Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

I keep hearing that Toyota and Honda have a 10 year warranty on their batteries. Is that really true? Do they last longer, and what will it cost to replace one? :)

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

Honda's warranty varies by state. In most states the IMA battery warranty is 8 years 80,000 miles. Back in a flash.....

http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/warranty.aspx

Toyota's warranty:

http://www.toyota.com/html/hybridsyn...l/battery.html

http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/warranty.html

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

Non-warranty, Prius battery replacements have been running around $4.7k including labor. However, some have used salvage packs, $500-1,200 and I'm working on a battery refurbishment technique that should be significantly less expensive, $50 although you'll have to do a lot of labor, ~40 hrs.

Bob Wilson

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

I've also seen prices around $4k for non-warranty replacements.

From Toyota in 2006:

http://www.toyota.com/html/hybridsyn...l/battery.html


Looks like the labor is not exactly cheap.

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

Nick, are you yanking our collective chains? Two posts, two topics... (the the other) Are you thinking of trading in your non-hybrid Highlander?

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

So I was checking out the battery pack specs, and the prices for individual cells. The Insight has:

Individual "C" size cells are rated up to 6000 mAh but I couldn't find any that claimed 6500 mAh.

Individual "D" size cells are rated up to 12,000 mAh.

The 6,000 mAh "C" cells are $6 each. 10,000 mAh "D" cells are $7.20 each in packs of 16.

Lets go with the "D" cells since they beat the original spec.

120 times $7.20 is $864!!!

$864!!!!! That is way less than the $4k plus they are charging for a new traction pack and half again the capacity!!

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

If my battery ever fails (out of warranty) I'll give serious thought to just replacing the individual cells, if that is possible.

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

4.7k! eek... This was the determining factor on why I decided on the Jetta over a HCH. The honda salesman wouldnt even quote me a figure for battery replacement, so I knew it was a pretty penny.

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

This is perfectly fine because people have different thresholds of 'risk avoidance.' An engineer, I enjoy dealing with new technologies. Others, like my wife, are not technical and really need a system that minimizes her need to master new technologies.

Bob Wilson

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

from what i have seen, the incidence of needing a replacement battery has been very small. there is a well known prius that recently reached almost 350,000 miles of use, and never had a battery problem.

unfortunately, it was hit by someone who ran a light and pretty much totalled. the driver was fine, the poor car wasn't. :cry:

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

Ford's is the same, by the way. It's not just a Honda/Toyota thing.

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

I can get Ford OEM packs for $3000 from a wholesaler.
They are more or less "drop in" replacements.

I would say labor is about 1 hour, and you can DIY.
The hardest part is lifting the 200+ pounds out of your hatchback.

An engine hoist will do the trick if you have one.
I suspect you can rent these too in certain places.
:D

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

Good point GG, thanks.

I naturally think of Honda and Toyota first when it comes to hybrids.

Re: Hybrid battery replacement cost
 

My 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid has been a bit of a disappointment with regards to mpg. It averages 26.3. It is leased, and the lease is over in March 09. I am not sure what I will do. So much depends on the price of fuel, and the state of the economy in March 09
BTW, What's wrong with two posts?