These days it seems foolish not to go with a hybrid vehicle and take advantage of returns of 40 miles-per-gallon (MPG) and over. It’s an easy decision for new car buyers looking for fuel economy, as a hybrid vehicle’s battery should last eight to 15 years (100,000 to 150,000 miles), while some brands, like Toyota, cover batteries up to 150,000 miles. However, it’s a real concern when it comes to buying a used hybrid vehicle that you may own at the point it needs a new battery pack.
That doesn’t mean a used hybrid vehicle instantly needs a new battery, though. If the fuel economy is consistent and somewhere near the EPA estimated MPG, the battery gauge isn’t dropping sharply, there are no warning lights, and the charging isn’t troublesome, then there’s no need to rush out and get a new battery. If there’s doubt, dealerships and some independent shops can check for error codes or run tests.
Battery Degradation Is Overstated – And Replacement Costs Less Than You Think
The first piece of good news is that battery degradation isn’t as big an issue. And when it is an issue, it’s more a matter of range falling than of outright replacing the battery immediately. Battery degradation is also not linear, with the sharpest decline being over the first 10,000–20,000 miles of ownership for an all-electric car, which relies wholly on the battery for power. Hybrids also have a different charge cycle from batteries that are plugged in to charge, although most of this article can be applied to plug-in-hybrids.
More good news comes for people looking at used hybrids from brands generally considered to be in the affordable segment, like Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda, rather than the premium brands. However, whether we look at the figures from multiple sources ranging from an extended warranty company, an auto parts chain, or a battery supplier, replacing a battery pack typically ranges from $1,000–$6,000 depending on the make, model, battery type, and size – and whether it’s a new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a refurbished pack.
If a hybrid’s battery does need replacing, check the mileage and the original warranty. While federal law requires an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty on batteries, most automakers have been going above and beyond. As mentioned, Toyota is particularly good, but Hyundai’s current warranty is 10-years/100,000 miles.
Why Older Hybrid Batteries Can Cost More To Replace Than Newer Ones
Unlike most technology, older tech in batteries isn’t necessarily less expensive. The good news for a hybrid is that it’s supplemental energy rather than the sole provider like an all-electric car. It’s part of the reason why an older hybrid can still get excellent fuel efficiency. Older battery technology is Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), which tends to be expensive but can vary in price over short periods due to the nickel content.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used batteries in modern electrified vehicles, and the middle of the road for cost. The other major player – becoming more popular as its cost is generally lower and its performance excellent – is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). In terms of price and efficiency, LFP is preferable, but not essential when it comes to a hybrid. Knowing the battery type is just one piece of the puzzle – the make and model you choose can swing replacement costs by $4,000 or more, and some brands are dramatically better bets than others.
Why A Used Lexus Hybrid Battery Can Cost 4x More Than A Prius’
For example, a Toyota Prius battery replacement can cost, including labor costs, anywhere from $1,400 to $5,000. At the low end of the range, a 2012 Toyota Prius has a small NiMH battery pack that can hold 1.3 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy. However, a more modern Prius uses a more expensive lithium-ion battery pack. A Honda Civic hybrid, however, typically ranges between $1,400 and $2,000 to replace the battery.
Get into more upmarket Lexus territory, and an RX Hybrid will set the owner back $5,000 to $6,000. This is a very different proposition when it comes to replacing the battery. As the rule goes, a luxury car might be cheaper to buy used, but it still has luxury car prices when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Under $2,000 to replace an aging battery in a Prius or Civic that returns around 50 MPG makes sense and will pay for itself with its great MPG rate.
But even if the numbers work for your model, the type of battery you choose – OEM or refurbished – can swing the final cost by thousands more. That’s where the real decision gets interesting.
Why A Refurbished Battery Pack Is Often The Smarter Buy
Most people will instinctively want a direct new replacement battery from a dealership. However, the refurbishing industry has grown and there are some great options out there. Generally speaking, an OEM battery will have the longest life and come with a long warranty but this peace of mind comes at a higher cost. A good refurbished battery pack will be rebuilt with new cells, or cells tested to ensure they meet the OEM’s specifications. It will come with a warranty, but probably a shorter one.
If you were to go with an OEM battery pack, it’ll likely be through a dealer and they will do the work. Going through an independent shop could be cheaper and is worth investigating. They should be able to order the OEM part if they deal with hybrids, or have a company to recommend and order from for refurbished units. The variations in price will, again, be the make and model and year. That will influence the hours of labor needed to change the battery pack, depending on how simple or complicated it is.
An independent hybrid specialist is ideal if there is one nearby and a battery is failing. If there are just a few battery modules failing, they may be able to just refresh those for a cheaper final bill.
Sources: Car Battery World / Autozone / Empire Auto Protect
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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.
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