One of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns in Australia is a flat or failed battery. This issue is not just an inconvenience for novated lease drivers but a significant pain point for fleet managers, often resulting in vehicle downtime, delayed operations, and increased costs. Hyundai and Kia have introduced a simple yet innovative solution in their hybrid vehicles: the 12V battery reset button. This small feature has the potential to save fleet managers substantial time and frustration, making it a key consideration for fleet vehicle selection.
Understanding the Problem
Flat 12V batteries are a widespread issue, especially in older vehicles or during seasonal weather changes. When a battery goes flat, drivers typically resort to roadside assistance, jumper leads, or portable jump starters. While these methods can resolve the problem, they come with considerable delays and inconvenience. For fleets, where time is money, waiting for roadside assistance is not always a viable option. A single flat battery incident can disrupt schedules, inconvenience drivers, and lead to operational inefficiencies.
How the 12V Battery Reset Button Works
Hyundai and Kia hybrid vehicles feature a high-voltage hybrid battery as part of their powertrain. This larger battery not only drives the hybrid system but also serves as a reserve power source. The 12V battery reset button allows the vehicle to draw a small amount of power from the hybrid battery to recharge the 12V battery, which is responsible for starting the engine and powering essential systems.
If the vehicle detects that the 12V battery is draining abnormally or nearing depletion, the hybrid system stores a small reserve of power in the hybrid battery. Should the 12V battery go flat, the driver can press the reset button to transfer this stored power to the 12V battery, enabling the vehicle to start without external assistance. This ingenious system eliminates the need for jumper cables or external devices and gets the vehicle back on the road in seconds.
Benefits for Fleet Managers
For fleet managers, the 12V battery reset button is a game-changer. It addresses one of the most frequent causes of vehicle downtime, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. By eliminating the need for roadside assistance or jump-starting equipment, this feature not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with breakdowns. Additionally, it enhances driver satisfaction by providing a quick and reliable solution to an otherwise frustrating problem.
A Competitive Edge in Vehicle Selection
When comparing vehicles for fleet use, seemingly minor features like the 12V battery reset button can make a significant difference. This functionality highlights the attention to detail in Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid designs, offering fleet managers a practical advantage that can influence purchasing decisions. Moreover, this feature is a reminder of the evolving role of technology in addressing everyday challenges in vehicle operations.
A Forward-Thinking Solution
The 12V battery reset button in Hyundai and Kia hybrids showcases an innovative approach to solving a common issue. It’s surprising that similar systems are not yet standard in other hybrid and electric vehicles, which also rely on 12V batteries for critical functions. As fleet managers increasingly adopt hybrids and electric vehicles, features like this become valuable differentiators.
