Quote:
Originally Posted by ksa8907
Do you have first hand experience? We have a 2012 and haven't had any issues with it the last 40k+miles we've had it. Anything I should be looking out for? I believe these use Toyota Prius battery NiMH cells.
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I have personally tested 3 of them. All were completely destroyed though normal use. I've assisted a dozen people remotely by processing their battery data captured through Torque Pro.
I'm also on a first name basis with someone who has intimate knowledge of the design of the GM hybrids, and some of the issues they had between their own decisions and issues with the pack as produced by Toyota/Panasonic.
The criteria for battery failure are such that the battery is completely ragged out by the time it registers a failure.
The battery is completely abused by excessive current primarily due to the high torque load at "launch" coupled with the spin-up of the big V8. The Prius limits the same components to 150A in rare cases. The GM will pull 220A+ routinely if romped.
Their cooling system is completely ineffective.
Here are your options:
- Gentle launches. Don't romp until the V8 is already spinning and can provide torque.
- Drive conservatively.
- Keep the interior as cool as possible during moderate to hot weather.
- Avoid use of recirculation while cooling. It can create a vacuum in the cabin and reduce the battery's ability to eject warm air.