Every Morning My 2020 Ioniq EV Is Dead and I Need To Boost The 12V Battery, But Dealership's Urgent Order Has 70 on Back Orders

I saw this post today on the "Ioniq Forum" (posted by: chiz75 from Nova Scotia, Canada) explaining how his 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV (38 KWH) was dead every morning, and how he needs to boost the 12v battery in his vehicle:

“Hey All,

I am located in Nova Scotia Canada, every morning my 2020 Ioniq EV (38KWh) is dead and I need to boost the 12v. I called over a dozen local parts places, but they don't even have the part listed. The dealership put in an urgent order but says there are 70 on backorder and it could be months.

Is anyone able to help? Does anyone know where I can get one? What a situation to be in over a 12v battery.

For now, I’m going to get a trickle charge and hook that up overnight, because when the 12V dies, the charging stops, after I boosted today, I only had a 150-km (about 95 miles) range.

Part # on my battery under my hood is 151R-450

Thanks!”

Many other people sympathized with how frustrating it is to deal with a dead 12V battery, especially when it impacts the charging of his Ioniq EV, and since he is in Nova Scotia and struggling to find a replacement.

There were some helpful comments and tips from others who have experienced similar issues:

Hitstirrer writes:

“Almost any 12v battery will work. EVs don't even need a high-power battery because they don't have to crank over a cold engine. Starting an EV just involves throwing a couple of small relays. The only real consideration is the physical size of a replacement and being able to fit into the battery carrier and bolting down properly. As well as the terminals being placed to match where the battery leads are and the right way around. For sure, you don't need an OEM battery that has a month-long delivery time.

In fact, many people take this kind of opportunity to fit a more suitable AGM 12v battery that can handle deep cycles better than the OEM standard lead/acid battery. I would be spending a bit of quality google time to find one of these of the right dimensions.

I would also be ringing someone like this to discuss the options. Car Battery Repair Service Halifax, NS | Auto Battery Replacement Near Me”

Another group member- HandyAndy says:

“The problem with "Leisure" deep-cycle batteries is getting one small enough to fit the car! I looked for one w/o success, as these tend to be rather large-capacity items.

I use Tayna.co.uk to check the sizes available, also what size the terminal posts are. Here in the UK, we have UK-sized terminal posts, at least on my '38, but I ended up getting a Yuasa YBX 5056 battery that was the correct case-size but just happened to have the smaller Japanese posts. (There was a Yuasa YBX 3056 with UK-size posts, but specs/guarantee wasn't quite so good). So I made up a couple of shims to make up the difference, and you can get these on e.g. eBay, etc. Tayna lets you search by size which is great for finding different makes.
Battery Wizard - Enter Dimensions to find your Battery

Do double-check the layout of the terminal posts, these vary on the PHEV/EV models!”

Another group member – ‘Leafocaster’ shared his experience:

“I also replaced the failing original 12v battery on my Ioniq with a Yuasa YBX 5056. Exact match, same size, and correct terminal posts using shims that were included”

Some other ideas and tips that might be helpful for other EV owners are:

Local Auto Parts Stores:

 While it appears you already checked several, consider calling more specialized auto parts stores or battery suppliers. Sometimes, they might have different suppliers or can order it for you.

Online Retailers:

Websites like Amazon, eBay, or specialized auto parts retailers may have the battery or be able to ship it directly to you. Make sure to check if they ship to Canada.

Hyundai Forums or EV Communities:

Engaging with online forums specific to Hyundai or electric vehicles can connect you with others who might have faced similar issues. They might have leads on where to find the part or alternatives.

Local Mechanics:

Sometimes independent mechanics or auto repair shops have access to parts that dealerships don’t. It might be worth checking with them.

Trickle Charging:

While you're managing with a trickle charge, ensure that the connections are secure and monitor the battery's condition. It might be a temporary fix but can help keep you going until you find a replacement.

Contact Hyundai Customer Service:

They might have additional resources or suggestions for sourcing parts, especially if dealerships are experiencing delays.

Hopefully, one of these options will help you find the battery you need soon.

As you navigate the quirks of owning an electric vehicle, you're not alone in weighing the pros and cons of different powertrains. If you're wondering how the Hyundai Ioniq lineup stacks up across its EV, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid options, don’t miss this in-depth comparison: Hyundai Ioniq Test: Which Did We Like Best – EV, Plug-In, or Hybrid?. It’s a great read for anyone deciding which model best fits their lifestyle.

It is worth noting that Hyundai is leading the way among many other manufacturers in the field of  Battery Technology Advancements with important partnerships announced recently to explore market-changing innovations in battery design. In 2023 the Hyundai Motor Group and Seoul National University opened Joint Battery Research Center to Secure Global EV Leadership.

Would like to see more articles relating to the Hyundai Ioniq EV? Why not check out the article below, which might be interesting for anyone considering either buying or leasing a Hyundai Ioniq EV where the question of Leasing v buying is discussed, in relation to rebates.

By the way, if you're curious about why many drivers are turning to Hyundai's EVs despite challenges like this, check out this fascinating story about choosing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 over a Tesla for its smooth ride and unique appeal: Surrounded by Tesla Owners, I’m Choosing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for Its Smooth Ride and Unique Appeal.

David Black specializes in vehicle technology in his writing. David's focus at Torque News is mainly in electric vehicles and you can follow him on X and on LinkedIn for tips and suggestions.