Hybrid Cars: The Impact of Infrequent use on Battery Life
Hybrid vehicles, combining petrol adn electric power, are often touted as an environmentally friendly option. However, a growing number of owners are experiencing unexpectedly short lifespans for their 12-volt batteries – the battery powering the car’s onboard electronics, not used for starting a combustion engine. this issue is particularly prevalent for those who drive infrequently or make primarily short trips.
One owner of a 2019 Toyota Corolla Hybrid reported needing to replace the 12-volt battery twice already,a stark contrast to the five to ten-year lifespan he experienced with previous petrol-powered vehicles. While Toyota recommends increased driving as a solution, the underlying issue appears to be a design characteristic of hybrid systems.
According to Toyota,hybrid 12-volt batteries are intentionally smaller than those found in conventional cars. This reduction in size contributes to weight savings and improved efficiency.However, it also makes them more vulnerable to discharge from limited use and cold weather.
The manufacturer maintains this isn’t a case of planned obsolescence, stating that most drivers won’t encounter problems. But for those driving less than 3,000 kilometers per year, or who frequently leave their vehicle unused for extended periods, premature battery wear and potential starting issues are a real concern.
Nicolas Leuba, president of the Vaudish Union of garagistes, confirms this isn’t isolated to Toyota. ”I questioned several garage owners.We have noticed this problem in several brands,” he stated on a recent radio program. While the smaller battery size explains some of the vulnerability, Leuba believes it doesn’t fully account for the observed lack of reliability.
Experts emphasize that choosing the right vehicle for your driving habits is crucial. Leuba stresses that different engine types require different usage patterns. For hybrid vehicles, he suggests a revised sales pitch: “If you drive your vehicle regularly, it is the ideal vehicle for you. If, conversely, you live in the mountains, far from the city and you rarely use your vehicle, a hybrid is not panacea, even an ecological misinterpretation.”
This raises questions about the overall environmental impact of hybrid technology when factoring in the increased frequency of battery replacements, particularly for drivers whose lifestyles don’t align with the vehicle’s optimal usage profile.
(Sources: Radio subject: Christophe Ungar; Adaptation Web: myriam Semani)
