Are Hybrid Car Batteries Safe When Parked in Strong Sunlight?

Solo, KOMPAS.com — Hybrid vehicles are equipped with batteries located inside the cabin, specifically beneath the seats above the floor. This means the component can be exposed to heat when the vehicle is parked in strong sunlight for extended periods.

When a car is parked in intense sunlight, the cabin becomes like an oven, as the internal air temperature rises significantly. Therefore, a cooling system is in place when the system is operational.

Jayan Sentanuhady, a Mechanical Engineering lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), stated that hybrid vehicles fundamentally have no special restrictions against parking in strong sunlight. “This type of vehicle is designed to withstand various weather conditions, including hot temperatures,” Jayan told KOMPAS.com on Sunday (15 March 2026).

However, vehicle owners should ideally avoid frequently parking their cars directly in sunlight for extended periods. The battery is one of the critical components supporting the operation of the powertrain system. The battery is positioned in a relatively protected area, such as beneath the rear seats or in the boot section. This placement is intended to ensure safety whilst protecting the battery from direct external heat exposure.

Notably, the temperature inside a vehicle can be significantly higher than the temperature outside. “In this regard, manufacturers have already guaranteed that battery components remain protected from external heat exposure; they have undergone extreme heat testing, both when stationary and whilst driving,” said Jayan.