Are you the owner of a ten to twelve-year-old Lexus hybrid? Perhaps several lights on your dashboard indicator have just come on. If that has happened, it is likely a sign that your Lexus hybrid battery has run out, permanently, and needs replacing since the typical lifespan for the battery is around ten to twelve years.
When your battery no longer works, what are your options? Replacing batteries in hybrid cars can get quite expensive. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know regarding the cost of Lexus hybrid battery replacement.
So read on to find out what your options are when you need to replace the battery in your Lexus hybrid.
Table of Contents
How Do Hybrid Car Batteries Work?
There are two main components in hybrid vehicles, which are an engine powered by gasoline and an electric motor. These two elements work together to ensure the best fuel economy for your car.
The batteries in hybrid vehicles are high-voltage batteries. They are used in the vehicle’s power train and they are in addition to and separate from an auxiliary battery that powers the accessories.
When you drive a hybrid vehicle, the battery gets energy from regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. The regenerative braking technology uses kinetic energy to recharge the electric battery. When the car is not using gasoline, it uses the hybrid battery to move.
Lexus Hybrid Battery Details
The hybrid battery used in Lexus hybrid cars has an output ranging from 201.6 to 288 and it is considered a high-voltage battery. It is a sealed nickel-metal (Ni-Mh) battery that has multiple individual cells in one battery pack.
Similarly to all batteries, each cell has two electrodes, a negative and a positive one, in an ion-rich solution. When you start the car, the two electrodes connect as ions with a positive charge flow towards the negative electrodes. This process releases electrons, creating an electrical charge.
What is The Life Expectancy of Lexus Hybrid Battery?
The average Lexus high-voltage hybrid battery lasts for at least 100,000 miles but can last up to 200,000 miles or ten to twelve years. How long the battery lasts depends on various factors such as your driving habits, how well the battery is maintained, and the number of charging cycles it is put through.
Because hybrid batteries use regenerative braking to recharge, they often last longer than regular vehicle batteries. However, mechanical issues as well as improper maintenance can reduce the lifespan of hybrid batteries. Later in the article, we will give you tips on how to look after your engine so it lasts as long as possible.
You should be able to find more details about the expected battery life for your particular Lexus model in your owner’s manual.
What is The Warranty For Lexus Hybrid Batteries?
In the older Lexus models, the warranty period for the hybrid batteries was eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever took place sooner. However, models that have been made in 2020 or after, have a longer warranty. The hybrid batteries in the newer models have had their warranty extended to ten years or 150,000 miles.
The warranty also covers subsequent owners. So even if you bought your Lexus second hand you are still covered as long as your car has less than 150,000 miles and the battery is under ten years old. If your battery needs replacing or repairing during the warranty period, the repairs or replacement battery should cost you nothing.
How Much is The Lexus Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost?
If you need to replace your Lexus hybrid battery, there are different options available for you, some of which come with a lower price tag. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a new battery pack ranges from around $5,000 up to $7,000. However, the prices can be even higher since individual dealers can set their own prices.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, you don’t have to buy a Lexus battery. Instead, you can buy an equivalent new battery from an established battery manufacturer. Another alternative is to buy a reconditioned battery. The prices range from just under $1,000 for a reconditioned battery to $2,000 for a new battery.
When buying an alternative battery, make sure it is from a reputable dealer for your safety and peace of mind. You should also consider the warranty it has. Cheaper batteries often come with a shorter warranty, while some may not have one at all. The battery might not last as long, meaning you might need a replacement again sooner.
What Are The Signs of a Dying or Faulty Lexus Hybrid Battery?
There are some symptoms you can look out for if your battery is dying or faulty.
- You get fewer miles per gallon. If the fuel economy of your car is not as good as it was, it is a sign that the hybrid battery is no longer working as well as it should. In hybrid vehicles, the gas and battery power supplement each other. If the battery is not working as expected, the car will use more gasoline than it did before.
- Fluctuations in the level of charge are a common sign of battery problems. If the charge percentage displayed on your dashboard keeps going up and down, it may be a sign of your battery not working correctly.
- If you notice that your vehicle’s battery keeps discharging even when not in use, it is a sign that it is no longer holding a charge.
- If the internal combustion engine is kicking more than before, it is a sign that it is running more than it should and can indicate a potential problem with the battery.
- Your engine making strange noises might mean that your battery is running too hot.
Is it Possible to Repair a Lexus Hybrid Battery?
In some cases, it may be possible to repair a high-voltage battery. However, in most cases, it is not recommended. If you are thinking about repairs rather than replacing the battery, there are some things you need to consider first.
Repairing a hybrid battery will require special tools because working on them differs from working on a conventional battery. You may also only solve the problem temporarily and if the issue is not fully solved, it may lead to other problems, for example, with the engine.
If your battery is under warranty, you will probably void it if you repair the battery. Only repairs undertaken by authorized mechanics will be allowed under warranty. Also, if the vehicle is under warranty, all costs incurred from replacing or repairing the battery should be covered as long as they are carried out by an authorized person.
How to Look After Your Battery?
You can make sure that your hybrid battery works as long as possible by looking after it properly. Here are some do and don’ts on looking after your battery.
Dos
- Charge your car frequently.
- When charging, keep your battery at room temperature if possible.
- Let your battery cool down after a long drive before charging.
- Use your car regularly, if possible, every day.
- Keep charge status between 30-80% if you know you are not going to use your car for a while.
- Park your car in the shade when the weather is hot and sunny to help the battery stay cooler. Park your car in a garage as often as possible if you have one.
- Get your battery and car serviced and checked over by an authorized mechanic regularly. How often depends on how much you drive, but you should do this at least once every year.
Don’ts
- Do not let your car’s charge status fall below the recommended depth of discharge. You should be able to find details of the depth of discharge for your specific battery in the owner’s manual.
- Do not overcharge your battery.
- Do not use regular fast charges as this can cause your battery to age faster.
Summary
If you have noticed any of the symptoms described in this article or if your car battery is ten to twelve years old, it may be time to get a new hybrid battery for your car. While batteries from Lexus cost upwards of $5,000, there are cheaper alternatives on the market.
When you are looking into options to replace your old battery, you need to consider the warranty the new battery comes with. You also need to ensure that you are buying from a reputable company. Repairing the battery yourself is not recommended and it may void any existing warranty.
We hope to have answered all your questions about Lexus hybrid battery replacement costs. However, should you like to know anything more about the topic, you can write your questions in the comments section. You might also like to watch this video from How to Car Guy.