How Long Do Toyota Prius Hybrid Batteries Last?
Have you recently bought a Toyota Prius hybrid and are wondering how long the battery will last? Or are you toying with the idea of converting to a hybrid car but aren’t sure how long the battery will last?
Or has the question wandered into your head, and now you are desperate to know the answer?
Whatever the reason that brought you here today, we have the answers that you need! The last thing you want is to buy a hybrid and be stuck with a battery that doesn’t last long!
The thought of the battery dying mid-journey or needing to fork out for a new one after a few years fills most of us with dread. Who enjoys the feeling of the unknown? No one, that’s who!
So today, let us tell you how long Toyota Prius hybrid batteries last to help you decide if it’s the car for you or not!
Let’s get straight into it!
How Long Do Toyota Prius Hybrid Batteries Last?
A Toyota Prius hybrid battery will last for anywhere between 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles, or eight to ten years (8-10), depending on how you want to look at it.
Now, this is just an average; some owners have reported their battery lasting for longer and eeking out those extra few miles, whereas others have reported that their battery has failed in much less time.
When we talk about the battery lasting here, we are talking about how long the battery will last before needing to be replaced. Like other cars and car parts, they aren’t designed to last forever and must be maintained to ensure their longevity.
Now that we have established how long your Prius’ battery will last, let’s look at some of the symptoms of a dying battery to help you spot any issues!
How will I know my battery is dying?
As we mentioned earlier, your Prius hybrid battery should last for eight to ten (8-10) years. At this point, your battery might start to die, and you don’t want to be caught by surprise!
Below are some of the most common symptoms you might experience when your Prius battery is dying or on its way out. If you notice any of these, take your car to a mechanic or the dealership where someone can inspect the battery’s condition and provide assistance if needed.
1. Poor fuel economy
You might notice that your fuel doesn’t last as long, or you aren’t getting the fuel economy you used to. In these cases, your battery isn’t performing as it should and will need to be replaced or, at the very least, looked at by a professional.
2. Odd Electrical Fluctuations
Weird electrical fluctuations can occur depending on what else your hybrid battery powers. This can range from model to model of Prius,’ and you should seek professional help if you notice electrical fluctuations that aren’t normal.
3. Quick Battery Depletion
If your battery’s charge is depleting very quickly, it could be getting on and needing replacement or to be repaired. Be sure to take your car to a mechanic if you are worried about battery depletion. If the car is still under warranty, get in touch with Toyota. As there could be a battery fault that needs to be looked at.
4. Battery Not Kicking In
If you notice that your battery doesn’t kick in when it used to, it could be starting to fail or die. In these cases, take your car to a mechanic for an inspection where they can check the battery for any faults and make the necessary repairs.
5. Clunky Driving Conditions
As the hybrid battery can sometimes drive the wheels, a bad or dying battery can impact your driving conditions. It might feel clunky or similar to bad transmission. If your ability to drive is being impacted, you must take your car to a mechanic for advice and repairs as it could cause an accident.
What Causes a Battery to Die?
Now that we have seen the symptoms of a dying battery, let’s look at what can cause a Prius battery to die. Knowing what can severely impact it can help you avoid causing unnecessary damage to your battery, thus extending its life. Let’s take a look at the most common causes that cause a battery to die.
Fully depleting the charge
Driving your car until the battery is fully depleted every time and not recharging it for a little while can reduce the battery’s overall health. Alternatively, filling up the battery to 100% can decrease its longevity, too, thanks to the thermal load.
Irregular maintenance
This is perhaps the biggest variable in your car’s reliability, and maintenance is not something to be skipped over! Regularly take your car for services, following its maintenance schedule to keep it going for as long as possible.
Be sure to take your car to be checked if you notice any issues too. Addressing and rectifying them straight away avoids them becoming bigger complications down the line.
Damage/impact/accident
Like with anything, an accident or damage to the battery in any way can reduce the health and longevity of your battery considerably. After any impact or damage to the car, you should ensure that your battery is fully inspected by a professional.
They will be able to troubleshoot any issues and repair them there and then, preventing them from becoming more serious issues down the line.
Final thoughts
And just like that, we have reached the end of our Prius journey today. A Toyota Prius hybrid’s battery will last for eight to ten years, allowing you to get as much as 150,000 miles from the battery before it needs replacing or you consider purchasing another car.
Like other car parts, the battery is susceptible to wear and tear and needs regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. It forms part of the expenses of maintaining a hybrid.
Remember to keep your eye out for signs of battery damage or a dying battery, and consult a mechanic if you have any concerns! It’s best to get your battery looked at to avoid potentially dangerous situations while driving with a dying battery.
