The 12-volt battery on an EV is crucial for powering various electronics and systems within the vehicle, despite the main propulsion coming from a much larger lithium-ion battery. Many EV owners are unaware of the importance of the 12-volt battery and its potential to cause issues if not properly maintained.
According to Steven Elek, a senior automotive data analyst at Consumer Reports, there are misconceptions about the role of the 12-volt battery in an EV. While the main traction battery is responsible for powering the drive system, the 12-volt battery is essential for starting the vehicle, operating low-voltage electronics, and maintaining background tasks.
Issues with 12-volt batteries have been identified as common trouble spots in EVs, with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Rivian R1S, and Rivian R1T experiencing problems. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have even issued recalls for certain EVs due to issues with the 12-volt battery charging system.
To understand why these batteries fail, it’s essential to know how they are charged and managed in an EV. Most EVs use a DC-to-DC converter to step down the high voltage from the main battery to the 14 volts required for the 12-volt battery. This system ensures that the 12-volt battery is charged when the vehicle is running and has minimal power demands when the vehicle is turned off.
However, some EVs have automatic power control logic that can drain the 12-volt battery even when the vehicle is not in use. Rivian faced this issue with their original R1S and R1T models, leading to what users described as “vampire drain.” The constant power draw from connectivity features and security systems can deplete the 12-volt battery and leave owners stranded.
In response to these issues, automakers are redesigning their 12-volt battery systems to prevent failures and improve reliability. Understanding the importance of the 12-volt battery in an EV can help owners better maintain their vehicles and avoid unexpected breakdowns due to battery issues. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive market, there have been some unforeseen issues that have cropped up. One such issue that has been plaguing some EV owners is the constant draining of the drive battery due to the 12-volt system waking up to feed power to the vehicle.
Many Rivian owners have reported that their vehicles lose a significant amount of battery power even when the vehicle is not in use. This constant cycling of the 12-volt battery can lead to premature failure of the battery itself, as highlighted in a video by MotorSport Unplugged. Unlike internal combustion vehicles where a slow crank indicates a low battery, EV owners may not have the same warning signs of a failing 12-volt battery.
Some EV designs constantly draw power from the 12-volt battery to power the low-voltage system, which can lead to issues. In a recent incident with a VinFast VF8, the vehicle bricked itself in a parking lot, and the drivers were unable to reset the system by disconnecting the 12-volt battery due to the vehicle continuing to draw power from the high-voltage battery.
On the other hand, some EV manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have faced issues with their Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which charges the 12-volt battery in their vehicles. A damaged transistor within the unit can prevent the 12-volt battery from being charged, leading to a loss of power and potentially increasing the risk of crashing.
Despite efforts by manufacturers to address these issues through recalls and updates, some EV owners are still experiencing problems with their 12-volt systems. This highlights the challenges that come with transitioning to EVs and the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the reliability and safety of electric vehicles on the road.
Kyle Conner’s Experience With the Toyota bZ4X
Recently, popular YouTuber Kyle Conner from Out Of Spec Motoring found himself stranded due to a dead 12-volt battery in the Toyota bZ4X. This incident brought attention to a common issue that has been plaguing some EVs in recent years.
Conner was driving the Toyota bZ4X when he suddenly lost power and had to pull over to the side of the road. After attempting to jump-start the vehicle, it became clear that the 12-volt battery was the culprit. This left Conner stranded until he could get the battery replaced.
Kyle Conner got stranded by the Toyota bZ4X’s 12-volt battery issue.
Is This A Long-Term Issues For EVs?
While Conner’s experience may seem concerning, it’s important to note that this issue is not unique to the Toyota bZ4X. Many newer EV models have been experiencing similar problems with their 12-volt batteries. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is a long-term issue for EVs as a whole.
Automakers are constantly improving their designs and technologies to address such issues. For example, newer models like the Rivian R1 have implemented trickle-charging approaches to prevent the entire car from being energized just to charge the 12-volt battery. This shows that the industry is actively working towards finding solutions to ensure the reliability of EVs.
Photo by: Hyundai
As the automotive industry continues to evolve and adapt to the growing demands of modern vehicles, it is likely that issues like 12-volt battery drain will be addressed and resolved. This is not a long-term problem for EVs, but rather a temporary challenge that automakers are actively working to overcome.
Overall, Kyle Conner’s experience with the Toyota bZ4X serves as a reminder of the ongoing improvements and innovations in the EV industry, showcasing the dedication of manufacturers to provide reliable and efficient electric vehicles for consumers.
The automotive industry has been facing a rising problem with 12-volt batteries, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). However, there is a silver lining as automakers are making strides to address these issues and improve the technology.
One of the main issues arose when Tesla moved the Model 3 to a lithium-ion 12-volt battery, leading to some initial challenges. Nevertheless, Tesla has since overcome these hurdles, and it seems that 12-volt issues are no longer significant problems for modern Teslas.
The positive news is that automakers are becoming more adept at handling EV technology and managing the workload on 12-volt batteries. Some manufacturers have adopted dual-battery setups, while others, like Tesla with its Cybertruck, have implemented a primarily 48-volt system. These advancements demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions that work effectively for EVs.
Moreover, automakers are now more deliberate in selecting low-voltage batteries that are better suited for EVs. Many companies are transitioning towards deep-cycle batteries, which may not excel in handling the high-current demand of starting internal combustion vehicles but are more resilient to frequent depletion. This shift indicates a learning process for automakers as they adapt to the unique requirements of EVs.
As industry expert Hanley aptly puts it, “It’s a learning curve. I mean anytime you introduce new technology and features, it takes a while to get it right.” The automotive sector is clearly on a trajectory of improvement, with a focus on refining battery technology to better cater to the needs of EVs. With continued innovation and perseverance, the industry is poised to overcome the challenges posed by 12-volt batteries and pave the way for a more sustainable future of transportation.