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 typically cost between $2,000 and $8,000 or more to replace, which can be many 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.
Key Points
• Hybrid battery replacement costs range from $2,000 to $8,000, typically under $3,000.
• Vehicle make, battery type, and installation influence the cost.
• New, rebuilt, and reconditioned batteries offer varying reliability and cost.
• Battery lifespan can be affected by age, mileage, and extreme weather.
• Financing options can include savings, personal loans, and car loan refinancing.
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- to 10-year or 100,000- to 150,000-mile warranty, though some may need to be replaced before this.
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Hybrid Car Battery Replacement Costs
The total cost of replacing a hybrid car battery can range from $2,000 to $8,000, with most being less than $3,000. 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.
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.
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Installation of a Hybrid Car Battery
In addition to the cost of acquiring a replacement battery, you’ll also likely need to pay a professional to have it installed since it requires specialized equipment and knowledge. 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 at least 100,000 miles, though some could last 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
According to some experts, hybrid batteries risk losing their functionality when they reach 10 to 15 years old.
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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 several years, while those who drive less frequently might not need to replace theirs until after a decade 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.
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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.
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Financing a Hybrid Car Battery Replacement
If you need to replace a hybrid car battery, perhaps you have enough savings to pay for it or want to take out a personal loan.
One other 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.
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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 typically costs between $2,000 and $8,000 to replace it. That might be financed by savings, a personal loan, or refinancing your car loan.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
FAQ
Do I have to take my hybrid car to the dealership for a battery replacement?
No, you do not have to go to a dealership to have your hybrid car battery replaced. An increasing number of private auto shops have mechanics trained to replace hybrid batteries.
Can I replace a hybrid car battery myself?
While it’s relatively easy to replace the battery in a traditional gas-powered car, hybrid car batteries are highly specialized, high-voltage pieces of equipment. It’s best, and safest, to engage professionals to change them.
Are hybrid car battery replacements covered under car insurance?
If your battery is under warranty when it needs to be replaced, the cost may be covered. Your insurance may also cover the cost if the battery is damaged in an accident.
Can a hybrid car still operate without a battery?
No, a hybrid vehicle cannot operate without its hybrid battery.
Photo credit: iStock/panaya chittaratlert
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