Okay, I'm considering buying a hybrid. Specifically a Toyota Highlander. I know that I may not make up the premium price in gas savings, but I want to do it to save fuel, do a small part in helping the environment and symbolically at least lessen my dependence on the oil companies. I've talked to some dealers, but want to hear from real owners.

First, I heard someone on a radio show say that you can expect to replace the batteries after about three years. This is contrary to what the dealers are saying. What are your experiences?

Are the batteries negatively effected by heat? I live in Texas. Obviously I don't work in the oil industry!

On short hauls during the winter (yes we have some cold spells here in the Big D) does the heater work if operating on battery power?

Do the batteries pose any risk, in your opinions, if you are in an accident?

I look forward to your responses.

Hi,

Check the warranty. You'll find most are 8 years / 100,000 miles, which is quite a bit more than three years. There have been some battery replacements but they have been measured in at most, 10s of units.

Only if you are driving the car hard. We've had one report of a guy who decided to climb a local mountain as fast and often as possible. When his performance petered out, he asked and eventually figured out his battery was getting too hot. Drive sensibly and there is no problem. Try to park in the shade and there is even less of a problem.

No. In fact Toyota maintains a web page with the emergency responder instructions. I don't have it handy but the safety systems include:

1) three battery pack relays - all three relays have to be closed for the battery to assert charge.

2) relays are computer controlled - so if the air bags deploy, a signal is sent to open the relays.

3) encased battery pack - if the relays are not closed, the batteries are enclosed in a sealed metal case.

4) 12 V DC relay operation - if the auxillary battery loses power, it is separate from the traction battery and operates the computers, the relays open up.

5) external to cabin HV cables - at least in the Prius, the high voltage cables are not in the cabin but run under the car in a protected tray. These are double-coated, amoured cables.

6) ground-fault interrupter - if any resistance less than 10 M. ohms shows up between either battery bus cable or in the high voltage section of the motors, a ground fault interrupter disables the relays.

Bob Wilson

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I own the Toyotal Camry Hybrid. It's not a Highlander, but it's based on the same HSD system.

The people on the radio talk shows either have an agenda or are speaking in spite of their ignorance. Most of the battery replacements have been due to non-charge related reasons (e.g. - accident). There have only been a handful that were replaced due to problems with the batteries. And keep in mind that includes the first generation Prius, which went on sale in 1997 in Japan.

I can't speak for Texas, but we had some 100 degree days (with high humidity). The car ran like a champ and the A/C never missed a beat.

Luckily I don't see brutal winters here and the TCH only came out this spring. But there are people in Canada who own the Prius. And I'm pretty sure their winters are a lot worse than anything mother nature deals you down in Texas.

Also, at least in the Escape/Mariner Hybrids, the batteries have their own cooling system. I would assume that the Toyota batteries have their own cooling systems as well.

There have been very few battery replacements....the most seem to be in the Honda Insights (which came out in 2000). Honda has since upgraded those systems to prevent battery wear-outs.

-Tim

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD
Black with Pebble interior
Premium Package with Nav & Moonroof



Current ODO: 26,152
Typical Drive: 20 min crosstown in heavy traffic (3.5mi there and back twice a day)


532 Gallons of gas saved
That's 10,642 lbs less CO2 emitted