If you want a car that uses very little fuel and one that can actually save you money in the long run, you ought to consider a hybrid. However, if you are in it for the long run chances are that you are more than likely going to have to replace the battery at some point.
Even though new hybrid car batteries can cost several thousands of dollars, they should last you at least 100k miles before they start deteriorating. That being said, if you buy a hybrid now, you should not worry about potential battery replacements any time soon.
The fact of the matter is that replacement battery costs are likely to go down as more and more hybrids are being developed. Besides actually replacing the battery, you can also try to repair it. If you do manage to repair it, you are looking at a considerably lower bill.
When your battery eventually dies, be sure to check if the warranty is still active. Sometimes the fix can be fairly effective and cheap, sometimes it can be expensive, timely, and only a short-term solution.
Buying a new battery
Sometimes there is nothing you can do besides investing in a new battery. It may be because the potential battery repairs are as costly as a new battery, or the fact that you want to have a car in OEM condition.
Be that as it may, a brand-new battery is most likely going to be the best option to go for, however, it’s also the most expensive option in most cases. Most reputable sources estimate that a brand new hybrid car battery costs between $3000 and $8000 without considering labor costs.
Another option could be to opt for a used battery if you can. Even though there aren’t many hybrids on the roads these days, who knows, maybe a few used hybrid batteries are lying around your local repair shop or hybrid/EV specialist.
A used battery costs less, but not as much as you might think. Many online sources estimate that a $2500 used hybrid battery is actually cheap. You also have to consider the fact that a used hybrid battery can also be a well-used one, so be sure to check if there are any warranty coverages available.
Repairing a hybrid battery
Today we live in a strange world, some smartphone companies believe that we should not repair anything if it breaks, we should just replace it entirely. Even though you can draw a few parallels between smartphones and hybrid cars/EVs, no one can say that repairing a battery can be the right thing to do in certain instances.
As hybrids keep on piling, many new companies are also seeing an opportunity to earn a few bucks by repairing damaged hybrid car batteries. However, all of this depends on the type of damage the battery has endured. Sometimes the damage can be way too severe to be repaired.
Other times, the battery might actually be a perfect candidate for a repair job. If you are able to repair the battery without it being unable to hold a charge or without the whole ordeal being nothing else but a short-term fix, you should most definitely give it a try.
Nonetheless, be wary of battery repairs as they can sometimes be tricky to judge correctly. Even though the battery might seem okay for the following few hundreds or even thousands of miles, there is a chance that the battery might die tomorrow. As such, be sure to ask for a warranty of any kind.
Things to consider if you opt for repairing your battery
As previously stated, a battery repair job might as well be the best course of action. Nevertheless, you ought to keep a few things in mind. First of all, you need to opt for an experienced repair shop that knows a thing or two about battery repairs.
Repairing a battery is a tricky task, as such, lots of special diagnostic and repair tools are needed. Furthermore, you should always look for a repair shop that can offer you some kind of warranty that can last at least a year or two.
Lastly, a battery repair job is always going to be worse than a brand new battery. This can hurt the resale value of the car and it can also sometimes be a short-term fix at best. In order to come up with a smart financial decision, you have to investigate as much as possible.
FAQ Section
What will happen if I don’t replace the battery?
Whenever your battery starts to decline, the combustion engine has to compensate in order for the car to be driveable. This usually results in poor fuel economy which underlines the whole point of buying a hybrid car in the first place.
Even then, as the battery keeps deteriorating, the performance of the car is also going to suffer until the battery dies completely. When the battery eventually does die, you might not be able to drive the car anymore, and you could also damage the rest of your hybrid system in the process.
Should I always replace the battery if I can not repair it?
This depends on how valuable the car is in the first place. If for example you need $5000 for a new battery, and the car itself is not worth all that much more, then obviously you should leave it as.
Many dealers, service shops, or even scrapyards can offer you a decent sum of money for parts or even the entire car. It all depends on what is needed and what the car is, but more often than not, if the car is not worth all that much, you should not invest in a new battery.
Can I hybrid run without a battery?
Most hybrids these days can not drive without a working battery, but a few of them can. The Toyota Prius for example can drive without a battery, but such situations are only reserved for times of emergency.
Driving without a working battery can cause severe damage to the hybrid system and that’s why most hybrids can not be driven without one. If you do end up stranded because of a terminal battery failure, you should call a flatbed and don’t drive or push the car if not completely necessary.
Is it a good idea to drive a hybrid without a battery? <– read more about it here.
