How Much Does a Hybrid Car Battery Cost?
Buying a new hybrid battery costs $2,000 to $8,000. There are less expensive options, but know the trade-offs.
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The high-voltage batteries used in hybrid vehicles are complex, and the cost to replace one can run in the thousands of dollars. Add to that the price of having the battery professionally installed, which can be $500 or more.
Although the cost of replacing a hybrid car’s battery is significant, the need to replace one is infrequent. Here we cover your options for replacing a hybrid battery, the cost and lifespan of each and how to extend battery life.
Options for buying a hybrid battery
If you have or are buying a hybrid car that needs a battery replacement, your first step should be checking to see if the original battery is still under warranty. New hybrid cars come with a battery warranty of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles, with some car manufacturers offering more. You definitely don’t want to pay for a battery if you can get it replaced at no cost.
To replace a battery that’s no longer under warranty, here are several options.
New OEM. The most expensive approach is to buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery. An OEM battery is identical to the one used when your car was built, but it will have less warranty coverage than the original battery. Despite costing more, OEM batteries are likely to power your vehicle longer. This option might make sense if you plan to drive your hybrid for another five to 10 years. Some third-party companies also sell OEM batteries, often for less than a dealership charges.
Remanufactured. These batteries have been restored to like-new condition and should meet original performance specifications set by the manufacturer. The restoration process includes replacing weak or dead cells with new, unused ones. Remanufactured batteries are less expensive than new, and if properly remanufactured they can perform as well as new.
Reconditioned. Reconditioning restores functionality to a once unusable or poorly performing battery, but it may not be in like-new condition or meet manufacturer standards. The battery will cost less, but it isn’t likely to last as long as a new or remanufactured one, making this a shorter-term solution. It may be a better option just to keep an older hybrid going for a few more years.
Used. Online marketplaces or salvage yards can be another place to find used hybrid batteries. Although this approach can save you money, it comes with the highest risk. At the very least, ask for a diagnostic report of the battery’s health before making the purchase.
You may see hybrid batteries referred to as remanufactured, rebuilt, reconditioned or refurbished. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can have significant differences depending on the battery provider. If you aren’t sure what restoration process was used, ask. Also, ask what warranty, if any, is provided.
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Hybrid battery replacement comparison
Battery type | Typical cost (battery only) | Lifespan estimate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New (OEM) | $2,000–$8,000. Larger batteries that hold more energy are on the high end. | 8–10 years or more. | Longer lifespan, backed by a manufacturer warranty. | Most expensive option. Warranty sometimes less than remanufactured. |
Remanufactured | $1,500–$2,500 but can vary significantly depending on provider and warranty. | 5-10 years or more. | Usually costs less than new and warranty may be longer. | Depending on the provider, may have a shorter lifespan than new. |
Reconditioned | $1,000–$2,000. | 2-5 years. | Cheaper than new or remanufactured. Ideal for a short-term solution. | Quality varies depending on provider. Shorter lifespan. |
Used | $500–$2,000. | Unknown (depends on factors like age/use). | Lowest upfront cost. | Higher risk with no warranty. Short lifespan likely. |
Labor costs for replacing a hybrid car battery
On average, expect to pay about $500 to $1,500 or more. Because hybrid batteries have high voltage levels, it’s best to leave removal and replacement to trained professionals. Like the cost of the battery, the actual charge for labor depends on your car’s make and model. Some providers of remanufactured and reconditioned batteries advertise free installation.
How to make your hybrid battery last longer
The anticipated life of a hybrid battery in new vehicles is at least 10 years and 100,000 to 150,000 miles, although some have lasted beyond 200,000 miles. A hybrid battery’s lifetime varies based on factors such as vehicle type, your driving habits and how well the battery is maintained. Here are some steps you can take to help delay or avoid the expense of replacing a hybrid battery.
Keep the battery cool. High temperatures accelerate battery degradation. Park in shade or garages when possible.
Drive regularly. Allowing your hybrid to sit for a long period of time depletes the battery and decreases its life expectancy. At least start your car every few weeks for 20 to 30 minutes.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can cause the battery to degrade faster.
Schedule regular maintenance. This will include an inspection of systems that help keep the battery healthy, such as cooling systems.
For plug-in hybrids, don’t overcharge. Avoid repeated charging past 80% capacity, as regularly charging to 100% can reduce battery life.
