How long do hybrid cars last

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Hybrid car batteries explained

If your knowledge of batteries extends about as far as Im pretty sure the TV remote takes double-As, the world of electrified vehicles - hybrids, plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles (EVs) - and the batteries they use may all seem a bit foreign.

For those new to the subject, its actually quite easy to get your head around.

Hybrids and PHEVs use both a traditional petrol-powered internal-combustion engine (ICE) and a battery-powered electric motor, although there are some key differences (an EV, of course, only has the battery-powered electric motor, and no ICE).

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Petrol stations are also somewhat more common than charging ones.

There are also a few drawbacks of hybrids worth mentioning.

The ICE and electric motor in a hybrid need to be smaller to both fit in the vehicle, meaning theyre independently less powerful than larger versions. They also create more weight and take up more space in the car, sometimes creating less cabin or boot space, and result in the hybrid costing more than a standard ICE vehicle.

Examples of hybrids that are for sale in Australia include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

Hybrid car battery: how it works

A hybrid battery switches seamlessly between the ICE and the electric motor to deliver maximum performance.

Like standard petrol-powered vehicles, hybrid cars have a 12-volt lead-acid battery and an ICE, with a battery-powered electric motor, although its common to see hybrids come with two electric motors as well.

The battery is, more accurately, a lithium-ion battery pack, as it contains hundreds - and sometimes thousands - of smaller lithium-ion batteries.

Unlike a PHEV, this battery pack is self-charging and the charging occurs via a process called regenerative braking, where kinetic energy thats created when the hybrid brakes is either stored in the battery pack for later use, or used to directly power the wheels.

The battery pack can also be charged by the ICE when its either active during driving, or idling.

How far can hybrid cars go on batteries alone, and at what speed do hybrid cars switch from battery power to petrol power?

A hybrid battery switches seamlessly between the ICE and the electric motor to deliver maximum performance and delivery, and typically it can operate in all-electric mode, relying solely on the battery, at speeds of up to 40km/h, and for distances of around 2km. No, thats not a lot, is it?

Because a PHEVs battery pack is larger, it requires charging via an external power source, like a wall socket or public fast-charger. The increase in size means an increase in all-electric driving range, which is on average around 50km.

How long do hybrid car batteries last?

Battery packs are usually guaranteed by the car manufacturer for eight years or 160,000km.

Its no secret that in EVs and hybrid cars, battery degradation can be a problem that impacts battery life.

Battery packs are usually guaranteed by the car manufacturer for eight years or 160,000km - whichever comes first - and during that period of time, hybrid drivers will start to notice a decline in the battery packs ability to hold a charge.

When it comes to hybrid cars, this means more reliance on the vehicles ICE, which negatively impacts the cars fuel efficiency and increases harmful tailpipe emissions.

Battery packs in hybrids can be replaced, but if the car is over three years old, its often seen as an uneconomical choice to purchase a replacement, rather than just buying a whole new car.

Can hybrid car batteries be recycled?

Injectronics currently remanufacture Toyota and Lexus hybrid batteries.

There are specialist technicians in Australia who are able to remanufacture used hybrid batteries and resell them at 60-80 per cent of the original cost, and Toyota, a leader in hybrid technology with its popular Prius model, has a hybrid battery recycling program that keeps 98 per cent of the battery materials out of landfill.

To sweeten the deal, Toyota offers $100 for the return of used hybrid batteries, or $500 off the price of a replacement battery.

Thats not a bad deal, although its worth remembering that hybrid batteries from third-party manufacturers are often cheaper than whats available to purchase from a dealership.

How Long Do Hybrid Car Batteries Last? (Average Lifespan)

Hybrid electric vehicles are now mainstream, a revolution from science fiction fantasies just decades ago. Offered widely by Toyota, Honda, Ford, and more, hybrid power is here to stay as our commute evolves. But concerns persist around hybrid battery life and replacement costs outweighing fuel savings.

If youre conflicted or questioning hybrid battery longevity wondering how long do they last?, read on for a comprehensive guide dispelling myths and answering all you need to know about these lynchpins of greener transportation.

Related: Hybrid Cars vs Gas Cars (Costs to Consider)

Average Lifespan of a Hybrid Car Battery

One of the biggest misconceptions related to hybrid-electric batteries is that they have relatively short lifespans. This leads to apprehension toward the thought of being saddled with the cost of pricey battery replacement on numerous occasions throughout a vehicles applicable service life.

The truth is, the vast majority of hybrid owners will only need to replace their main battery on one occasion throughout their vehicles service life.

In fact, it is extremely rare to hear of a vehicles hybrid battery being replaced on more than two separate occasions, even in extreme high-mileage scenarios.

Most vehicle manufacturers claim that their hybrid batteries carry an average lifespan of 80,000-100,000 miles. However, it is relatively common to hear of a well-maintained hybrid battery lasting 150,000-200,000 miles.

This means that even in a worst-case scenario, a vehicle must total an average of 240,000 miles before perceivably reaching the point of requiring a third battery replacement. As with any battery, proper maintenance is key to hybrid battery longevity.

See Also: How Long Do Normal Car Batteries Last?

Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost

The relative cost of hybrid battery replacement can vary significantly from one scenario to the next. However, services of this nature are dropping in cost by the day, as manufacturers employ cost-saving measures, and battery technology improves.

On average, motorists can expect to pay $2,000-$8,000 for hybrid battery replacement. While this might seem like a wide range in potential price, there are a significant number of variables that go into tabulating such costs.

As time passes by, a greater number of good, used hybrid batteries are coming available from salvaged wrecks. These batteries can typically be purchased for a significantly reduced cost, and can then be installed by a qualified service professional.

In this scenario, the lower end of the above-mentioned price spectrum applies.

However, if a new hybrid battery must be purchased, and installation proves to be rather time consumptive, giving way to growing labor costs, one can expect to pay a higher fee.

Regardless, any qualified service center should be able to provide you with an accurate price quote before installation commences.

Related: Hybrid Car Oil Change (Cost and Change Interval)

What Affects a Hybrid Battery Lifespan?

Numerous factors affect the lifespan of a hybrid electric battery. The most prominent of these factors are as follows.

#1 Charging Routine

To maximize a hybrid batterys longevity, it is imperative to follow all manufacturer-provided charging guidelines.

Never plug your hybrid up for a quick 5-minute charge, before soldiering on with a near-dead battery. It is always best to fully charge a hybrid whenever doing so is required.

#2 Temperature Fluctuations

Hybrid-electric batteries are intended to operate within a specified temperature range. If a battery of this nature is forced to operate outside of this range for extended periods of time, damage can result.

Regularly driving a hybrid vehicle in areas such as Arizona or parts of Canada will reduce the lifespan of its battery, the same way the lifespan of a normal cars battery is affected.

Most hybrid batteries utilize a dedicated cooling fan to prevent overheating. It is advisable to have this cooling fan regularly checked for proper operation, by a qualified service technician.

#3 Frequency of Maintenance

Most manufacturers specify that a hybrid battery is to be tested at predetermined service intervals. Skipping out on such check-ups can certainly detract from your batterys service life.

If one or more weak battery cells are detected, yet all other cells appear to be functioning as intended, reconditioning efforts can be made to prolong unit life.

When Should You Replace a Hybrid Battery?

Because of the cost associated with the purchase and installation of a hybrid battery, preemptive replacement is generally not advisable.

A hybrid battery should be replaced when a questionable health test is recorded during routine maintenance, or when the first signs of impending failure become evident.

Most automotive dealerships who sell hybrid-electric vehicles will check your vehicles battery as a complimentary service. These regular tests will provide you with a certain level of insight into when replacement is warranted.

Likewise, a number of symptoms will often arise when a hybrid battery is on its last leg, cluing you in on when the need for replacement is imminent.

These symptoms include shortened charge life, irregular fluctuations in charge state, decreased fuel economy, and increased engine reliance.

Does Your Car Warranty Cover Battery Replacement?

All manufacturers provide some level of coverage pertaining to hybrid electric batteries found in their vehicles. The length and extent of this warranty often vary significantly from one manufacturer to the next.

In any event, if a battery dies during its period of coverage, replacement should be provided free of charge, or on a prorated basis.

The following are several examples of hybrid-electric battery warranties currently offered by various manufacturers.

Manufacturer	Warranty Length
Toyota/Lexus (2020+)	10-years or 150,000 miles
Toyota/Lexus (2019 and older)	8-years or 100,000 miles
Honda	8-years or 100,000 miles
Ford	8-years or 100,000 miles
Hyundai	10-years or 100,000 miles
Kia	10-years or 100,000 miles
Chevrolet	8-years or 100,000 miles

Types of Hybrid Batteries

Today, manufacturers employ the use of several different hybrid battery types in their production efforts. Each of these individual battery types vary somewhat in their construction, and means of operation.

The following are the three main types of hybrid-electric automotive batteries.

Lithium Ion

Lithium ion batteries offer enhanced service lives, and are growing significantly in popularity among automotive manufacturers. These batteries typically come with longer warranties, in excess of 100,000 miles, and offer brief charging times.

However, lithium ion batteries tend to be relatively expensive in comparison to alternative hybrid battery types.

Nickel Metal Hydride

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are by far, the most commonly used of all hybrid electric automotive batteries. Batteries of this nature are stable and feature predictable usage characteristics.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are also less costly than lithium ion batteries, as they have now been on the market for a significant period of time. This type of battery has been a mainstay of Toyota Prius production for two-decades.

Lead Acid

Lead acid batteries are perhaps more reliable than any alternative form of battery on the market. However, they are relatively limited in their capabilities and storage potential.

The average lead acid battery is only capable of continuously operating a vehicle for an average of 10 miles in full-electric mode, and 20 miles in hybrid mode. Therefore, lead acid batteries are far more practical in a hybrid situation.

Josh has worked as a full-time mechanic for over 12 years, with 6 ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications under his belt. He began his career as an automotive technician at local Toyota dealership and has since transitioned to specializing in diesel trucks and equipment.