As the proud owner of a Toyota CH-R Hybrid for just on a year now, have become aware of a potential issue which may be of interest to some forum patrons who are Toyora Hybrid users, I believe there are a few.
While cleaning the car this week at home I inadvertantly left the "ignition" on, was cleaning the windows so needed the up/down electrics active.
For anyone unfamiliar with Toyota hybrids, pushing the power button once (without pressing the brake pedal) enables the radio which times out in approx 10 min's, pushing the power button twice (without pressing the brake pedal) powers up the 12 V. auxiliaries which won't time out.
Hands up, completely my fault, I forgot to switch off again, returned to the car in less than an hour and the 12 V. battery was completely flat.
Although the 12 V. battery does not actually crank the engine, it has to be healthy to enable the HV battery which does crank up the engine, so, car dead, won't start!
While surprised at the so rapid demise of the 12 V. battery I fully accept that I was at fault in this instance.
However, on visiting the Toyota help forum here:
https://mag.toyota.co.uk/coronavirus-toyota-hybrid-car-maintenance/comment-page-10/#commentsbecame aware that it's not such an uncommon occurance which has certainly become more pronounced with the current lock down situation and the very much lower vehicle usage in general.
Somewhat disappointingly, Toyota won't admit to any design issue, their suggested solution being to start the hybrid once a week for an hour if not in use where the petrol engine will charge the 12 V. battery via the HV battery.
Not really a very "green" solution for someone who has spent £30K plus on a hybrid!
Yes, a "smart" trickle charger, battery maintainer could be used, as I have no wish to disconnect the battery for charging with all the associated hassle, great care would have to be exercised in the choice of any charger applied without disconnection and any possible damage to the inverter/converter module, I'am sure Toyota would very quickly back out of any warrantly replacement if there was any hint of damage caused by an inappropriate charger.
Rather than go down the charger route, I have decided on this:
https://no.co/gb40Ordered from Halfords, not yet arrived.
Probably a bit overkill for a hybrid, the GB-20 (500 Amp) would have sufficed as the 12 V. battery does not crank the engine, however, as it's only £20 dearer though it would be more versatile for any possible usage on conventional petrol/diesel vehicles.
Yes, an appropriate smart trickle charger would certainly maintain the 12 V. battery provided I took the trouble to connect it, however, would not be much use away from home or after the car was parked up for a week at the airport with the possibility of a flat battery!
Will review the Noco GB-40 Lithium Jump Starter unit when it arrives if anyone is interested.