Batteries for Toyota hybrid cars can be either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride. The Prius of 2021 employs both. We simplify it for you.
The Toyota Prius has been one of the most durable and dependable cars on the market for 20 years and is the best-selling hybrid of all time. In conclusion, this is a car that owners can rely on.
Of course, having excellent fuel efficiency is also quite helpful. The current 2021 Toyota Prius has a combined fuel economy rating of 56 mpg, 53 mpg on the interstate, and 58 mpg in the city (for the L Eco trim level).
What about the various hybrid battery types? Batteries used in Toyota hybrid vehicles are normally either nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-ion).
The 2021 Toyota Prius trim levels may be recognizable to you because they originate from a well-known source. The L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels are included, just like on other well-known Toyota cars. They are front-wheel-drive vehicles.
There are also all-wheel drive grades available for the Prius. They’ll have the designations LE AWD-e and XLE AWD-e. two trim levels for all-wheel drive. Electric is represented by the “e.
A Nickel-Metal Hydride battery is standard on both all-wheel drive Toyota Prius models. Batteries made of nickel can endure more extreme temperature swings. As a result, this hybrid battery option is perfect for colder areas where snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures are more common.
Yes, I’m speaking to the drivers in Boston, Denver, and Michigan. I was raised in Michigan, where I also picked up driving. I wish I had a Prius AWD-e like that.
Nickel-Metal Hydride is the more well-known name in this case. The hybrid battery is the most established. It is durable and trustworthy.
But lithium-ion is also an option. The beauty in this is that. Both types of Toyota hybrid batteries have shown to be dependable over time.
In This Article...
Which models of the Prius feature lithium-ion batteries?
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid employs the same Hybrid Synergy Drive as the third-generation standard Prius (XW30), but it has a larger 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that greatly increases the all-electric range when compared to the normal Prius and is entirely rechargeable from domestic sources.
What do the Prius’s two batteries do?
The Toyota Prius features two batteries inside: a sizable 200-volt battery for driving the vehicle in electric mode and a smaller 12-volt battery for accessories like lights and radios. The purpose of this article is to explain how to swap out the smaller, 12-volt battery.
This battery is more difficult to install or change than the ones in the majority of autos. There are numerous objects blocking the path from finishing the work, and it is hidden in the trunk rather than under the hood. Nevertheless, as long as you know where it is and what must be done to gain access to it, it is not extremely challenging. The average homeowner should have no trouble completing the task, and it shouldn’t take too long. A mechanic with some experience who had never changed a Prius battery completed the changeover depicted in the photographs in roughly a half-hour.
The Prius’ battery will eventually wear out, just like any other car battery. It typically lasts for 5 to 6 years, but it can last longer. Unfortunately, it weakens if left in place for too long and will stop working considerably sooner if the automobile isn’t driven every day. A battery that is too old might also reduce the amount of petrol your Prius uses since the car will keep trying to recharge it to full status even though the battery is no longer capable of receiving a full charge. That uses fuel, fuel that could be used to move the automobile instead of being wasted trying to charge a partially dead battery.
Toyota TrueStart batteries are AGM, right?
Is the Toyota TrueStart battery an AGM? AGM batteries, known as True-2, are part of the TrueStart line-up. The standard batteries are referred to by their regular TrueStart designation.
How long is the lithium battery in a Prius?
If you drive your hybrid vehicle for extended periods of time, you might need to replace the battery about every five years on average. However, if you don’t, the battery would most likely only last 100,000150,000 miles, or eightten years, instead.
Lithium or NiMH: Which is superior?
There are a number of noteworthy differences between these two chemistries, even if none is inherently “better.” In the majority of performance categories, Li-ion batteries outperform NiMH batteries. Compared to the NiMH life cycle of two to five years, they have a longer total life cycle of five years. Additionally, compared to NiMH batteries, Li-ion batteries charge significantly more quickly, operate better in a wide range of temperatures, and maintain their charge longer.
On the other hand, NiMH alternatives are significantly less expensive than Li-ion batteries. They require extremely little upkeep, are more environmentally friendly, and are exempt from the shipping laws that Li-ion batteries are subject to.
What is the price of a Prius battery?
The Prius battery is no exception to the rule that hybrid and electric car batteries are more expensive than gas-powered automobile batteries. A new Toyota Prius battery can run you anywhere from $2,200 to $4,100.
Remember that even a used Prius battery costs roughly $1,500 when calculating the cost. You’ll be looking at a substantially bigger bill once labor costs and additional charges from your mechanic are taken into account. To maintain the lowest pricing possible:
- Think about switching to a different model. A new Prius can run for years without any problems, but you will need to pay the difference in price between it and your old one.
- Comparative-shop for batteries. It’s unlikely that the first battery you come across will be the lowest choice.
- Obtain price quotes from mechanics. Prius frequently need specialist work, but every mechanic will charge labor in their own way. A different store might have a better offer for you.
Although replacing the battery in your Prius is expensive, Jerry can help you save money on your auto insurance. The Jerry app, a certified broker, assists customers in saving an average of roughly $900 annually on auto insurance. Jerry can assist you in finding and comparing inexpensive quotes from more than 50 leading companies, including Progressive and Travelers, for free when you provide your information.
What kind of 12v battery does a Prius use?
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are used in Prius 12v batteries. This kind of battery is more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but it does not spill, making it safer to use. AGM batteries are dependable and excellent for usage in severe weather.
Does a Prius have a regular car battery?
It does, indeed. A high-voltage battery and a 12v battery are both present in the Toyota Prius. To power the Prius’s accessories, a 12v battery is installed inside the vehicle under the floor of the rear hatchback. The Prius’ motor will be powered by electricity from the high-voltage battery during this time. It is located underneath the back seats.
How long does the 12-volt battery last in a Prius?
Like every automotive battery, the 12v batteries included in Prius have a finite lifespan. They can persist for up to seven years, or roughly five to six years. To make matters worse, if you don’t drive your Prius frequently, they soon deteriorate and die if you don’t use them for too long.
Can you charge a Prius 12v battery?
You can, indeed. The best choice for charging the 12v Toyota Prius car battery is to connect it to a charger. It is also advised to leave the Prius in “ready mode” for at least eight hours after it has begun to run in order to fully recharge the 12v battery. Both of the two are effective.
How do you charge a dead Prius battery?
Once your Prius is running, lightly depress the accelerator to provide the battery with the current it needs to charge. Drive it for at least 20 minutes with the engine running after that. In this technique, you are charging the battery sufficiently so that it will remain functional even after you switch the engine off.
Is an AGM battery used in a Prius?
I can’t tell you how frequently people ask me what type of 12 volt battery should be used in their Toyota Prius. Here is my comparison table and the information you require regarding these 12 volt batteries.
I believe I have now read over 100 entries about how to fix a dead 12 volt battery in a Prius. The dealer may seem like the worst choice to Prius owners, but is it really?
I compared AGM Prius batteries four ways, taking warranty and price into account. What I came up with and the battery I believe you should use in your Prius are listed below.
Dealerships occasionally have a poor rap, but have you looked into what they have to offer? The cost of a 12v replacement battery for your Prius is on the higher end, but what do you get for your money?
There is an 84-month warranty included with the Prius Truestart option. This is the greatest warranty of all the batteries I’ve reviewed for a number of reasons. It comes with a prorated 60-month guarantee on top of a 24-month FREE replacement warranty.
The guarantee on this battery also covers a FREE tow to the dealership expressly to replace the 12v should that be the problem (and this is in the fine print). You are also getting a battery specifically designed for your Prius.
The price is $231.41 MSRP, which, after installed and after taxes, should equal about $250 when you trade in your core. How do the others compare, then? We’ll find out.
Optima batteries were unquestionably superior when they first hit the market. Since Optima has consistently fallen short of the standards they once set, they now offer warranties on anything they come across. A poor business strategy.
The 24-month free replacement period under the Optima warranty (according to the website). Additionally, there is no prorated warranty. The highest price for this battery, $249.99 MSRP, is just too costly considering what you get.
I have replaced more yellow top batteries in Prius than I want to mention, regardless of what Optima claims about it on their website, which claims that it “can last up to 3x longer.” Without a doubt, this battery was the first loss in my book. In this case, you do not get what you pay for.
With a $199.99 MSRP with core exchange, this battery is slightly more affordable and looks reasonable for the cost. But with this one, the devil is in the details.