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How Much Is a Hybrid Car Battery Replacement?

Guide to Hybrid Car Battery Replacement Cost
Austin Kilham
Austin KilhamUpdated September 19, 2023
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Hybrid vehicles may be better for the environment than traditional cars, and because they don’t use as much gas, they can be easier on your wallet. However, there are certain costs associated with a hybrid vehicle that may come as a shock to some consumers. For one, hybrid car batteries can cost as much as $8,000 or more to replace, which could add up to 40 times the cost of a premium car battery for a gas-powered vehicle.Why do hybrid car batteries cost so much? And what impacts longevity? Here’s a closer look.

Hybrid Car Batteries: An Overview

Hybrid vehicles are powered by a mix of battery power and power generated by an internal combustion engine. A combination of power from the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking is what recharges the battery. This ability requires that hybrid batteries are made with special materials that increase the cost of the battery.Luckily, hybrid car batteries also tend to last a long time. Most have an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, though some may need to be replaced before this.Recommended: Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Hybrid Car Battery Replacement Costs

The total cost of replacing a hybrid car battery can range from $2,000 to $8,000. That said, the amount you pay will depend on a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, type of replacement battery you use, and installation costs.Also, the type of technology your battery uses will help determine the cost. Older technologies, like NiMH batteries, are less expensive than newer technology that uses costly materials, such as lithium ion batteries. Recommended: All You Need to Know About the Costs of Owning an Electric Vehicle

Types of Replacement Hybrid Batteries

Instead of swapping out your dead hybrid battery with a brand new replacement, there are other, less expensive, options that you may wish to consider. 

Rebuilt Hybrid Car Battery

Rebuilt batteries are made from the working cells of older batteries. While these rebuilt batteries tend to offer reliable performance, they are not as reliable as a brand new battery. That said, they may be a good option for someone who does not want to purchase a brand new battery or who doesn’t plan to drive their hybrid vehicle for much longer. 

Reconditioned Hybrid Car Battery

The battery reconditioning process consists of charging and balancing the battery and deep discharging the pack, which involves exhausting the capacity of the battery. In doing so, the battery becomes usable again, but this is only a short-term fix. If you need longer-term reliability, you’ll want to consider buying a new or rebuilt battery. 

Used Hybrid Car Battery

Buying a used hybrid car battery can potentially save you thousands compared to the cost of a new battery. Make sure to ask for a diagnostic report on the battery's health to help ensure you’re not picking up a battery that will fail before you planned. 

Installation

In addition to the cost of acquiring a replacement battery, you’ll also need to pay a professional to have it installed. Cost of labor is usually charged hourly and depends on the mechanic you use and the market you live in. Some batteries are relatively easy to replace and may only take an hour or so. Others may take many hours to replace, which can bump labor costs up into the hundreds of dollars. 

How Long Do Hybrid Batteries Last?

Typically, hybrid car batteries should last for 100,000 miles, though some could last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. According to some experts, hybrid batteries become a risk when they reach 10 to 15 years old. Recommended: Top Cross-Country EV Road Trips

What Impacts Your Hybrid Car Battery’s Life?

A variety of conditions can have an impact on your battery’s lifespan, including:

Age

Age can have a big impact on when you need to change your battery. The longer you’ve been driving the car, the more miles you’ll likely have driven and the more wear and tear you’ll likely have put on it. Individuals who drive their cars frequently may need to change their battery in a matter of a few years, while those who drive less frequently might not need to replace theirs for 10 years or more. 

Mileage

The number of miles you’ve put on your car in a given timeframe can also have an impact on your battery’s life. A car that’s run 100,000 miles over a five-year period may have given its battery more of a beating than a driver that put 100,000 miles on  their hybrid over a 10-year period. 

Battery Balance

If the cells in your battery aren’t balanced with other cells, your battery may fail more quickly and need to be replaced sooner. 

Weather Conditions

Extreme cold and heat can reduce your battery’s lifespan. Make sure to warm your engine in cold climates and protect your battery from extreme heat by ensuring it has proper ventilation.  

How Do You Know You Need to Replace Your Hybrid Car Battery?

Signs that your hybrid car battery needs replacing include the check engine light turning on, reduced acceleration when pressing the gas pedal, the battery won’t charge or depletes quickly, or your car will no longer start.Keep an eye on how much gas you’re consuming, too. If you start to buy gas more frequently, it may be a sign that your battery is failing. Recommended: 11 Most Expensive Car Repairs

The Takeaway

The cost of a new hybrid battery can be very high depending on the make and model of your car, the type of battery you need, and the type of replacement you choose. If you choose a new battery, it could cost you $8,000 to replace it. One way to find room in your budget to cover these costs is by refinancing your auto loan. When you refinance your loan, you take out a new loan — preferably one with a lower interest rate — and use it to pay off your old loan. You can use the interest rate savings from a refinance to help pay for a battery replacement. You can also consider a cash-out auto loan refinance, which allows you to get cash from the loan. You can then use that cash to pay for your new hybrid battery.You could also extend your loan term to lower your monthly payments. That might free up cash in the short-term, but you’ll make interest payments for longer, which could ultimately increase the cost of your loan. If you’re interested in refinancing your auto loan, consider Lantern by SoFi. Lantern allows you to compare interest rates and loan terms from a variety of lenders to help ensure you’re getting the lowest rate possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take my hybrid car to the dealership for a battery replacement?
Can I replace a hybrid car battery myself?
Are hybrid car battery replacements covered under car insurance?
Can a hybrid car still operate without a battery?
Photo credit: iStock/piranka
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About the Author

Austin Kilham

Austin Kilham

Austin Kilham is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles. He focuses on personal finance, retirement, business, and health care with an eye toward helping others understand complex topics.
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