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How Often Do Hybrid Batteries Need To Be Replaced?

This question is a little tricky to answer as the lifespan of a battery for a hybrid vehicle depends on several factors. Some drivers experience failure at 70,000 miles, while others can make it to 200,000 miles without any problems.

The battery in a hybrid vehicle isn’t like the one in a traditional car that can be replaced for about $100 at the local auto parts store. Instead, a failed hybrid car battery can cost thousands of dollars to replace. That’s a big deal to a consumer who bought a hybrid to save money.

So how often do hybrid batteries need to be replaced? In the short years of collecting data on hybrid vehicles, it appears that hybrid batteries start to become a risk when they’re 10 to 15 years old and they’ve covered 120,000 to 150,000 miles. Some drivers do better than that as there are reports of batteries lasting well into the 200,000-mile range. However, don’t count on these reports as the norm, especially if you’re on a budget.

When a hybrid car battery fails, the car will no longer run since the battery is crucial to the drive-train. It can’t be rewired to run on gasoline alone. Here are three options of what you can do when the battery fails.

  • The first option is to simply purchase a new battery. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive option, but it will enable your hybrid vehicle to give you another 10 years of service.
  • The second option, buy a refurbished or rebuilt battery. While rebuilt batteries may not last as long as the originals, they’re about half the price of a new one.
  • The third option, buy a used battery (which typically comes from a hybrid that suffered an accident). This is the cheapest option, but also the riskiest since there are few guarantees that the battery will work until it’s installed and paid for.

Wondering how often do hybrid batteries need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Dependable Car Care for more information about hybrid repairs and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Ventura, CA, and the surrounding area.