Will Heat Ruin A Hybrid Car Battery?



First, it is important to be aware that hybrid cars have two kinds of batteries. The first is the 12 volt battery which is the same as any other kind of car on the road. It resides under the hood and is subject to the same difficulties as any car battery in a hot climate.

The second battery is the large, high voltage battery which hybrid cars use to store energy that is used for propulsion. This is the battery that most people are worried about, since it is much more expensive to replace.

A. While living in a hot climate may be harder on a hybrid car battery than if the hybrid car were always in a moderate climate, this does not mean hybrid car batteries cannot withstand hot climates.

There are plenty of hybrid car owners in states like Arizona and Texas, as well as hybrid car owners in harsher climates like Australia and South Africa. Battery Warranty

Most hybrid cars have long warranties on the hybrid battery. For example the Toyota Prius has a 8 year/ 100,000 mile warranty. (And in some states like California this is extended to 10 year, 150,000 miles.)

Hybrid Car Batteries Are Protected From The Elements

Although hybrid cars have their 12 volt battery under the hood like a conventional car, the large high voltage hybrid battery packs are “hidden” within the passenger compartment.

The more comfortable you keep the cabin the happier the hybrid car battery will be.

Thermal Management

The battery packs on hybrid cars have thermal management systems built in to help regulate the temperature of the hybrid car battery pack. Hybrid cars protect their batteries. If the battery pack gets too hot the hybrid car battery management system would prevent the driver from “overusing” the battery. Full use of the battery is available once the hybrid battery temperature returns to an acceptable level.

Interior And Exterior Vents

Hybrid cars often have some type of vent inside the passenger compartment to take in cabin air to help cool the hybrid car battery. Hybrid car owners need to keep these vents free from obstructions like extra luggage or other personal items. Generally, there is also an exterior vent for the battery compartment as well, but I have never heard of a driver accidentally blocking these. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid has the exterior vent behind the driver’s side rear window.

Bottom Line Hybrid cars can be operated in hot climates. Taking extra steps to reduce interior temperatures and making sure nothing is blocking the battery pack's vents is helpful in keeping hybrid batteries healthy.