Last month, we explained how a hybrid petrol-electric car works, and highlighted the main hybrid components – hybrid battery, hybrid motor/generator(s), inverter, electronic control gear and 12V battery – and what they do. This time, with assistance from Richard Farwell of Hybrid Battery Solutions in Northampton, we will look at care and maintenance issues plus how to tell when things aren’t right and some cost-effective fixes.
From the start, I need to stress that repairing a hybrid battery is NOT DIY territory. Our coverage is therefore limited to care, basic fault-finding and specialist options to avoid big bills; anything over 50V is considered potentially hazardous; a hybrid battery’s internal voltage ranges from 100V to 800V! Then throw into the mix the high power produced by hybrid systems, and the chemicals and rare earth metals that the batteries contain, and it’s very clear why hybrid battery packs can easily kill you if not handled correctly. If you want to go any further than we are suggesting here, proper face-to-face professional training from a recognised provider is essential.
Hybrid battery care
But there’s still plenty you can do to look after a hybrid battery and the associated kit without touching anything internally. Like most rechargeable batteries, one thing hybrid batteries dislike is lack of use. They need ‘cycling’ regularly; Richard recommends driving a hybrid car at least once a week, and this is a condition of the warranty he gives on repaired/reconditioned hybrid batteries.
Watch too for a battery which seems to lose charge while standing over short periods, and/or quickly loses charge whilst setting
