The Toyota Prius is easily one of the most popular hybrid vehicles currently on the market.
It offers fantastic fuel efficiency and thankfully doesn’t cost a fortune.
Much like any vehicle, however, the battery of your Prius will slowly begin to fail over time.
But how long do Prius batteries last, and what are the warning signs that you may need to invest in a battery replacement?
Take a look below to find out everything you need to know about your Prius hybrid’s battery life and what you can expect from a dying battery!
How Long Do Toyota Prius Batteries Last?
The average Prius battery life is around 10 years or 150,000 miles, although this can completely depend on how you use your hybrid car.
Some Prius owners have managed to get 200,000 miles from their battery, so keep this in mind when comparing hybrids.
What Type of Battery Does the Toyota Prius Have?
The Prius uses a Nickel-metal Hydride battery, although a few models still use Lithium-Ion batteries.
Nickel-metal Hydride batteries are commonly found in hybrid cars as they offer fantastic reliability and high levels of performance.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Toyota Prius Battery?
There are a few factors that can have an impact on the lifespan of your Prius battery.
Your driving habits, how well you look after your Prius, and even the climate of the surrounding area can lessen the lifespan of your battery.
When Should You Replace Your Prius Hybrid Battery?
If you notice that your hybrid battery pack is starting to act up, then it may be time to look into purchasing a new battery.
A dying Prius battery can lower your fuel mileage and can drastically impact how your Prius drives.
As most Prius battery packs are expected to last around 10 years, you should consider looking into replacing the original battery if you are nearing your 10th year.
Symptoms of a Dying Toyota Prius Battery
As your Prius’ battery begins to die, a few symptoms will begin to appear.
From bad fuel economy to your Prius refusing to start the first time, these are just a few of the symptoms to look out for when driving a Prius.
Bad fuel economy
Typically, when your Prius’ fuel economy begins to drop, this is a sign that the battery is starting to die.
Always check your vehicle’s fuel mileage, especially as it gets older, as this is one of the first signs that you may need to book a trip to your local mechanic.
Battery not kicking in
As your vehicle starts to age, you may notice that it doesn’t start the first time when turning the ignition key.
This is generally a sign of a failing battery, and steps should be taken to replace your battery if this becomes a common issue.
A car refusing to start is not always a sign of a dying battery, but it is a common warning sign.
If you are worried about this, then a mechanic will be able to help you diagnose the issue.
Unusual electrical fluctuations
If your car is frequently stalling or you notice issues with your dashboard such as a fault check engine light, then this could be a sign of a failing battery.
A failing battery can also be the cause of dim headlights, which can be extremely dangerous when driving at night.
Battery depletion is extremely fast
The older your car battery is, the faster it will begin to deplete.
As the internal parts of your vehicle’s battery begin to corrode, they will struggle to contain as much energy causing the battery to rapidly deplete its energy stores.
Clunky driving performance
Have you noticed your car is beginning to handle differently and feel clunkier to drive?
Then this could be a sign that your battery is beginning to wear out.
As your battery slowly dies, it produces less power, causing your vehicle to feel clunkier than usual.
Poor handling on a Prius could also be caused by faults in its gasoline engine, so be sure to get this checked as soon as possible!
Why Do Rechargeable Batteries Wear Out?
Over time, as your battery is used, the Hydrogen found within NiMH batteries begins to dry out.
This is caused by the alloy found within rechargeable batteries corroding as it is used.
A corroded alloy will absorb the water-based electrolytes and cause your battery to begin to fail.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Prius?
The exact cost of replacing a Prius battery will depend on your chosen mechanic.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 to $4,500 to completely replace your vehicle’s battery.
Can you still drive a Prius with a dead hybrid battery?
It is still possible to drive a Prius with a dead hybrid battery, however it isn’t recommended.
A dead hybrid battery will lead to poorer fuel mileage and can negatively impact how the Prius handles.
Can I replace a Prius battery myself?
Ideally, a battery replacement should only be installed by a professional mechanic.
Due to the high voltage found within hybrid batteries, changing a battery pack can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing.
What drains a Toyota Prius battery?
Letting your Prius sit idle for long periods can quickly drain your Toyota hybrid battery.
The number of times you charge your electric battery will also have an impact on how long your hybrid battery and electric motor will last.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Toyota Prius is a fantastic hybrid vehicle that can compete with some of the best options on the market.
Its 10-year battery life is fairly impressive, especially when compared with similar hybrid designs.
If you do notice some of the common failing signs, then it may be time to take your Prius to a trusted mechanic.
Replacing the battery can be pricey, but it is worth it if you want to drive your vehicle for many years to come!