BAD!!! Mistake #1
Long-term storage
- Thread starter DM-CO
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- #22
Thank you. Interesting. So for 6-8 months of LC storage you’re thinking that nothing “different’ needs to be done than what would be done on a traditional ICE vehicle. You don’t envision any issues with the traction battery?
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Envision being the key word and using household NiMH batteries as a proxy, there is a very low penalty for letting the traction battery sit. You may see some decreased fuel efficiency after returning to recharge it but other than that I'm having a tough time coming up with ill effects even if traction battery SOC got very low?
Exactly, I feel quite certain that a tender and circuitry within the LC will address a "low to no voltage scenario".
It is a bit ironic that in an EV, for most it is better to leave the actual HV battery set at, pick your number 50-80%, and not bother with plugging it in...unless it becomes long term like you mention, then leave on actual charger. There is indeed a lot of debate on this topic. Cars sit on lots for months at a time with 12V batteries disconnected...I have not heard or seen any info on hybrid batteries suffering from this.........hmmmmm. If it was a plug in hybrid, I'd just leave it plugged in with a max charge level set to depending on NMH or Li type. I always looked at our batteries as being readily charged up, run to zero, etc. Many Plug in hybrids , like the Tonale I had as a loaner would give you full Ev till exhausted, then be full gas...no EV till recharge basically as regen was weak.
It is a bit ironic that in an EV, for most it is better to leave the actual HV battery set at, pick your number 50-80%, and not bother with plugging it in...unless it becomes long term like you mention, then leave on actual charger. There is indeed a lot of debate on this topic. Cars sit on lots for months at a time with 12V batteries disconnected...I have not heard or seen any info on hybrid batteries suffering from this.........hmmmmm. If it was a plug in hybrid, I'd just leave it plugged in with a max charge level set to depending on NMH or Li type. I always looked at our batteries as being readily charged up, run to zero, etc. Many Plug in hybrids , like the Tonale I had as a loaner would give you full Ev till exhausted, then be full gas...no EV till recharge basically as regen was weak.
The traction batteries would have to get severely discharged before bad things are possible with them. How long it takes and at what temperatures are the unknowns?
I'd want someone to drive it 30-45 minutes twice a month. Short of that, I'd do a trickle charger and a heater for the garage that you feel you can trust to provide a better margin for the traction batteries.
You're going to have horribly fuel diluted oil from idling via remote starts and that's not worth the accelerated ICE wear to me. There are oil results posted on here showing fuel dilution from remote starts and idling to warm up in much shorter periods of time that show right at minimum viscosity. The heater in the garage will minimize that as it will hit operating temp and moves into closed loop quicker that way.
I'd want someone to drive it 30-45 minutes twice a month. Short of that, I'd do a trickle charger and a heater for the garage that you feel you can trust to provide a better margin for the traction batteries.
You're going to have horribly fuel diluted oil from idling via remote starts and that's not worth the accelerated ICE wear to me. There are oil results posted on here showing fuel dilution from remote starts and idling to warm up in much shorter periods of time that show right at minimum viscosity. The heater in the garage will minimize that as it will hit operating temp and moves into closed loop quicker that way.
My vote for your stuff-
Air up the tires or jack stands, a tender on the storage battery and let it sit. Unless the garage gets stupid-cold and stays that way, forget the heater and trust the tender
Air up the tires or jack stands, a tender on the storage battery and let it sit. Unless the garage gets stupid-cold and stays that way, forget the heater and trust the tender
IMO, just disconnect the 12v battery and leave it be. The worst thing that could happen (which I highly doubt as mine has sat for 3 moths without being started) is the hybrid battery is low or flat and you'll need to drive it a lot, leave the engine running for awhile or , worst case a dealer visit (which should be covered under warranty).
Not worrying about unattended trickle charging for an extended period, is better than worrying about a discharged hybrid battery. After all many LCs sit in holding yards for months awaiting dealer delivery. There is a procedure from Toyota that dealers preform prior to delivery and it involves topping off the batteries.
Not worrying about unattended trickle charging for an extended period, is better than worrying about a discharged hybrid battery. After all many LCs sit in holding yards for months awaiting dealer delivery. There is a procedure from Toyota that dealers preform prior to delivery and it involves topping off the batteries.
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- #28
Seems like we have crowd-sourced an answer from folks: essentially “don’t worry about the traction battery.” I really appreciate all the suggestions and thoughts.
Given the apparent “electric” direction of the automotive industry, I’m going to need to learn the quirks and benefits of hybrids sooner or later. Thank you all.
Given the apparent “electric” direction of the automotive industry, I’m going to need to learn the quirks and benefits of hybrids sooner or later. Thank you all.
I wouldn’t worry too much about batteries, if you’re planning on going to Mars, it’s one way trip!
Toyota released a TSB in July 2026 on their conservative storage recommendations T-SB-0002-26 Rev1
If mine,
If mine,
- Fill it up w/ fresh gas & add Stabil
- Drive it around the day before to get a decent hybrid charge
- Put it in the garage
- Air tires to 42#
- Plug in NOCO G5 to the 12v battery
- Take uber to airport
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