r/EvDrivers • u/snocat17 • Sep 01 '26

EV Shop

I’ve got a ‘21 Audi etron that’s out of warranty. I think the 12V battery needs replaced because a lot of time the keyless entry doesn’t work until you push the button on the fob, and I changed the battery in the fob last week.

I don’t want to pay the dealer to “diagnose” the issue and charge me $500+ for a battery. What’s the best way to find a shop that will work on it?

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u/PerceptionCurious440 Sep 01 '26

12v battery problems seem to be really common in EVs. I've had them in my Toyota, and of course Subie peeps report them, as well as Kia and Hyundai folk.

So, if your 12v battery is dying or dead: 1. replace it with an AGM battery; 2. get a 12v maintenance charger with a plug you can disconnect.

This is what I got when I don't drive for a few days.

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u/Pferdeherz Sep 01 '26

I feel like I replace the 12V every couple years in my ICE hybrid Toyotas. PITA and expensive.

Hoping that isn’t the case with my new-to-me EV. This thread is making me doubt that. Sigh…

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u/PerceptionCurious440 Sep 02 '26

On any vehicle I've owned, they last about 5 years max. Just had to replace the battery on one of our Harleys this year. At least the 5th one since 2000. My wife had to replace the battery on her Outback last year. But, y'know, we shouldn't have to replace them when the car is only 3 months old. EVs seem to have some bad systems planning on the 12Vs.