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Dashcam and effect on battery

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by MommysPrius, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    2019 Prius Prime
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    Prime Advanced
    Hello everyone. My husband ordered a dashcam for both him and I. I plugged it into the socket tonight. I'll have to try it out and see if it makes any difference on my battery. Hoping my EV range won't go down too much because of the dashcam being plugged in all the time when I'm out on the road.

    Anyone using a dashcam now and seeing a big drop in battery level?

    Thank you in advance!
     
    #1 MommysPrius, Aug 16, 2019
  2. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Most dashcam using USB for the power would draw so little current it should not affect the EV range. Only thing would be if the camera is connected directly to 12v battery and it is the type that stays active even after you turn off the vehicle as surveillance camera, it may drain too much juice from your 12v battery. If that happens, you may have to jump start the car.
     
    #2 Salamander_King, Aug 16, 2019
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2019
    MommysPrius, Leadfoot J. McCoalroller and Mendel Leisk like this.
  3. NSXT

    NSXT Active Member

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    I can't live/survive without one :LOL: (evidence for me and others when needed)

    I don't see any impact on EV range. When power is off, my dash cam is off as well. Mine is plugged to the 12V and not USB slot.
     
    #3 NSXT, Aug 16, 2019
    MommysPrius likes this.
  4. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    I run a GoPro at times with no noticeable effect on HV battery life. I haven't measured the current draw, but it is certainly less than the daytime running lights and perhaps even the cabin fan at high speed.

    Look at the rating on the power adapter. That will be the max current the camera will draw and they typically draw less than that.
     
    #4 jb in NE, Aug 16, 2019
    MommysPrius likes this.
  5. MommysPrius

    MommysPrius New Member

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    Thank you for the input everyone! I'm relieved to hear that the dashcam draws little power
     
    #5 MommysPrius, Aug 16, 2019
  6. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    2013 Prius v wagon
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    Prime Advanced
    I run two separate dash cams in our Prime, no issues of any kind.



    Rob43
     
    #6 Rob43, Aug 16, 2019
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