How Does Prius Charge 12v Battery. You can also charge your Prius 12-volt auxiliary. The hybrid version doesnt ever need to be plugged in to recharge the battery because the Prius manages the battery charge itself and keeps it topped up using power from the gasoline engine andor power recovered during braking or decelerating.
Out of curiosity I asked at Costco about a 12v battery for a 3rd-genration Prius -- a Group 51 battery -- and they told me that they do not carry them and cannot special-order them. The 12v battery in Prius is a different animal and for a good reason. Turn on the car giving the charge and press the accelerator slightly to pass enough current to spark the battery in the Prius.
Thats why I recommend the procedure above.
When its time to give your battery some juice simply connect it to any standard wall outlet in your home using the supplied charging cable. There are special chargers designed to trickle charge your battery specifically. Connect the black cable to a stationary solid unpainted metallic point that is away from the 12 volt battery. Connect the black negative cable to the other vehicles black battery terminal.
