Key Takeaways:

• The traction battery is the main energy source for hybrid and electric vehicles, replacing traditional gasoline engines. It needs active protection to ensure optimal performance.
• Leaving the shift lever in neutral for extended periods can drain the battery and trigger warning lights to protect it. Simply shifting to park can allow recharging to resume.
• Extremes of heat or cold, improper charging, excessive charge cycles, and deep discharges can reduce battery lifespan.
• Regular maintenance, moderate use, safety precautions, and avoiding damage are key to longevity. Most batteries last 10-15 years with proper care.

The transition to electric vehicles is well underway, with more options than ever providing eco-friendly transportation. But this progress relies on proper care of the sensitive traction batteries powering hybrid and fully electric cars. When warning lights appear saying traction battery needs protection, it signals low charge requiring action.

This comprehensive guide will explore the traction battery itself, explain the causes and fixes when protection is required, and provide tips for keeping your electric vehicle’s crucial power source in optimal condition for safety and longevity.

As hybrids and EVs gain popularity, understand how to respond when your car indicates the traction battery needs protection. Avoid being stranded with a dead battery by learning prevention strategies from battery charging to handling extremes of temperature. With knowledge and proper maintenance, your electric vehicle’s battery can deliver years of reliable service.

What is a Traction Battery?

The traction battery is the rechargeable energy storage device functioning essentially as the “gas tank” for electric and hybrid vehicles. By powering the electric motor(s), it propels the vehicle, replacing the traditional internal combustion engine and fuel tank.

Without gasoline, this battery pack is the driving force behind hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Types like lithium-ion have advantages for automotive use, including compact size, low weight, high capacity and voltage. The traction battery supplies vital electricity when accelerating, braking, powering accessories, and recharging through regenerative braking which captures energy when slowing down.

In a fully electric car, the battery must store sufficient energy for driving range exceeding 100 miles on a charge. In hybrids, the battery works in tandem with a gasoline engine to optimize efficiency through regenerative braking and electric-only propulsion when possible.

Keeping the traction battery in good operating condition is essential to the performance and range of any hybrid or electric vehicle.

Why Does the Traction Battery Need Protection?

The warning message about protecting the traction battery often appears when the state of charge is critically low. This vulnerable condition poses risks for the expensive battery component. Allowing discharge to continue unabated can permanently damage cells through deep depletion.

Another common cause is leaving the shift lever in the neutral position for extended driving durations. In neutral, the powertrain is disconnected from the wheels and regenerative braking cannot recharge the battery by capturing braking energy. Gradual drainage occurs since no electricity is replenished on deceleration.

To avoid harming the traction battery when warnings appear, promptly shift into park or drive mode. This allows charging to resume so the battery state of charge can recover to safe levels.

Running the battery too low too often will degrade its capacity over time. Fortunately, the vehicle’s protection systems alert the driver so steps can be taken before total discharge. Pay attention to these warnings and don’t ignore signs your traction battery needs protection from depletion or damage.

Solutions to Protect the Traction Battery

When you receive a message to protect the traction battery, follow these steps to safely recharge it:

Shift Out of Neutral – If you’ve been driving for a while in neutral, move the shift lever into park or drive mode. This re-engages charging capacity.

Turn Off Unneeded Electrical Loads – Switch off extra lights, seat heaters, fans and other power draws to reserve charge.

Recharge the Battery – Connect to a charging station or your home EVSE supply to replenish the battery as soon as possible.

Use Gas Engine More – In hybrid vehicles, rely on the gasoline engine for propulsion to reduce battery drain until recharged.

Avoid Total Discharge Cycles – Do not allow the battery to fully deplete. Recharge it well before 0% state of charge.

By promptly responding when your EV or hybrid says traction battery protection is needed, you can avoid breakdowns or battery damage. Use preventative measures for optimal performance and lifespan.

Tips to Keep Your Traction Battery in Great Shape

With proper care and precautions, today’s lithium-ion and other advanced EV batteries can last over a decade. Here are top tips for maximizing your traction battery’s service life:

• Adhere to the maintenance schedule – Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery inspections, testing, cleaning and maintenance. Professional technicians can catch issues early.
• Avoid temperature extremes – Keep your vehicle and its battery away from very high or very low temperatures as much as possible. Park in shaded and indoor areas whenever you can.
• Charge correctly – Always use the recommended charging equipment and follow guidelines to avoid over or undercharging. Overcharging especially degrades batteries over time.
• Monitor charging cycles – Be aware of how many partial and full charge cycles the battery has incurred. Limit unnecessary charging to conserve cycles.
• Use regularly – Drive your EV or hybrid regularly to keep the battery active. Prolonged non-use lets the charge level drop too far.
• Prevent deep discharges– Recharge before the state of charge gets critically low. Deep discharges can permanently reduce battery capacity.
• Protect from impact – Handle carefully when installing and avoid potholes or obstacles that could damage the battery case.
• Follow safety rules – Adhere to all manufacturer protocols for safe battery handling, storage, charging and disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traction Batteries

How long do EV and hybrid traction batteries last?

With proper maintenance and operating conditions, the typical lifespan ranges from 10-15 years. Some batteries last even longer, up to 20 years in a few cases. Avoiding extreme heat, cold and improper charging helps maximize service life.

Why does the battery drain when in neutral for extended driving?

In neutral, the gasoline engine disconnects from the drivetrain and regenerative braking can’t recharge the battery. Electricity to replenish the battery only flows while decelerating in drive. Leaving in neutral prevents this charging for long periods.

How can I tell if my traction battery needs service?

Warning lights, trouble codes, and diagnostic tests indicating low capacity, faulty cells or charging problems all mean service is required. Have your dealer inspect any of these battery-related alerts. Trying to drive despite warnings can damage the traction battery.

What should I do if my EV won’t start due to a dead traction battery?

Do not repeatedly attempt to start the motor, which taxes the low battery further. Call for roadside assistance, as heavy-duty jump starting may damage the battery if improperly done. The best option is recharging or towing to a charging station to revive the dead battery safely.

Does cold weather harm EV and hybrid batteries?

Very cold temperatures can reduce battery capacity. However, thermal management systems in modern traction batteries mitigate effects. Avoid leaving your vehicle sitting for weeks in sub-zero conditions. Park in a garage to minimize battery exposure to cold.

Conclusion

Protection of the traction battery is essential to keep your hybrid or electric vehicle running at peak efficiency. Pay attention to warning indicators and recharge promptly before deep discharge can occur. With proper maintenance and care to avoid damage, your traction battery can deliver many years and miles of reliable service. Be sure to follow all manufacturer directions on charging, handling and maintenance.