EV Owners Advised Not to Disconnect Vehicle Batteries During Extended Periods of Inactivity
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, advises users of electric vehicles (EVs) or newer internal combustion engine (ICE) cars not to disconnect the battery if the vehicle is left unused for an extended period.
EVs and newer ICE cars require different treatment when left unused for long periods, especially regarding their electrical and electronic systems. He advises owners of EVs or new cars not to arbitrarily disconnect the battery terminals as they would with older vehicles.
“For older cars, disconnecting the battery terminals can be an option to prevent the battery from draining or short-circuiting. But, in modern cars, this action can reset various systems,” said Yannes on Wednesday (25/2/2026).
Disconnecting the battery in cars with advanced electronic systems can disrupt memory settings, entertainment systems, and even the vehicle’s computer configuration, which can make it more difficult to use when it is used again.
Specifically for electric vehicles, he emphasizes that the main battery should not be removed. According to him, EVs still rely on a 12-volt battery to activate basic systems such as the computer, door locks, and control screens.
If this supporting battery has problems, the vehicle may fail to operate even if the main battery is in good condition. In addition to electrical aspects, Yannes reminds the importance of layered security.
Owners are advised to choose a parking location that is dry and not prone to flooding, activate the built-in locking system, and add security devices such as a steering wheel lock for the car.
He also reminds owners not to pull the handbrake too hard on conventional cars when parking for a long time to avoid the brakes sticking and to use wheel chocks on a flat surface for added safety.
“Each type of vehicle has different characteristics. Owners need to understand the technology used so as not to make mistakes when leaving it for an extended period,” said Yannes.