Inactive Prius = Dead Battery?

NYCPRII · 04-24-2006, 03:10 PM

Greetings.

I've been searching the various forums to find out if keeping a new 06 Prius parked and inactive will drain the power and degrade the longevity of the battery.

Let me explain. You see, I live in NYC and commute exclusively to work via the "iron horse". My current car- a 90' Corolla is parked on the street, where side street parking rules are in effect. I normally have to move it about twice per week in order to avoid getting a ticket. If I were to move it any other time, I would more than likely lose the parking spot, and parking space in NYC is extremely difficult to find.

My fear is, since the Prius is heavily dependent on the battery pack, would inconsistent or low usage of the car cause me to have problems later, especially when the temperature dips? Would I have a hard time starting the car, or have the battery conk out on me when taking trips to Florida?

Any feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks

tmorrowus · 04-24-2006, 03:15 PM

As someone who has owned and worked on an electric vehicle and understands batteries fairly well, I would say you shouldn't worry about it. Maybe if you left the car for months there might be a concern, but leaving it for a few days at a time is fine.

**efusco** · 04-24-2006, 03:25 PM

As long as you start it once every 2-3 weeks the 12v battery will stay charged. As long as you start it every 6 months the HV battery will recharge. I would recommend driving around for 15-30 minutes to allow the ICE to warm up and charge the HV battery as very brief start ups and shut downs can drain the battery pretty low.

ScottY · 04-24-2006, 03:37 PM

Hey, fellow NYer.

I used to park in Brooklyn for 6 months before I move closer to work in LI. I started the car right up during the winter, no problems at all. I also parked on the streets. So like others said, don't worry about it.

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04-24-2006, 03:10 PM	#1
NYCPRII Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 5 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Greetings. I've been searching the various forums to find out if keeping a new 06 Prius parked and inactive will drain the power and degrade the longevity of the battery. Let me explain. You see, I live in NYC and commute exclusively to work via the "iron horse". My current car- a 90' Corolla is parked on the street, where side street parking rules are in effect. I normally have to move it about twice per week in order to avoid getting a ticket. If I were to move it any other time, I would more than likely lose the parking spot, and parking space in NYC is extremely difficult to find. My fear is, since the Prius is heavily dependent on the battery pack, would inconsistent or low usage of the car cause me to have problems later, especially when the temperature dips? Would I have a hard time starting the car, or have the battery conk out on me when taking trips to Florida? Any feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks

04-24-2006, 03:15 PM	#2
tmorrowus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 425 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	As someone who has owned and worked on an electric vehicle and understands batteries fairly well, I would say you shouldn't worry about it. Maybe if you left the car for months there might be a concern, but leaving it for a few days at a time is fine.

04-24-2006, 03:25 PM	#3
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,254 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	As long as you start it once every 2-3 weeks the 12v battery will stay charged. As long as you start it every 6 months the HV battery will recharge. I would recommend driving around for 15-30 minutes to allow the ICE to warm up and charge the HV battery as very brief start ups and shut downs can drain the battery pretty low.

04-24-2006, 03:37 PM	#4
ScottY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,247 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hey, fellow NYer. I used to park in Brooklyn for 6 months before I move closer to work in LI. I started the car right up during the winter, no problems at all. I also parked on the streets. So like others said, don't worry about it.