Toyota has been at the forefront of the hybrid car market for decades. The world's first mass-produced hybrid, the Toyota Prius, was introduced to the U.S. 20 years ago. But many people are still reluctant to invest in a hybrid because of concerns over how long the battery pack lasts and the cost of replacing it.
This is also relevant to used car buyers, as many older hybrid vehicles can now be found for sale. In this article, we'll look at how long a Toyota hybrid battery pack can be expected to last and what can be done to prolong its life.
How Long Do Toyota Hybrid Batteries Last?
Toyota currently offers no fewer than eight hybrid vehicles in its model lineup, including the iconic Prius, the Corolla, Camry, and Avalon sedans, the Sienna minivan, and the RAV4, Highlander, and all-new Venza SUVs. All of these vehicles offer Toyota's renowned reliability along with superb fuel economy. But what is the expected life spanof their batteries?
Most hybrid vehicle manufacturers say that, on average, a hybrid battery pack will last from 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Prior to 2020, Toyota went further by offering a warranty that covered its hybrid batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever came first. However, in 2019, the manufacturer announced that, from the 2020 model year, it was extending its hybrid battery warranty to 10 years from the date of first use, or 150,000 miles.
That is great news for Toyota hybrid drivers who want to keep their cars for a long time. Additionally, it will give confidence to prospective used car buyers who might previously have shied away from a hybrid vehicle because of fears about having to replace an expensive battery.
The average American drives around 10,000 miles a year and keeps their car for between six and 12 years. Some Toyota hybrid car owners have reported batteries lasting up to 200,000 miles and more. That means you could buy a used 10-year-old hybrid car with a battery that could potentially still have up to 100,000 miles of life in it. So, in many cases, the battery could last for the expected lifetime of the vehicle.
Why Do Toyota Hybrid Batteries Last So Long?
Ten years ago, Consumer Reports compared the results of battery tests on a 2002 Toyota Prius that had been driven over 200,000 miles with a near-identical 2001 Prius with 2,000 miles on it that had been tested 10 years previously. When it came to fuel economy and acceleration, the testers found very little degradation in the battery's performance.
They were also amazed to find that the high-mileage car still drove like new and had the original engine, transmission, and even shocks. That is a testament to the quality of Toyota vehicles.
The reason Toyota hybrid batteries last so long is that the vehicles feature an efficient nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Battery management computer systems and a computer-controlled charge controller ensure that the battery charge doesn't exceed around 80% or fall below 20%. This computer-controlled shallow cycling dramatically improves the battery's cycle life, thermal management control, and long-term life.
What Can Affect Your Hybrid Battery's Life?
As with any other components of your car, many factors affect the life span of your hybrid battery. The way you drive, your maintenance routine, how you charge the battery, and even where you live can all have an effect.
Regular maintenance is essential to the smooth performance of your car. The gas engine and electric motor are somewhat reliant on each other, and if one is not working efficiently, it can affect the performance of the other. At regular service intervals, along with other maintenance, the battery should be tested. If one or more weak battery cells are found, the battery can be reconditioned to prolong its life. Skipping the check-ups can shorten your battery's life.
Your charging routine is important. To maximize the life of your hybrid battery pack, it is important to follow all of the manufacturer's charging guidelines. It is always best not to let your battery fully run down and to fully charge it when it runs low. Avoid lots of short top-ups and driving on a near-dead battery.
Temperature fluctuations can have a detrimental effect on your battery. It's designed to operate efficiently within a specified temperature range. Driving in extreme cold or heat for prolonged periods can result in damage to your battery. In hot temperatures, an auxiliary battery system helps to keep the battery pack cool. As part of your maintenance routine, clean the auxiliary fan regularly to keep the cool air flowing.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dying Battery?
Several telltale signs let you know that your battery might be on its way out. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Poor fuel economy. If you're experiencing worse fuel economy than you expect, your battery may not be doing its job very well.
- Rapid battery depletion. If your battery is not holding its charge and runs down very quickly, it could need changing.
- Battery not kicking in. If the battery doesn't kick in the way it used to, it might be showing its age.
- Odd electrical fluctuations. Depending on what the battery is powering, you might see some strange electrical fluctuations. It's time to get the battery checked.
- Clunky driving performance. As the hybrid battery drives the wheels some of the time, a dying battery can affect your car's performance. It could feel sluggish or like you've got a clunky transmission.
With a Toyota hybrid vehicle, you are unlikely to experience any of these symptoms unless your car is very old or has very high mileage. However, if you do notice a deterioration in your hybrid battery's performance, it's time to visit the service center at Kings Toyota to have it checked over. Give us a call to get started.
