This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Cost at the Mechanic: $7,494-$7,584
Parts: $7,185-$7,195
Labor: $308-$389
You can expect a mechanic to take anywhere from one to three hours to replace your hybrid battery. The cost of parts needed to replace a hybrid battery depends on the type of battery you need, as well as your particular vehicle’s make and model. Hybrid batteries are designed to last anywhere from 6 to 10 years on average, or 70,000 to 200,000 miles. How long these batteries last depends on your vehicle, as well as your driving habits.
The labor cost of replacing a hybrid battery at a mechanic’s shop can vary greatly depending on the mechanic’s hourly rates. Don’t be afraid to ask for a quote on your vehicle’s hybrid battery replacement before you take it in if you want to make sure you’re getting a competitive rate.
Cost to DIY: $7,185-$7,195
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Parts Needed:
Before you decide to take on this job yourself, double-check to see if your hybrid’s battery has failed before the vehicle’s warranty has expired. If it’s still covered by a warranty, you should take your hybrid to a dealership service center to have your hybrid battery changed regardless of whether you feel you can do the job yourself or not. Changing your hybrid’s battery yourself will more than likely void any warranty that covers it.
The cost of the replacement hybrid battery as well as the tools you’ll need for this job vary depending on your particular make and model. Replacing a hybrid battery isn’t a particularly difficult job, but you must follow all safety procedures involving disconnecting the battery, and be extremely careful around any exposed battery terminals. A car’s standard 12-volt battery can seriously hurt you, and a hybrid battery has far more power than that, so you absolutely must take all necessary precautions. Always refer to your owner’s manual and/or a repair guide when taking on a DIY job of this magnitude.
What Is a Hybrid Battery?
Hybrid vehicles use electric motors in addition to the standard internal combustion engine to move the vehicle down the road. These electric motors require much more powerful batteries than the standard battery under your hood. The combustion engine charges these large, high-voltage batteries, which in turn power the electric motors that propel the car. Some vehicles use a regenerative braking system, which uses your forward momentum to recharge the batteries while slowing the car down. Some may also have a charger that plugs into your wall similarly to a fully electric car, a variety known as “plug-in hybrids.”
Each hybrid battery is made up of a collection of individual cells. Generally, hybrid batteries go bad because some of the cells have degraded to the point where they can no longer provide enough energy to move the vehicle. If a cell shorts out, it can damage other cells and even ruin the entire battery in the process.
What Does a Hybrid Battery Replacement Include?
The technician will first put your hybrid battery through a series of tests using a computer to diagnose its issues. If your vehicle’s hybrid battery is indeed the issue and needs to be replaced, it will take between one to three hours to replace. Your vehicle’s model and the shop you’ve taken it to greatly influence the cost of the replacement.
While your vehicle is being diagnosed, the mechanic should look for other issues your vehicle may be experiencing. You can use code scanners such as FIXD yourself at home, but we suggest leaving big jobs such as hybrid battery replacements to the professionals to ensure everything is installed correctly. Read our full OBD2 scanner guide to learn all the OBD2 basics, including how to use it and understand the codes. A shop’s scanner has numerous additional functions and features that FIXD doesn’t have.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Hybrid Battery?
This depends on the design of the hybrid system in your particular vehicle. In most cases, it is the electric motors that propel the vehicle, while the combustion engine only serves to charge the hybrid battery. If the battery fails, your car will not be able to move under its own power at all.
On some older Honda hybrids, the electric motor is sandwiched between the combustion engine and the transmission. Both motors work together to provide power to the transmission and wheels. In this case, if the electric motor becomes inoperable due to a failed hybrid battery, it can still be driven by the combustion engine. The vehicle won’t have as much power without the electric assist, but it will still move.
How Often To Replace Your Hybrid Battery
Usually, hybrid batteries can last anywhere from 6 to 10 years according to this article from CarParts. This depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits. If the hybrid vehicle has been involved in a collision, the crash may damage your battery as well.
Most modern hybrids come with hybrid battery warranty coverages that last can last 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or sometimes even higher. This is generally a job you don’t have to worry about unless your hybrid is very old, has high mileage, or has been damaged.
Common Symptoms You Need To Replace Your Hybrid Battery
Below are a few symptoms you might come across if your hybrid’s battery is going bad:
- Your vehicle is unable to move at all.
- A warning light appears on your instrument cluster or screen. Visit our comprehensive guide on check engine lights to learn more about the most common reasons why your check engine light is on and how to fix it.
- Your vehicle is not charging at all.
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At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
