Costs of replacing and repairing batteries in a hybrid car

Hybrid manufacturers often use words such as “reliable” and “maintenance-free” in their advertising. And this is actually not far from the truth. However, the simplicity of design and high reliability of hybrid cars have, surprisingly, a downside: owners start to save on their maintenance. The high-voltage batteries of these cars suffer the most. Therefore, one of the key issues for owners of such vehicles is the cost of replacing a battery in a hybrid. Let's look at the main aspects of hybrid battery maintenance.

How long does a battery last in a hybrid car

Using a hybrid car is no more difficult for the owner than operating a conventional car. However, over time, all owners face one problem: a decrease in the capacity of the traction battery. The service life of a battery in a hybrid car depends on many factors, such as operating conditions, car model, and maintenance frequency. On average, a battery can last from 8 to 15 years or about 160,000 to 300,000 km of mileage. Some car manufacturers offer a battery warranty of up to 10 years, which makes hybrids even more attractive.

Causes of battery wear

The main causes of battery wear in a hybrid car are:

• Natural degradation – over time, battery cells lose their capacity.
• Neglecting regular maintenance – for example, replacing the air recirculation filter.
• Prolonged downtime – all batteries dislike long periods of inactivity without charging/discharging.
• Overheating – high temperatures can damage the battery. Overheating is caused by insufficient coolant in the cooling system or even blocked air ducts in the passenger compartment.
• Frequent deep discharges – have a negative impact on battery performance.
• Malfunction of the inverter or other electronic components – can cause additional load on the battery.
• Lack of regular diagnostics – untimely detection of malfunctions leads to faster wear.

It is worth noting several features of traction battery failure. First, their cells deteriorate unevenly, with the central modules of the battery sinking first and those at the edges remaining relatively intact. Second, batteries are prone to a cascade effect, i.e., the failure of one cell leads to the failure of neighboring cells, and so on.

How to check the battery condition

The first symptom that indicates that a high-voltage battery needs to be checked is an increase in the fuel consumption of a hybrid car. If the system switches to the internal combustion engine more often than usual, this may indicate a problem with the battery. The first thing you can do is measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter, but you need to have the right technical knowledge to do this correctly.

Checking the condition of the battery is an important step in keeping it working properly. The main diagnostic methods are:

• Using a diagnostic scanner to read errors and the condition of the battery cells.
• Performing a load test to check the battery's performance.
• Monitoring energy consumption and charge recovery while driving.
• Contacting a service specialist for a detailed check and data analysis.

It should be remembered that without special tools and knowledge, only the condition of the entire high-voltage battery assembly can be checked. It is impossible to determine the condition of individual modules (cells) of the HEV battery using standard vehicle diagnostic tools. The only way to determine the condition of each battery is to remove it from the vehicle, partially disassemble it, and check it with a special tester. STS Electro uses its own MSG brand development and production stands for this purpose. These devices make it possible not only to check the capacity and voltage of each module, but also to restore and qualitatively balance the high-voltage battery.

How to replace batteries

Replacing a battery in a hybrid car requires a professional approach. The main steps are as follows

1. Diagnostics to determine the need for replacement.
2. Disconnecting the power supply and removing the old battery.
3. Installing a new or refurbished battery.
4. Reprogramming the electronic control unit.
5. Testing the new battery.

How much does it cost to replace a battery in a hybrid

The price of a battery for a hybrid car depends on its model and generation. New batteries cost between PLN 8,000 and PLN 15,000, while refurbished options can be significantly cheaper, ranging from PLN 2,000 to PLN 8,000. The cost of hybrid battery refurbishment at the STS.Electro workshop starts at PLN 450 for computer diagnostics.

Battery restoration in hybrid cars

However, the failure of individual elements of a hybrid car battery does not mean that it needs to be completely replaced. Battery regeneration is a process that can significantly extend the life of a battery. The main stages are as follows:

• Diagnostics – identification of faults and weak battery elements.
• Balancing the cells – equalizing the charge level between the cells.
• Replacing damaged cells – installing new or refurbished modules.
• Cleaning the contacts – improving electrical conductivity.
• Reprogramming the control unit – adapting the system to the refurbished battery.

Where to repair a battery

It is best to entrust the repair of a hybrid car battery to professional service centers. Specialists will diagnose the problem, identify malfunctions, and perform the necessary repairs. It is important to choose certified service centers that use high-quality spare parts.

How to extend the life of a hybrid car battery

To make your hybrid battery last longer, follow these recommendations:

• Avoid complete discharge – keep the charge level between 40-80%.
• Regularly perform diagnostics – check the condition of the battery and inverter.
• Avoid overheating – do not leave the car in direct sunlight.
• Drive smoothly – avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
• Store your car in a dry and cool place – this will help prevent damage to the battery.

By following these tips, you can significantly extend the life of your battery, reducing the cost of repair or replacement. And timely contact with professionals at STS will eliminate the need for such an expensive procedure as battery replacement and keep it in good condition, which will significantly save money for hybrid car owners.