Model Year 25/26 Dashcam battery location?

[Notfub]

I'm planning the installation of a front and rear dashcam, including external battery, in my Formentor.

I've installed several dashcams over the years, so I'm generally unfazed by the install process. However, this time around, I cannot see an obvious position in the car to install the external battery, I have been using a Thinkware IVolt-Mini for previous installs and will use this in conjunction with a Viofo A299 plus dual cam setup.

My usual go to is under the passenger seat, but there is no safe space under the buckets in my VZ3. I've dropped the glovebox, but there's no obvious space behind. There's the boot, but I'd need to extend wiring and may experience a voltage drop.

Has anyone on the forum installed a dashcam battery and if so, where?

 

[ifa]

Remove the side cover from the front panel and take a look.

 

[Notfub]

In fairness, I've not removed the side cover (with airbag switch) yet so will certainly do that when its next dry. The battery dimensions are 165 x 131 x 36cm, so would be surprised to find a space that big to securely house it, but appreciate the advice ifa. I'll update this thread with my findings and solution.

 

[ifa]

Oops , so large. .
There will be enough space for these dimensions, but it won't be possible to slide it in through the opening under the trim panel.

 

[xSanji]

Hi, why do you need a battery? I have the same exact model of dashcam on my leon and I hardwired it.

 

[Notfub]

The Viofo A299 plus does have an in-line monitor that switches off power to the dashcam if the car's batters dips below 12v. However, I've always used an additional back-up battery to have longer, more reliable parking-mode recording when parking all day, or longer, such as parking at airports etc. I've found that modern cars are quite picky with voltages, so using the additional battery gives me near zero risk of draining the cars battery. There's also a concern over dashcam wake time after an impact, having the additional battery helps avoid any issues a traditional battery may have, especially in colder months.

You don't need one, but I want to give myself every chance of capturing an impact when I'm away from the car.

 

[Cupra Jon]

I have a Blackvue DR970X 2 channel fitted with a Cellink Neo external battery added for parking mode and we had the same problem with location...

In the end I sacrificed the glove box and fitted it there as the was nowhere else to fit a battery the size of the Cellink. I dont use the glovebox so its not an issue.

 

[Notfub]

I was considering the glove box, but it looks like I've got enough cable length to reach the camera on the windscreen from the boot. Therefore I'm going to try and use this space (circled) in the boot tray, to mount the battery (also shown).

 

[trew]

I suppose that battery's too big to fit in the cubby under the armrest, between the front seats?

General questions - how do you recharge the battery? How complex is the wiring (could an ignoramus like me do it?)

Edit: I've just measured it and if your cubby is the same as mine, I reckon you might just about be able to squeeze it in? 165mm fits fine, but the height is JUST ABOUT 131mm and the smaller gap at the back (which you may need to use) is JUST ABOUT 36mm, so it's touch & go. I suppose the cable plug might be an issue...

 

[Notfub]

I suppose that battery's too big to fit in the cubby under the armrest, between the front seats?

General questions - how do you recharge the battery? How complex is the wiring (could an ignoramus like me do it?)

Edit: I've just measured it and if your cubby is the same as mine, I reckon you might just about be able to squeeze it in? 165mm fits fine, but the height is JUST ABOUT 131mm and the smaller gap at the back (which you may need to use) is JUST ABOUT 36mm, so it's touch & go. I suppose the cable plug might be an issue...

View attachment 55729

I've just tried the battery (without cables attached) and it's too large to fit. Too tall to allow the arm rest to sit in it's usual position.
Good shout though @trew .