1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Prius not being driven for a long time. How to keep the battery healthy?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ProspectivePriusPeruser, Nov 26, 2021.

  1. ProspectivePriusPeruser

    ProspectivePriusPeruser Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2019
    50
    9
    1
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hey all,
    As the title says, my prius is going to be sitting for a decent amount of time (1 year max). Is there anything I should do to keep the battery happy?
    Thanks :)
     
  2. nancytheprius

    nancytheprius Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2020
    342
    148
    0
    Location:
    iowa
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    drive a little bit weekly (the more the better). at the minimum at least start it and let it do a full warmup cycle weekly
     
  3. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,448
    3,751
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    When you say sitting, what do you mean exactly? Will it be stored and you will be absent or will you just be leaving it sit while you drive another vehicle?

    If the latter the easiest thing would be to regularly drive it at least twice a week for 30 - 40 minutes each time.

    If the former, you will need to have some kind of charging routine for both batteries. You will need to have a regime for the tires too.
     
  4. Another

    Another Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    1,802
    508
    0
    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Maybe give it to someone to use
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    yeah, that's not a good thing. you can force charge it before leaving it. but if no one can drive it regularly, or put a grid charger on it, you risk death by stagnation
     
  6. ProspectivePriusPeruser

    ProspectivePriusPeruser Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2019
    50
    9
    1
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I figured that it wouldn't be any good for it. I'd probably be able to have someone start the car and leave it running for a while every so often, but it being driven during this time is almost impossible. Would that be of any help to it?
     
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    yes, you don't need to drive it. once a week for a half hour or so would be great, but the more the better.
    sitting for a long time lets the cells slowly go out of balance, especially on older batteries.

    the bms will correct that every time you make it ready
     
  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    6,690
    6,382
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    No clue what the market is like down there now, but if it were anything like in the USA? I'd just sell the car and go get another in a year or so.
     
    Another and bisco like this.
  9. Another

    Another Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    1,802
    508
    0
    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Rent it out as a stationary Prius camper on Airbnb
    Climate controlled
     
  10. Another

    Another Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    1,802
    508
    0
    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring