Evangelion Power Sources

Internal Batteries' Overview

Every Evangelion Unit [except for the MP Evas and Eva-04] has an internal battery source. It functions as a emergency power pack in cases where the Umbilical Cord would be impractical to use, or if the External Power Source has been disconnected/severed. It has been employed several times throughout the series, and there are 2 cases where the Evangelion Unit's power cable has been severed/disconnected.

Uses/Benefits

The Internal Batteries of the Evas provide just enough power so that pilots have enough time to escape or execute a surprise and swift attack onto the target. The Internal Batteries maximum power outage during Normal Operations is 5 minutes; 1 minute if the Eva is operating on Higher Levels of Power and it is required for better performance of the Evangelion Units. However, it is unknown what operation is required for the Eva to run on the 1 minute battery time; some sources have suggested that the 1 minute battery time is used for operations where high levels of power are required, a demonstration of this can be seen during Episode 12, where Eva 01 had less than 1 minute to intercept Sahaquiel and destroy it. During normal operations, however, the 5 minute time is often seen throughout the series.

With the External Power Cord connected, the Evangelions have lower performance levels and agility due to the length and weight of the cord. However, with the Internal Battery, the Evangelions have higher performance levels, such as the ability to run faster and longer distances, at the cost of endurance times. Because the Evangelion Units require so much power, it is unknown how much it actually uses. Evangelion Units have a limit time of 5 minutes due to limited battery sizes and technology, so 5 minutes is probably the highest amount of time allowed for NERV's Evangelion Units.

Battery supplies can be extended without the External Cable, however, as this also limits speed and agility by using the huge, disposable power packs located on the Eva's shoulder pylons. These provide an extra 5 minutes of power, and are only used once in the series in Episode 11 during the battle against Matarael. Cases where the Umbilical Cord has been disconnected/severed include Asuka's fight against the JSDFF in the End of Evangelion and in Episode 3, where Shinji struggles to defeat Shamshel, the 4th Angel.