Just wanted to share my experience with anyone considering an early swap of their 12v battery. I replaced the original battery in our nearly two-year-old Ioniq 5 with a DieHard EV H5 (AGM) about three weeks ago. We hadn’t had any issues, but I noticed the yellow charging indicator more often and with winter approaching and my wife using the car daily, I didn’t want to take any chances. I opted for the DieHard over a regular AGM because it offers 30% greater deep cycle capability for just $10 more. I also considered an Optima yellow-top but was put off by the cost and recent quality concerns. Since the swap, the charging light has barely come on. It’s a relief not to see that light as often, and I feel we’re now better set for the colder months. Just thought I’d share for those pondering a similar proactive change. Time to handle the latest recall update next.
The 12-volt battery is the Achilles’ heel of EVs, PHEVs, and Hybrid vehicles. Unlike traditional cars, you can’t judge battery condition by slow engine cranking. Often, the first sign of trouble is when the car won’t power up or the doors won’t unlock.
After dealing with 3 bad batteries in various hybrid Toyotas, I’ve become very aware of battery condition. So, when I bought a 5-year-old Honda Clarity last year, I replaced the original battery on the second day of ownership.
For all EV owners: Carry a jump box, and if there’s an electric latch between you and your battery, add a pigtail that reaches an accessible location to charge the battery.
DieHard AGMs are solid, made by Odyssey. They’re often on sale, much better value than Optima these days.
Bryce said:
DieHard AGMs are solid, made by Odyssey. They’re often on sale, much better value than Optima these days.
Where do you find the best sales for these?
Where did you pick up that battery? I’m hitting the two-year mark and noticing more frequent charge lights.
Harley said:
Where did you pick up that battery? I’m hitting the two-year mark and noticing more frequent charge lights.
I got the DieHard EV AGM from Advance Auto Parts. They’re exclusive there; had to order it since it wasn’t in stock locally.
@Scout
Thanks! I’ll check if my local store has them in stock.
Had a similar experience. Replaced mine with a DieHard from Sam’s, and the frequent charging indicator issue stopped.
A few months back I warned about my 12V possibly dying, and it did. Had a portable jumper to get me home. Definitely keep a spare if you’re seeing that yellow light often.
Getting the latest software recall update might actually be more crucial for battery management than swapping to a new one.
Raleigh said:
Getting the latest software recall update might actually be more crucial for battery management than swapping to a new one.
True, but if the old battery is already degraded, the recall update alone might not suffice.
Did you change the battery yourself? I’m thinking about doing the same.
Frederick said:
Did you change the battery yourself? I’m thinking about doing the same.
Yes, I did it myself. It was pretty straightforward, just a few bolts. Much easier than dealing with it in the winter!
Where did you buy the battery? Some places install it for free if you buy it there.
Uma said:
Where did you buy the battery? Some places install it for free if you buy it there.
Most auto shops will install it for free, except Costco. But you can still drop off the old one there for a refund on the core charge.
Uma said:
Where did you buy the battery? Some places install it for free if you buy it there.
Got it at Advance Auto Parts, chose to install it myself. They usually offer installation though.
Proactive is good, but don’t replace things that aren’t broken. Monitoring the battery more scientifically might be better than just going off the indicator light.
Donna said:
Proactive is good, but don’t replace things that aren’t broken. Monitoring the battery more scientifically might be better than just going off the indicator light.
Fair point. I usually replace car batteries every few years as preventative maintenance, especially before winter.
Donna said:
Proactive is good, but don’t replace things that aren’t broken. Monitoring the battery more scientifically might be better than just going off the indicator light.
In my view, the peace of mind was worth the early swap, especially with the unpredictable winter temps here.
Does anyone know if you can jump-start the car using the V2L system if the 12v dies?