I have a 2014 PIP with about 83,000 miles total, about half of which are EV miles based on best estimate. The engine keeps turning on after 30-60 seconds while I'm in EV mode when I first start driving. No AC or heat or any other accessories turned on. This used to happen every so often if I hadn't used the engine for a week in the summer or if it was cold (< 20 F) in the winter, but now it's happening every time I drive (it is still winter here so haven't tested above 40 F). After the engine warms up, it will switch back to EV mode. If I turn it off and drive again 10 minutes later, it does the same thing. The 12-volt starter battery had 83% health when I had it checked a month ago (after leaving an interior light on and it wouldn't start at all), but I keep wondering if the engine is turning on to charge the 12-volt because it's deficient? Or something else?
Something else. The engine does NOT directly charge the 12 V battery. That is done with an "inverter" from the HV battery. A lot of things can change slightly over 9 years and 83K miles. I suspect it's just old age.......kind of like my arthritis. It is still possible that a weak 12 V battery is contributing to that behavior......but I think it's a real long shot. Might want to have it tested again. With non-pip models, that can be an early warning sign of the HV battery getting weak.
how many miles of range is it estimating when you turn it on? are you sure the front defrost isn't on? have you tried a flat route under 30mph? definitely get the 12v load tested
This is only in the winter when temperature is low and its necessary to warm-up the engine just in case gas is needed. Mine is the same thing. Summer and spring it doesn't kick in.
