Toyota: if you need them, Prius replacement batteries are "no big deal"
click for more images of the 2009 Toyota Prius
As the first batch of Priuses sold in the United States reach their get ready to turn eight in 2009, the battery replacement issue is going to pop up more and more. We noted back in September that Toyota had dropped the price of a new pack a few hundred dollars to $2,299 for model years 2001-2003 and $2,588 for model years 2004-2008. On the Toyota Open Road blog, editor Jon Thompson has written a post on the strength of the Prius batteries after all these years, with at least one example reaching over 400,000 miles of service. Green Car Advisor counters that, yes, the MSRP for the battery packs may have been reduced, but the automaker is not above tacking on some questionable extras when you go and have it installed. The short version: your Prius' battery is very likely a strong one, and should work quite well. When it stops, though, be ready to shell out a few grand and don't hesitate to call Toyota Customer Service to see if they can't knock a few bucks off the estimate.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius
[Source: Toyota Open Road blog, Green Car Advisor]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nick 3:08PM (1/01/2009)
Are replacement batteries going to be identical to the old ones, or a new kind with higher energy density?
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Sangeeta Levy 3:41PM (7/12/2009)
I have my second Prius year 2007. My first was in 2002. After 5 years I didn't need a new battery. Today my 2007 showed me the battery only had one bar left. How soon do I need to replace my battery after only 2 years on June 30th?
David 3:26PM (1/01/2009)
The batteries are apple to apple...at least on the first generation US Prius.
I'm at 8 years one week with my hybrid battery in my 01 Prius. I'm even still running with the tiny original 12 volt. My father's 01 Prius traction (hybrid) battery failed at almost 8 years exactly. Because of the mileage (85K) or so, replacement was free.
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nmt 11:09AM (1/02/2009)
The batteries failed after only 85k and the cost to replace is 2300$?! Hybrids are terrible.
T-Ed 12:12PM (1/02/2009)
Did you read the part where the replacement was "free"?
Patrick 12:42PM (1/02/2009)
85K miles is probably past the 50% failure rate point on Chrysler FWD transmissions.
Replacement cost would be comparable.
Benjamin Jones 4:24PM (1/01/2009)
Well, they've gotten cheaper at least
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Sasparilla 4:08PM (1/01/2009)
The batteries should be of identical capacity to the originals (otherwise some of the electronic drive software would have to be reprogrammed and re-entered into your cars computer - just like what they have to do when someone gets a plug in conversion on a Prius). So Toyota has an incentive to keep them the same.
Regarding to the failings of the batteries on Prius's. They should be the exception and not the rule. As long as the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are not allowed to be deeply disharged nor charged to the very top of capacity, but rather kept in the middle 50% or so of capacity (25 - 75% or so of capacity) - the way Toyota, smartly programmed them to run...their lifetime can outlast the car's. It's a fantastic battery chemistry for durability if you do that.
Now, Honda with the original Insight, allowed deep discharging and full recharging of its packs (and allowed them to get hot, obviously not aware that these things would lead to reduced life) and they had alot of battery failures after 50k miles. From what I understand they were replaced and the battery management software was changed to get closer to keeping the battery in that middle 50% of the batteries capacity. Honda doesn't have this problem with the Civic Hybrid (and surely won't with the new Insight), since they learned their lesson.
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JoeP 5:13PM (1/01/2009)
@Sasparilla:
Thanks for the information. It is extremely useful to know that the performance of the battery pack can be extended by keeping the charge close to 50%. It makes me wonder what I could do with my laptop battery to make sure it lasts the longest it can.
If we want to be a little greener, this is one thing we can do...take care of what we have better so is lasts longer.
Thanks again.
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Chris M 5:36PM (1/01/2009)
The problem with laptop batteries is they are optimized for low weight and maximum runtime per charge, which makes for a relatively short battery lifespan. You can improve the life somewhat by not running the batteries to near exhaustion - at most, use only half the runtime the manufacturer suggests.
It would be nice if the laptop makers would offer a charging and running option to maximize battery life, but they haven't done that yet.
why not the LS2LS7? 6:30PM (1/01/2009)
Not charging it all the way will make a big difference too. LIons last a lot longer if you only charge them to 4.1V per cell. But all laptops and portable devices charge them to 4.2V per cell because it increases energy storage something like 8%.
Charging to 4.1V instead of 4.2V could more than double your battery life expectancy.
John Bäckstrand 3:11AM (1/02/2009)
These figures are for NiMh though, your laptop has a LiIon battery. LiIo-batteries mainly do not want deep discharge. The less you discharge them, the more cycles they can handle. And the total usable time goes up even though each cycle gets shorter...
Gary Reysa 7:41PM (1/01/2009)
You can also get Prius batteries on ebay recovered from cars totaled in accidents -- I saw several at around $800.
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Bobo 4:47PM (1/01/2009)
From my high horse I say, consumer anxiety over the battery life and replacement cost are a drain on hybrid sales. Whatever Toyota can do to ease that is in their best interest. Working to continue reducing the cost , making sure they're available, and improving them over time is also in their favor. The aftermarket could also jump in by making available super capacity premium batteries that are strong enough to power the cars exclusively on electricity. These two factions would compete and provide a price/performance advantage to the consumer.
In other words, I don't think Toyota is taking the best strategy here. I think they should embrace the thought of battery sales in the future as a potential revenue stream, not worry that consumers will think their product is weak because replacment batteries are available.
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Gretchen 10:08AM (4/25/2009)
I am playing with the idea of purchasing a 2001 prius w/180,000 miles - in excellent condition one owner - good car facts . I was concerned when they had to jump it for me to drive -... so I have waited until tommorow morning to make the decision.
They said it was the auxilery battery not the dry one that had to be jumped (, I didn't know any different) - need less to say i have been all over the internet trying to educate my self into making a wise choice. I have been reading about the prices of the batteries, and taking into concern the mileage, They are asking 4,995.00, I feel it is a good deal, crossing my fingers that the battery would not die within the next year.... Help,What do you think? Any one.....
usbseawolf2000 8:38PM (1/01/2009)
Toyota also buy back the "end of life" HV battery for $200. They will get properly recycled.
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Joe 2:14PM (6/11/2009)
Hi,
I need to get rid of myPrius hybrid battery pack core. Does Toyota in fact buy them back?
Joe
Chris M 3:14PM (6/11/2009)
For the main NiMH battery, yes. Look for a label on it, giving a number to call to arrange the recycling.
But there is also a smaller 12 volt lead acid battery that is used mainly to power 12 volt accessories and start the car computer (it doesn't actually start the engine). That one, when replaced, should be taken to a local auto battery recycler. They might even give you a few bucks for it, as the lead inside is worth some money.
Gary 1:02AM (1/02/2009)
If manufacturer said that you shouldn't be surprised if you get a bill for a $2300-$2600 transmission/engine replacement a few years after the warranty is over, people wouldn't be too thrilled to buy their car.
But since the car is a feel good Prius hybrid that even Jesus would drive, people won't balk at it. They will go on to defend it even.
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Gary 1:02AM (1/02/2009)
If manufacturer said that you shouldn't be surprised if you get a bill for a $2300-$2600 transmission/engine replacement a few years after the warranty is over, people wouldn't be too thrilled to buy their car.
But since the car is a feel good Prius hybrid that even Jesus would drive, people won't balk at it. They will go on to defend it even.
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