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Hybrids in warm weather areas.

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#21 ·
Yuma said:
I have read so many posts about the affects of cold weather on the RAV4 hybrid (hybrids in general).
Are there any issues with hot climates? One possible concern is Lithium-Ion batteries expanding. I know there are a few RAVs sold in the desert southwest, so any issues or concerns?
How is mpg affected (other than using the A/C a lot)?
I have a deposit on a 2022 Japanese Limited edition so I'm wanting to make sure I won't have any regrets.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Just keep the A/C on for the battery, and I make sure the rear A/C vents are always pointed down and to the right and the floor is clear of obstructions so the air goes to the battery fan input.
 
#22 ·
Yuma said:
I have read so many posts about the affects of cold weather on the RAV4 hybrid (hybrids in general).
Are there any issues with hot climates? One possible concern is Lithium-Ion batteries expanding. I know there are a few RAVs sold in the desert southwest, so any issues or concerns?
How is mpg affected (other than using the A/C a lot)?
I have a deposit on a 2022 Japanese Limited edition so I'm wanting to make sure I won't have any regrets.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I have had 8 different hybrids, a Honda, 6 Toyotas and a Ford. ALL were adversely affected by the cold, primarily in some cases with a significantly reduced mpg. Also, the 12v batteries tend to be small for the size of the vehicle and discharge quickly. Hybrids like warm weather to a point. If the batteries get too hot there are issues with the output. That is why there are vent ports, usually inside the vehicl, to prevent overheating. Make sure those vents are free and clear of any obstructions. Other than that, no issues with summer heat!
 
#23 ·
Pgpotter said:
I have had 8 different hybrids, a Honda, 6 Toyotas and a Ford. ALL were adversely affected by the cold, primarily in some cases with a significantly reduced mpg. Also, the 12v batteries tend to be small for the size of the vehicle and discharge quickly. Hybrids like warm weather to a point. If the batteries get too hot there are issues with the output. That is why there are vent ports, usually inside the vehicl, to prevent overheating. Make sure those vents are free and clear of any obstructions. Other than that, no issues with summer heat!
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This 100%. Especially if you're a dog owner. They can easily be vacuumed out with a shop vac in about 10 minutes.
 
#24 ·
Yuma said:
I have read so many posts about the affects of cold weather on the RAV4 hybrid (hybrids in general).
Are there any issues with hot climates? One possible concern is Lithium-Ion batteries expanding. I know there are a few RAVs sold in the desert southwest, so any issues or concerns?
How is mpg affected (other than using the A/C a lot)?
I have a deposit on a 2022 Japanese Limited edition so I'm wanting to make sure I won't have any regrets.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
I have run mine for 35k miles based in Casa Grande. Avg 39 mpg when I keep my foot under control. No issues. I recently added a split to my garage to keep it cooled when home. Took it down to Tucson at 117 degrees no problem.
 
#25 ·
As others have said, I would highly recommend getting a ceramic window tint. It makes a world of a difference, It doesn't matter as much what % the tint is, it just has has to be heat reducing.

I live in an area with 90-100 degree heat for 6 months out of the year and no issues.
 
#26 ·
I saw plenty of posts about the vehicle experience but none specifically addressed the safety of Li-ion batteries. Modern Li-ion batteries typically have an acceptable maximum of up to 60 deg C (140 deg F) with a risk of damage if their operating temperature exceeds 80 deg C (176 deg F). The batteries should perform optimally when their temperature is in the range of 100 - 115 deg F. This probably explains why owners see no problems in Texas or Arizona summers. Here in Tennessee we rarely reach 100 deg F and our humidity doesn't bother the batteries.
 
Discussion starter · #27 · (Edited)
I did a 300+ mile trip today. From the Southwest Desert to the mountains of California. Altitude verys from below sea level to 5,100 + ft and the temperature was 101~114 in the desert to 89~95 in the mountains. I added 8.04 gallons when I returned to my town. The display said 38.4 mpg and my actual was 37.4. I am loving it. My 2010 4 cylinder would only do 25~27 at best.
So, thank you for your replies and I'm not worried now.

Yuma
 
#28 · (Edited)
GalvSteel said:
I saw plenty of posts about the vehicle experience but none specifically addressed the safety of Li-ion batteries. ....
Click to expand...
If you have a Rav 4 Hybrid (not Prime) odds are you don't have a Li-ion battery, but a NiMh traction battery. At least our US built 2021 RAV4 Hybrid LE has a NiMh battery. Look at the label under your hood.
By the way, on a recent long drive up to Canada, about 550 miles, we averaged 42.8 MPG. We could have done the drive on the last fillup, when we left Vermont !
 
#29 ·
skier6 said:
If you have a Rav 4 Hybrid (not Prime) odds are you don't have a Li-ion battery, but a NiMh traction battery. At least our US built 2021 RAV4 Hybrid LE has a NiMh battery. Look at the label under your hood.
By the way, on a recent long drive up to Canada, about 550 miles, we averaged 42.8 MPG. We could have done the drive on one fillup, when we left Vermont !
Click to expand...

My Rav4 built 2022 --LE,,has a NIMh battery....
Technology on the car is fantastic, quite amazing...🙂

My understanding, Toyota will use Li-ion batteries going forward, with all trim levels in 2023
 
#31 ·
Yuma said:
As skier6 said (thank you), check. Will I did and I have the Li-ion battery pack. I will have my windows tinted and I have the front window cover when parked. I am also checking on the Weather Tech window vents. I had those on my 2010 and they do make a difference.
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For some unknown reason, Weather Tech does not make vent visors for the Gen 5 Rav yet, but auto clover does. I purchased these in black and am happy with them. Also, make sure you spring for ceramic tint, it blocks way more heat.

Amazon.com: AUTOCLOVER Side Window Vent Visor 6 Piece Set for Toyota Rav4 2019 2020 2021 2022 (Chrome) : Automotive
 
#33 ·
skier6 said:
One other thing to consider, get one of those silver mylar(?) front window sun shade covers, you install, on the inside, when you park your car.
Especially if you park facing the sun. They will keep the interior of your car much cooler. I always tried to park under a tree, when I had a rental car, in Las Vegas. Then I would drive out to Red Rocks for rock climbing, or just hiking around.
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A windshield cover does make a huge difference. Back when I was in high school, my science teacher got some measuring devices to try out. They were these little waterproof boxes that measured temperature and light over time and they worked for days before needing to be recharged. She asked if anybody would like to do a project with them as she’d win a set if the manufacturer ranked our project #1.

I tossed one in my untinted ‘05 Focus that was parked in the school lot and did a few trials: sunshade vs no sunshade. Peak temperature in the car with no sunshade was consistently 160+ F. The sunshade lowered temps to about 130 F. Apparently that was enough to win her a set of those gadgets for her classroom :D
 
#34 ·
skier6 said:
If you have a Rav 4 Hybrid (not Prime) odds are you don't have a Li-ion battery, but a NiMh traction battery. At least our US built 2021 RAV4 Hybrid LE has a NiMh battery. Look at the label under your hood.
By the way, on a recent long drive up to Canada, about 550 miles, we averaged 42.8 MPG. We could have done the drive on the last fillup, when we left Vermont !
Click to expand...
I believe NiMh batteries are used in cold weather climates as they offer better performance than LiOn batteries.
 
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