Notices
Hybrid Technology Unique topics related to the 2023 up RX model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the hybrid models. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other fifth generation RX models.

12V Battery Question

Old Mar 9, 2023 | 08:29 AM
  #1  
John89's Avatar
John89
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 403
Likes: 170
From: New York
Default 12V Battery Question

Sorry new to this Hybrid set up, question is their regular car battery in Hybrid like gas car? Can the battery go dead in which you can't start the car like regular gas car?
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2023 | 10:46 AM
  #2  
Julius071's Avatar
Julius071
Intermediate
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 409
Likes: 130
From: WA
Default

Yes 12 volt battery in the trunk. Page 552 in the manual "Restarting the hybrid system"
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2023 | 12:58 PM
  #3  
John89's Avatar
John89
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 403
Likes: 170
From: New York
Default

Thanks I feel so out of date, I watched a video last night on what is plug in hybrid b/c didn't understand that at first.
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2023 | 01:28 PM
  #4  
Julius071's Avatar
Julius071
Intermediate
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 409
Likes: 130
From: WA
Default

Originally Posted by John89
Thanks I feel so out of date, I watched a video last night on what is plug in hybrid b/c didn't understand that at first.
Not a big deal. Wishing the RX450+ would be here soon.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 03:38 AM
  #5  
BCBrent's Avatar
BCBrent
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
Default

Originally Posted by John89
Sorry new to this Hybrid set up, question is their regular car battery in Hybrid like gas car? Can the battery go dead in which you can't start the car like regular gas car?

Sure, there's both kinds of batteries in there.
One regular battery to basically start the car (mine is in the rear next to the spare tire), this one is charged by the electrical system (like any other ICE vehicle)and
the other larger battery (mine is under the rear seat) can propel the car down the road that the regenerative braking charges.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 08:23 AM
  #6  
TechNut's Avatar
TechNut
Pole Position
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 838
From: Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by BCBrent
Sure, there's both kinds of batteries in there.
One regular battery to basically start the car (mine is in the rear next to the spare tire), this one is charged by the electrical system (like any other ICE vehicle)and
the other larger battery (mine is under the rear seat) can propel the car down the road that the regenerative braking charges.
The larger drive battery also provides power to start the car, so the 12 volt battery has a very light load.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2023 | 08:46 AM
  #7  
BCBrent's Avatar
BCBrent
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
Default

Originally Posted by TechNut
The larger drive battery also provides power to start the car, so the 12 volt battery has a very light load.
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how...%20accessories.


Key Components of a Hybrid Electric Car
Battery (auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the low-voltage auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car before the traction battery
is engaged; it also powers vehicle accessories.
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2023 | 09:48 AM
  #8  
TechNut's Avatar
TechNut
Pole Position
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 838
From: Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by BCBrent
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how...%20accessories.


Key Components of a Hybrid Electric Car
Battery (auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the low-voltage auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the car before the traction battery
is engaged; it also powers vehicle accessories.
I don’t believe that is accurate for the Toyota/Lexus Synergy hybrid system. I have followed many discussions on this since my first hybrid in 2006 and this is the first time I have read any discussion suggesting the 12v battery starts the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). You do realize a Toyota hybrid doesn’t have a starter motor? The Motor Generator 1 actually starts the ICE. It would seem to me that a 12V battery would likely be underpowered to spin MG1, not to mention restarting the ICE every time it cycles back on. I have included a description of the Toyota/Lexus system below and I will admit that it does not specifically answer this debate, but it is good background. I simply believe that government report is either wrong or at the very least, too generalized and not applicable to Toyota’s system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive

This next link provides a more direct answer, and I have read numerous others supporting this same conclusion: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/coronavirus...r-maintenance/
“To recap, Toyota hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors).”

Here is another general discussion about 12v batteries in hybrids from a manufacturer of replacement traction batteries which also matches my understanding: https://greenbeanbattery.com/hybrid-...two-batteries/

Bottom line: my understanding is the 12v battery on most modern hybrid drivetrains power accessories and lights, and cycle the relay(s) on the traction battery to apply power to MG1 in order to start the ICE.

Last edited by TechNut; Mar 13, 2023 at 09:53 AM.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 13, 2023 | 03:02 PM
  #9  
BCBrent's Avatar
BCBrent
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
Default

Originally Posted by TechNut
I don’t believe that is accurate for the Toyota/Lexus Synergy hybrid system. I have followed many discussions on this since my first hybrid in 2006 and this is the first time I have read any discussion suggesting the 12v battery starts the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). You do realize a Toyota hybrid doesn’t have a starter motor? The Motor Generator 1 actually starts the ICE. It would seem to me that a 12V battery would likely be underpowered to spin MG1, not to mention restarting the ICE every time it cycles back on. I have included a description of the Toyota/Lexus system below and I will admit that it does not specifically answer this debate, but it is good background. I simply believe that government report is either wrong or at the very least, too generalized and not applicable to Toyota’s system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive

This next link provides a more direct answer, and I have read numerous others supporting this same conclusion: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/coronavirus...r-maintenance/
“To recap, Toyota hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors).”

Here is another general discussion about 12v batteries in hybrids from a manufacturer of replacement traction batteries which also matches my understanding: https://greenbeanbattery.com/hybrid-...two-batteries/

Bottom line: my understanding is the 12v battery on most modern hybrid drivetrains power accessories and lights, and cycle the relay(s) on the traction battery to apply power to MG1 in order to start the ICE.
After reading the info you linked to, makes sense.

I own a 450H, it's a detail I never really considered.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nooblex
Hybrid Technology
4
Jun 27, 2022 09:49 AM
DW1
Maintenance
0
Jan 24, 2020 05:54 AM
Freds430
ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018)
15
Apr 9, 2019 09:10 AM
poplinux
Hybrid Technology
4
Jul 13, 2015 03:55 PM
andynoel78
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
1
Sep 12, 2014 10:18 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:57 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE