Hybrid Battery Failure & ICE

[agjake01]

Anyone know if you could still operate the LC under ICE power if the hybrid battery fails? I know the configuration of the LC hybrid is different from some of the other Toyota hybrids (which would render the vehicle inoperable upon failure).

Just wondering for the hypotheticals - hopefully 10-15 years from now.

 

[Teebo]

I believe I read that you could not. It is a smaller battery set-up vs standard hybrids so hopefully that means less money to replace 10-15 years from now.

 

[APIOQM]

I don’t know, but I would have assumed it could operate with only the ICE in the case of a hybrid system failure, at least in some sort of limp mode. If I remember correctly, this happened with my family’s old Prius. Also, I would not say the battery size is smaller than that of standard hybrids. The Prius battery is only 0.9 kWh, which is half the size of the 250 battery.

 

[Teebo]

It appears that you can drive with the hybrid system off.

 

[MarcMarc]

When Toyota references "the hybrid system", they are referring to the powertrain as a whole (the turbo 4-cylinder, battery, electric motor, etc.).

 

[Teebo]

That makes more sense.

 

[LC-120]

I believe I read that you could not. It is a smaller battery set-up vs standard hybrids so hopefully that means less money to replace 10-15 years from now.

1.87 kWh is not small for a hybrid vehicle. I do not know any bigger battery... Most of them 0.8 - 1.6 kWh.

 

[agjake01]

Found this on a Toyota dealer site - re the cost for replacement of Toyota hybrid batteries. I’m sure battery technology will evolve over the next decade, but that seems to at least be a manageable amount (especially compared to what I expect it will cost Rivian and Tesla owners).

https://www.beechmonttoyota.com/service/service-tips-tricks/hybrid-battery-cost/

HYBRID BATTERY REPLACEMENT COST​

How much does a hybrid battery cost? Generally, a hybrid battery replacement cost can range from $2,000 to $8,000.

 

[Teebo]

1.87 kWh is not small for a hybrid vehicle. I do not know any bigger battery... Most of them 0.8 - 1.6 kWh.

I obviously don't know jack about hybrid stuff.
I always imagined the batteries taking up most of the floor so it seemed small for my preconceived notion.

 

[Uncle_Spike]

1.87 kWh is not small for a hybrid vehicle. I do not know any bigger battery... Most of them 0.8 - 1.6 kWh.

My Wrangler 4xe is 17 kwh so I gotta agree with 1.87 being small =)

 

[agjake01]

Hopefully economies of scale will drive down replacement battery costs by the time we need them - remember Toyota is going to be using the same battery in the 4R and Tacomas, so there will be a ton of demand and replacement production.

 

[tnugen]

Anyone know if you could still operate the LC under ICE power if the hybrid battery fails? I know the configuration of the LC hybrid is different from some of the other Toyota hybrids (which would render the vehicle inoperable upon failure).

Just wondering for the hypotheticals - hopefully 10-15 years from now.

According to some sources:

• Hybrid battery failure: car usually still runs, but in reduced “gas-only” mode
• Not a full shutdown like a pure EV would experience
• You lose performance and efficiency, but not basic mobility

Even though it can move, driving with a failed hybrid battery is not ideal:
Reduced power (noticeable in hills/off-road)

• Possible warning lights and reduced systems
• Potential drivability restrictions depending on failure type
• Not intended for long-term use

 

[overtrail887]

But if you run out of gas can you run full electric?

 

[WookieBait]

But if you run out of gas can you run full electric?

Try it and report back.

 

[MSINAL]

But if you run out of gas can you run full electric?

I doubt it, but dont know, because we dont have the EV button. In our rav4 hybrid, saleslady told us to use the EV button when we run out of gas. Hybrid Highlanders have the EV button too.

 

[overtrail887]

I doubt it, but dont know, because we dont have the EV button. In our rav4 hybrid, saleslady told us to use the EV button when we run out of gas. Hybrid Highlanders have the EV button too.

I didn’t know an EV button existed and now I want someone to make a tune where that is an option.

 

[GR8Santini]

Little digging & found there lots of info out there on the LC hybrid system -

LC appears to have at least 2 different hybrid specs around the world. Specific to North America, the hybrid side of the LC hybrid system is very close to what is in both 2023-2026 Sequoia & 2022-2026 Tundra in specs. Of course the LC conventional engine is a 2.4L 4cyl, while Tundra & Sequoia have the 3.4L TT V-6. But the hybrid drive appears close to the same in specs in the 3 vehicles. Directly behind the hybrid system the LC uses an 8spd AT, while Sequoia & Tundra have 10spd. The battery location varies from specific vehicle. We traded a ‘23 Sequoia in on our LC, & loved the Sequoia power, but with kids in college was time to downsize. The LC battery packaging is much better than the Sequoia - which had a very high rear cargo area making loading (challenging for a 5’ wife) & the 3rd row passengers felt like they were in stadium seating w/ knees in their chins!

LC hybrid system is:
288v System, 1.87 kWh NiMH Battery, 48HP Motor w/ 187 lb-ft Torque

The key to LC is it is a Hybrid Assist integrated in the driveline between the 2.4L ICE & transmission. Toyota calls it a Parallel Hybrid Assist. Provides very limited low speed EV operations, & primarily is designed as an integrated, seamless, supplemental power assist. The key here is that it adds power & torque to the driveline system before the transmission.

It IS NOT a High Power Traction drive motor system like conventional hybrid vehicles (RAV4, Sienna, Tesla, etc). These normally use from 1 to 4 electric motors providing power to the actual drive wheel system. FWD vehicles are an easy OE hybrid packaging solution. Keep reading LC owners expecting conventional hybrid MPG improvements & operations, and our LC system is really about power addition - making a smaller engine much more robust.

Read an article that some LC in other world markets have a smaller 48v Li-ion battery system. Toyota seems focused on hybrids. They just built a new battery plant in NC, so good chance hybrids are going to keep growing in the Toyota lineup. Our lifestyle (miles travelled) I’ll take hybrid over EV.