Can I Replace a Hybrid Car Battery Myself?

charging an electric car

A car battery is a car battery, right?

Does a hybrid car have a regular battery? Well, no, they have a hybrid car battery, which is different than the traditional car battery. A hybrid vehicle is powered by electricity and gasoline and the hybrid car battery and the hybrid car repair are not the same.  

What is a hybrid car battery? A hybrid car battery is used in hybrid vehicles. hybrid car battery is a little different than a traditional battery. With two electrodes that are positioned in electrolyte, an iron-rich solution with a polymer film keeping them separated.  

Most hybrid cars have two diverse batteries: the main high-voltage battery that is located in the powertrain and powers the car when it isn’t running on gasoline. It is also used to power the car in conjunction with the gas for energy efficiency. Then there is a 12-volt battery that is used for starting the vehicle. This battery may be found in the under the hood or in the trunk, based on the model of the vehicle. 

How long does the battery last in a hybrid car?

A hybrid car battery has a life expectancy of eight to ten years, or up to 100,000 miles. How the car is driven and maintained and where it is driven can affect that lifespan. 100,000 miles doesn’t seem like much, the average driver travels 10,000 miles or less a year. With that in mind, could take most drivers five years to reach that 100,000 mile mark. 

When a hybrid car battery shows it has a full charge, it typically is only at eighty percent. When it is showing empty, it still has around twenty percent power left. By doing this, it is under taxing the battery’s life so that it isn’t overcharged, like our cell phones and other mobile devices often are.

Can you replace a hybrid car battery?

You may want to rethink about buying that hybrid car you’ve been looking at, especially if it is a used one. As you would do with any used vehicle, you should research things like the mileage, last oil change, life left on the tires, and the cost to replace a hybrid car battery. We can assure you that you will have sticker shock. 

You do go to your local auto parts retail store to buy a hybrid car battery for as little as $1,000 and some can cost as much as $6,000 or more. Replacing a hybrid car battery will run into the thousands of dollars. So, while the hybrid car may save you money on gas and help Mother Earth, it is going to get into your wallet at some point. 

Yes, you read that right, a hybrid car battery are priced anywhere from one thousand dollars and up to six thousand dollar and up. Depending on the car manufacturer and size of a battery needed. 

Is it worth replacing hybrid battery?

So, is it worthwhile replacing a hybrid car battery at that price point? Knowing that under normal driving conditions and consider the environment where you’ll be driving, you won’t have to replace that hybrid car battery for 8 to 10 years. As long as the rest of the used hybrid car is in good condition, it maybe worthwhile for you, even if it is $1,000 or more. Like anything, it is a matter of personal choice and personal budget.

electric battery station

What happens when a hybrid battery goes bad?

Hybrid cars have been around a few years now, but most of us still aren’t familiar with them. If you’re considering purchasing one, even after reading about the hybrid car battery cost, you need to get familiar with these cars. They aren’t like the traditional car you’re used to driving. So, things like when to change a hybrid car battery and how to replace a hybrid car battery are things you should know. Keep reading as we provide some “need to know” info, because when a hybrid car battery starts to fail, it has symptoms different than that of a traditional car battery. The signs of a failing hybrid car battery are: 

  • Fuel economy decreases: When your hybrid car isn’t getting the great gas mileage it usually does, your hybrid car battery is likely reaching its end of life. 
  • State of charge fluctuates: If the hybrid car battery is showing it needs charging and then a minute or so later it doesn’t, it may be overcharged or can’t stay charged. 
  • Battery won’t hold a charge: After leaving your hybrid car battery on an overnight charge and it still showing it needs charging the next morning, it is time to replace it. 
  • Running on the internal combustion system more:  When the internal combustion engine is running more than it should or kicks on when it shouldn’t, take your vehicle to your mechanic immediately. 
  • Strange sound from the engine: A hybrid car battery that’s running hot will alert the electric fan to kick on. When that happens frequently, your hybrid car battery and other components are getting too hot. Take your car to the mechanic as soon as possible.  

You may be wondering after reading this piece, are hybrid car batteries dangerous? Not any more than any car battery when you treat them with care and respect. Like any battery or electrical component, you should be aware of potential hazards like shock. As long as you follow the safety procedure recommended by the car manufacturer, you and your passengers will be safe. Call 630-932-4427 today.