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I figured it had something to do with the current demand from the starter motor. &nbsp;thanks!
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I figured it had something to do with the current demand from the starter motor.  thanks!

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Recently the &quot;battery&quot; in my wife's Prius died. &nbsp;The AAA man had her purchase a new battery to start the engine which would then allow the hybrid batteries to charge. &nbsp;Which made me wonder why there is a small starter battery? &nbsp;Why can't they just use the hybrid array to start the engine?
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Recently the "battery" in my wife's Prius died.  The AAA man had her purchase a new battery to start the engine which would then allow the hybrid batteries to charge.  Which made me wonder why there is a small starter battery?  Why can't they just use the hybrid array to start the engine?

Why do Prius need a separate battery for starting the engine?

In addition to ignition, power and monitoring gauges and lights, today's motor vehicles feature computerized engines, transmissions and braking systems, electronic mapping systems, Bluetooth and Internet connectivity, sensors that detect other vehicles, motorized seats, and digital audio and video systems; several manufacturers are producing electric and hybrid automobiles and self-driving cars.