Hi All,
Its been a while since I last posted anything on this forum, although have been lurking from time to time. I am very close to purchasing a Honda e as I live in Central London and always thought it's the perfect car for this place. One question I have is does this car suffer from any vampire drain issues regarding the main battery? I know the Tesla does which was a bit annoying but wanted to know if there is any vampire drain on the Honda e left overnight or for even a week? Thanks.
Vampire Drain
I got my e delivered last May, brand new.
In July, I went away for 19 days to the UK to visit family. The only preparation I did beforehand was to turn off the climate preconditioning schedule so that the car didn't waste its time heating itself up every morning and afternoon.
I left the car on the drive with 85% battery. When I came back, it was at 83%. Zero issues with this kind of drain at all.
Some people have reported issues with the 12v battery, outside that there are no significant battery issues with the car. The 12v battery issues are solved by changing out to a battery with a higher rating if they're experienced.
In July, I went away for 19 days to the UK to visit family. The only preparation I did beforehand was to turn off the climate preconditioning schedule so that the car didn't waste its time heating itself up every morning and afternoon.
I left the car on the drive with 85% battery. When I came back, it was at 83%. Zero issues with this kind of drain at all.
Some people have reported issues with the 12v battery, outside that there are no significant battery issues with the car. The 12v battery issues are solved by changing out to a battery with a higher rating if they're experienced.
Icelandic Advance Limited Edition in Premium Crystal Red on 17" rims
Registered May 2023
Home Type 2 Charging & Free Work Type 2 Charging! Woo!
ODO - 14100km
Registered May 2023
Home Type 2 Charging & Free Work Type 2 Charging! Woo!
ODO - 14100km
I haven't noticed any HV battery loss at all - but I am not range conscious as my commutes are very small so i don't note the percentage at all. Its likely to fluctuate maybe 1 or 2% based on temperature...
What I would ask is are you primarily concerned about achieving the total expected range over a long time period, or just worried about losing range because you might not be able to charge in the expected timeframe?
The reason I ask is that there is a caveat.
The official mileage is listed as ~120miles in good weather, dropping as it gets colder. You will not get the total mileage over several shorter journeys. Suddenly, your 120/miles you think you can make last a week will be impossible. my commute is ~12miles each way, and a quick pop to the shops at lunch time half the days. After 2 days of use, I'm normally down to 50% or less in this cold weather. The car is parked outside, and the battery will lose all its heat.
So I would say if your concern is 'can I make 120miles in a week' without worrying about phantom drain, it's the wrong question to ask. Shorter journeys are less efficient due to having to heat the battery each time.
On the other hand, if your concern is 'if I leave the car parked up for a week, will it work' , then you might be out of luck there as well. 12v battery drain issues seem common. At the least, invest in a handheld jump pack that you keep in the glovebox, and learn how to unlock the car manually when its dead and jump start the car back to life (its easy enough, but just be ready for it). At the worst, you might need to splash ~£100 on a new 12v battery. Invariably the original ones are a bit old now, been sitting around in dealers half flat and are generally on their way out even on new cars. There are a few ways that the 12v battery can go flat, and we don't know for sure what causes it. Mine happened when parked up for 2 weeks which was partially expected. Then once it happened randomly one morning after having used the car normally for many days. Spare car to the rescue...
What I would ask is are you primarily concerned about achieving the total expected range over a long time period, or just worried about losing range because you might not be able to charge in the expected timeframe?
The reason I ask is that there is a caveat.
The official mileage is listed as ~120miles in good weather, dropping as it gets colder. You will not get the total mileage over several shorter journeys. Suddenly, your 120/miles you think you can make last a week will be impossible. my commute is ~12miles each way, and a quick pop to the shops at lunch time half the days. After 2 days of use, I'm normally down to 50% or less in this cold weather. The car is parked outside, and the battery will lose all its heat.
So I would say if your concern is 'can I make 120miles in a week' without worrying about phantom drain, it's the wrong question to ask. Shorter journeys are less efficient due to having to heat the battery each time.
On the other hand, if your concern is 'if I leave the car parked up for a week, will it work' , then you might be out of luck there as well. 12v battery drain issues seem common. At the least, invest in a handheld jump pack that you keep in the glovebox, and learn how to unlock the car manually when its dead and jump start the car back to life (its easy enough, but just be ready for it). At the worst, you might need to splash ~£100 on a new 12v battery. Invariably the original ones are a bit old now, been sitting around in dealers half flat and are generally on their way out even on new cars. There are a few ways that the 12v battery can go flat, and we don't know for sure what causes it. Mine happened when parked up for 2 weeks which was partially expected. Then once it happened randomly one morning after having used the car normally for many days. Spare car to the rescue...
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- Joined: Wed May 12, 2021 4:38 pm
Thanks for the reply Verone. That is a relief to know it's nothing like the Tesla Model S (2018) I had which was notorious for the battery drain. Currently I have a Mini electric that is really great with no vampire drain even after week or two of no use. As far as the 12v battery is concerned, I think I will have to carry a portable jump starter pack like many here have suggested. Once the warranty has ended then I will check out some lithium iron batteries as many of you have recommended.
EEEE, from what you have stated, I think I should be more concerned with the smaller battery (12v) drain, as I am in Central London so don't really use the car much as most people would living outside a busy city. Plus I work from home so don't really have to worry about long commute either. So yes, I will definitely be getting a jump starter pack from Amazon. Thanks!
EEEE, from what you have stated, I think I should be more concerned with the smaller battery (12v) drain, as I am in Central London so don't really use the car much as most people would living outside a busy city. Plus I work from home so don't really have to worry about long commute either. So yes, I will definitely be getting a jump starter pack from Amazon. Thanks!

I had issues with 12v which were resolved by freeing up the passenger door handle. It's common for a 12v to lose juice over time, mine has a 12v battery monitor so I can see drain on that.
A booster resolved that.
My traction battery doesn't noticeably drain
A booster resolved that.
My traction battery doesn't noticeably drain
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- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed May 12, 2021 4:38 pm
I think he means it was stuck or glitching out, and the car was burning power trying to close/open the handle repeatedly.firewire71 wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 9:42 pmI'm sorry but what do you mean by "freeing up the passenger door"? You mean there's a setting to only remotely open the drivers door like in Tesla?
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- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed May 12, 2021 4:38 pm
ahh, got it, thanks. I'm going to check the manual to see if there's a setting to just have the driver's door open automatically in order to minimise the wear on the passenger door handle mechanism.
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