My winter daily drivers, which is what my 450h is, can sit for months at a time during the spring/summer/fall.
From my years of playing with RC toys I know NiMH batteries do self discharge over time and if you let them get too low they will not come back. I also know that over charging, including having a NiMH cell sitting on a trickle charger for extended periods, will also ruin the things.
Anyone know what the proper procedure is for caring for the traction battery if you don't drive the car for months at a time? Does a battery tender for the 12v battery do anything for the traction?
Of course I do like the 450h a lot, so I may just drive it to work at once a week. At 40 miles one way, it would probably take care of things fine.
From my years of playing with RC toys I know NiMH batteries do self discharge over time and if you let them get too low they will not come back. I also know that over charging, including having a NiMH cell sitting on a trickle charger for extended periods, will also ruin the things.
Anyone know what the proper procedure is for caring for the traction battery if you don't drive the car for months at a time? Does a battery tender for the 12v battery do anything for the traction?
Of course I do like the 450h a lot, so I may just drive it to work at once a week. At 40 miles one way, it would probably take care of things fine.
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I know a battery tender for the 12V would do nothing for the traction battery. Driving it once a while is probably your best bet.
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The manual says:
The only "official" way to maintain the battery otherwise, is to connect a special (aka see your dealer) charger to the traction battery port beside the left rear seat.
Quote:
if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes. If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealer.
Not sure how to define a few months, but the discharge rate is higher in warm temps. My own personal thoughts is every 45 to 60 days.if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes. If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealer.
The only "official" way to maintain the battery otherwise, is to connect a special (aka see your dealer) charger to the traction battery port beside the left rear seat.
