The short answer: only the plug-in hybrid Pacifica (the Pacifica Hybrid) uses two batteries—one traditional 12-volt battery and a high-voltage lithium-ion pack for propulsion. The gasoline-powered 2019 Pacifica uses a single 12-volt battery.
Battery configurations by model
Understanding how the two battery systems differ requires looking at the two main variants offered in 2019.
- Gasoline-powered Pacifica (non-hybrid): has one 12-volt lead-acid battery that powers starting, ignition, and basic electrical systems. There is no high-voltage battery for propulsion.
- Pacifica Hybrid (plug-in): includes two batteries—a standard 12-volt battery plus a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack (about 16 kWh) used to drive the vehicle in electric mode and support hybrid operation.
The configuration chosen affects charging needs, electric driving capability, and maintenance considerations. The high-voltage pack is charged via external electricity and during operation, while the 12-volt battery is kept charged by a DC-DC converter from the high-voltage system.
How the two batteries function together
In the gasoline Pacifica, the 12-volt battery handles starting and accessories as in most modern gas-powered vehicles. In the Pacifica Hybrid, the high-voltage battery provides propulsion for electric or blended operation, and the vehicle’s systems manage the voltage conversion to keep the 12-volt battery ready for use when starting the car or powering standard accessories. Safety and servicing for the high-voltage system require trained technicians and proper procedures.
Maintenance and safety considerations
The 12-volt battery generally follows standard vehicle-specified replacement intervals. The high-voltage battery in the Pacifica Hybrid is not user-serviceable; service and diagnostics should be performed by qualified technicians under Chrysler’s safety guidelines for high-voltage systems.
Summary
Bottom line: in 2019, two batteries exist only on the Pacifica Hybrid—one 12-volt battery plus a high-voltage traction battery. The gasoline-only Pacifica uses a single 12-volt battery. If you’re shopping or maintaining either version, knowing which model you have will tell you whether you’re dealing with an HV battery in addition to the standard 12-volt battery.