Tips for the 2026 Homecoming: Automotive Expert Advises Against Disconnecting the Battery of Electric and Modern Cars
As the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming period approaches, the trend of using electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia is increasing. However, there are special precautions that EV owners and owners of the latest cars must understand before leaving their vehicles in the garage for an extended period.
An automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, advises owners of modern vehicles not to arbitrarily disconnect the battery terminals. While disconnecting the battery was once considered a solution to prevent the battery from draining in older cars, this practice now carries high risks in modern cars.
According to Yannes, modern cars rely heavily on integrated electronic systems. Disconnecting the battery terminals can cause the system to reset automatically.
“In modern cars, this action can reset various systems, from memory settings and entertainment systems to the vehicle’s computer configuration, which can make it difficult to use again,” said Yannes when contacted on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).
Specifically for electric vehicles, Yannes emphasizes that the main battery (traction battery) should not be removed. In addition, the 12-volt auxiliary battery still plays a vital role.
Although EVs have a large battery for propulsion, the 12-volt battery is responsible for activating basic systems such as:
Starting the vehicle
Operating the lights
Activating the infotainment system
If this 12-volt battery has problems or is removed, the vehicle will not be able to operate even if the main battery is fully charged.
Yannes reminds that each type of vehicle has different technological characteristics. Vehicle owners are advised to read the owner’s manual or consult with an authorized workshop before taking any technical action on the electrical system of their electric vehicles.
(Ant/H-3)