A shadow of the past lurks within the gleaming new world of electric vehicles (EVs): the humble 12-volt battery. This relic of gasoline-powered cars is proving surprisingly troublesome in some modern EVs, leading to unexpected breakdowns and frustrating owners.
David Finkelstein's story exemplifies this growing concern. His joy with his new Hyundai Ioniq 5 abruptly halted when the car repeatedly failed, leaving him stranded. The culprit? Not the high-tech lithium-ion battery powering the vehicle, but the unassuming 12-volt battery – the same type found under the hood of conventional cars for decades.
Reports of these 12-volt batteries dying prematurely in new EVs are rising. This unexpected issue catches many owners off guard, leading to online complaints and impacting high-profile launches from major brands like Hyundai, Rivian, and Cadillac. Regulatory probes have even been initiated to investigate the matter.
While these smaller batteries don't propel the car, they power essential systems like interior lights and electronics – features that are far more sophisticated and power-hungry in EVs. This constant "on" state leads to faster depletion compared to gas-powered vehicles, explains Amod Kumar, an industry analyst at S&P Global Mobility. Software glitches and hardware problems further exacerbate the drain, leaving some EVs vulnerable even when parked.
Finkelstein's ordeal ended with Hyundai repurchasing his troubled Ioniq 5 due to the recurring 12-volt battery woes. This incident highlights the frustration for consumers, especially considering these batteries are failing in near-new vehicles, potentially deterring potential EV buyers already facing transition anxieties.
The surprise factor is amplified by the fact that these rectangular 12-volt batteries, typically lasting 3-6 years, are often hidden away and easily overlooked by EV owners accustomed to the larger lithium-ion battery as the car's primary power source.
General Motors' Cadillac Lyriq provides another example. Early adopters faced sudden battery deaths, rendering their brand-new SUVs inoperable. The culprit? A software anomaly keeping the 12-volt battery constantly on even after powering down the vehicle. A dealer-administered software update addressed the issue.
Similarly, Rivian faced a situation where a sensor malfunction prevented the larger battery from recharging the 12-volt unit, leading to rapid depletion. A software update resolved the problem for the affected Rivian pickup truck and SUV owners.
The 12-volt battery troubles go beyond mere inconvenience. In some instances, they pose potential safety concerns. U.S. regulators are investigating specific model-year Hyundai Ioniq 5s and Kia EV6s after reports of batteries dying while driving, with occupants experiencing a loud "pop" before losing power. A preliminary review points to a control unit malfunction affecting the system's ability to recharge the 12-volt battery. Both Hyundai and Kia are addressing the issue with software updates and faulty part replacements, while cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The bigger challenge lies in the inherent limitations of the 12-volt system itself. It's outdated technology for these increasingly complex, computer-on-wheels EVs with ever-growing power demands. However, transitioning to a higher-voltage system presents significant hurdles.
"Wholesale changes" to the supply chain would be required, explains Bob Galyen, a battery consultant. Most car electronics are designed for 12 volts, necessitating specialized components for a higher-voltage system – parts that are currently hard to source.
Tesla, a pioneer in the EV space, has openly expressed dissatisfaction with traditional 12-volt batteries, recognizing them as a potential weak point. Their newest offering, the Cybertruck, embraces a 48-volt system. This allows for slimmer wiring while accommodating the truck's higher power needs.
"Forty-eight volts is the future for low-voltage design at Tesla and likely the rest of the industry in due course," declared Pete Bannon, a Tesla director, during a 2023 investor day presentation.
David Finkelstein's story may represent a temporary setback, but his transition to a Tesla Model 3 demonstrates his continued faith in EVs. While the 12-volt battery issue presents a current hurdle, the industry's focus on higher-voltage solutions paints a promising picture for the future of electric transportation.
