charge a grooming van at an EV charger?

You charge a ProVanWorks grooming van at a Level 2 EV charger the same way an electric car charges: park at the charger, plug its cable into the van's charging inlet, and the battery bank fills while you take a break. Level 2 chargers are common in Canadian cities, at grocery stores, community centres, municipal lots and shopping centres, so a lunch stop can double as a charging stop. The van uses the J1772 connector found on most public Level 2 chargers in Canada. It charges at Level 2 only; DC fast chargers are not supported.

You can also charge at home or at your base overnight, from a standard 120 V outlet or a 30 A or 50 A RV-style outlet. We choose the shore power inlet with you for each build.

Why does cold weather matter for batteries?

Lithium batteries lose usable capacity when they're cold, and most lithium batteries should not be charged below 0 °C unless they are warmed first. That's a real problem for a grooming van parked outside in a prairie or Ontario winter.

A ProVanWorks grooming van keeps the auxiliary battery bank in the utility area at the back, inside the insulated and heated cargo area. Keeping the batteries warm helps them charge properly and hold their capacity through a cold day.

Can I add solar panels to a grooming van?

Yes. Solar panels are an add-on for ProVanWorks vans. Panels on the roof feed the battery bank whenever there is daylight, which helps most in spring, summer and fall, and on days when you're parked at appointments for hours. In a Canadian winter the days are short and panels can be covered in snow, so EV charging stays the main way to top up from November to February. Solar panels are sized for each van.

How big is the battery bank?

The battery bank in a ProVanWorks grooming van is sized to the day you groom: how many dogs, which tools you run, and which heater you choose. An electric heater draws from the same batteries as your equipment, so electric heating needs a larger bank than a diesel or gas heater. Battery bank size is custom for every build, and high-amp inverters and chargers are available as options.

Do I need a generator?

No. A ProVanWorks grooming van runs from its battery bank, which charges at Level 2 EV chargers, from shore power at home, or from the solar add-on. Running on batteries keeps the van quiet in the client's driveway and keeps exhaust away from the dogs. A generator is available as an optional add-on for groomers who work long days far from any charger or outlet.

Can the van itself be electric?

Yes. ProVanWorks builds grooming vans on diesel, gas and electric vans. With an electric van, the heater is electric too, and the battery bank is planned around heating as well as grooming. Tell us which van you have in mind when you ask for a quote.

Frequently asked questions

Will the batteries last a full day of grooming?

A ProVanWorks battery bank is sized for your typical day, and a top-up at a Level 2 charger over lunch adds more. Tell us your appointment count and tools when you request a quote so we can size it.

Can I keep the batteries charged when the van is parked at home?

Yes. Plug the van into a standard 120 V outlet or a 30 A or 50 A RV-style outlet at home or at your base overnight, or let the solar add-on top it up during daylight. See the mobile grooming van page for where the batteries sit in the layout.