The second battery in Maserati’s mild-hybrid models is the 48V energy store used to power the electric assist, and it is typically located in the trunk floor while the standard 12V battery remains in the engine bay.
To understand this, it helps to look at Maserati’s current hybrid lineup, including the Ghibli Hybrid, Levante Hybrid, and Quattroporte Hybrid. These models rely on a 48V mild-hybrid system in addition to a traditional 12V battery. The exact placement can vary by year and market, but trunk-floor mounting for the 48V battery is common in recent iterations.
Locations by model
Below is an overview of where the second (48V) battery is typically found in Maserati’s hybrid models. The 12V battery remains in the engine bay in all cases. Always consult the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle and year.
- Maserati Ghibli Hybrid — 48V battery located in the rear trunk floor, beneath the cargo area liner; 12V battery located in the engine bay.
- Maserati Levante Hybrid — 48V battery located in the trunk floor under the boot carpet; 12V battery located in the engine bay or near the front of the engine bay depending on year.
- Maserati Quattroporte Hybrid — 48V battery located in the trunk floor beneath the cargo area; 12V battery located in the engine bay.
Placement tends to prioritize preserving luggage space while keeping the high-voltage system accessible for service. In earlier or different-market configurations, the 48V battery might be tucked behind rear seats or within a spare-wheel well, but trunk-floor mounting has become the norm on newer models.
Access and maintenance considerations
Accessing the 48V battery usually requires lifting the trunk floor panel or spare-wheel cover. For routine checks, refer to the owner’s manual or a Maserati-certified technician, since high-voltage components require careful handling.
Why Maserati uses a second battery
The 48V system enables smoother start-stop operation, energy recovery during braking, and additional electrical assistance to the engine, improving efficiency without adopting a full plug-in hybrid setup in Maserati’s current lineup.
In short, the second battery—the 48V energy store—is generally located in the trunk floor on recent Maserati mild-hybrid models, while the standard 12V battery stays in the engine bay. This arrangement applies to the Ghibli Hybrid, Levante Hybrid, and Quattroporte Hybrid, with occasional year- or region-specific variations.
Summary
For Maserati hybrid owners and prospective buyers, the second battery is the 48V energy storage placed in the trunk floor, with the 12V battery in the engine bay. This setup supports the mild-hybrid system across contemporary models, though exact placements can differ by year and market. Always verify with the vehicle’s manual or a Maserati technician for your specific model.