So what are my options now that I know I need a hybrid battery? 

 

 A. 

The best quality right now is OEM from the Manufacture, life expectancies are 8 to 12 years.

 

 

The reason why new battery packs sold after the year 2015 don't last 14 to 17 years like the packs sold before that year is because the manufacture decreased the electrolyte that goes inside the Plastic Prismatic cells for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

 

If the vehicle you have has a lithium ion hybrid battery the life expectancy is 10 to 14 years

 

B.

Remanufactured, Rebuilt, Refurbished, Reconditioned

Life Expectancy 1 day to 6 years

 

Yes, there are Corporations and Sole-Proprietors  that can provide a high voltage battery and make your vehicle last 1 day before the light comes on the dash again.

 

Let's get micro because some of you just don't understand but the reality is, you do understand.

 

 

Most of us are just cheap and that is enough to override commonsense.

 

 

Regardless if you're an engineer or a mechanic you end up replacing the dead cells ignoring all the other factors that make up a healthy cell to make a long lasting battery such as these:

 

High Self Discharge

Capacity

Resistance

Impedance 

Co-Conductive network behavior 

Life expectancy per cell per vehicle

How old is the cell

Is the cell leaking

How much electrolyte does the cell have

Must the cells be in series with the rest for testing

Was the amp draw to high or too low for testing

Was the cut off voltage to high or too low for testing

Was room temperature too high or too low for testing

Was there a heat spot from a rat den inside the battery

Did the customer drive it for 1 month or longer with the light on 

How many miles does that cell have

Was the fan clogged

Was the battery already repaired

Have the nuts change color due to high current draw

Are the contacts corroded

 

Etc.

 

If all you're doing is fixing and selling cars or you're a neurotic electronic hobbyist than have at it, swap the cells that you think are bad that's how we learn.

 

Life expectancy overrides all technicality, it takes years of data and dedication to put together a long lasting high voltage battery.

 

Our batteries last an average of 5 years/70k without you having to return multiple times within the warranty period.

 

Humidity, Air Density, Location and Commute affect the Life expectancy

 

Can I install new cylindrical or plastic prismatic aftermarket cells from China?

 

Yes, we have tested these types of cells from 5 different companies in China and the quality isn't consistent some have been great some have not.

 

This option will be a gamble no different than any re-manufactured battery that doesn't have an average life expectancy.

 

More amp hour doesn't mean the cells are going to last longer nor give you more power on the road or better mpg.

 

 

The Hybrid Powertrain control module is already programmed to use a percentage of current/voltage for acceleration and for electric mode purposes. 

 

Can I convert my vehicle to lithium ion?

 

Yes it's possible just have a foam fire extinguisher inside the vehicle because it's not SAFE.

If the vehicle is designed for lead acid or nickel metal hydride that means the engineers did not include a battery management system.

A voltage sensor computer is not the same thing.

 

Secondly the charging and discharging parameters for lead acid, dry nickel metal hydride and wet nickel metal hydride are more lenient unlike Lithium Ion where the cut off voltages MUST be respected.

 

Lithium ion isn't the best alternative nor can this chemistry be reconditioned 

 

Clearly the high voltage batteries don't last a lifetime nor provide 500,000 miles of usage

 

 

C.

Sell the vehicle:

 

We see customers make this decision all the time and it doesn't make any sense unless you have a smelly beat up vehicle that you're embarrassed about and need to sell it.

 

If the goal was to drive a hybrid in the first place to save money how does buying a brand new car with an inflated price tag or a used car with miles expecting a repair eventually, make any financial sense?

 

If the reason is because it has high miles that's not a good reason either.

 

Our customers have an average 200,000 miles on the vehicle and still invest on a repair.

 

The engine on your hybrid doesn't have that mileage because it shuts off at red lights ,traffic & the drive thru.

 

The hoses, plastic, and electronics under the hood aren't exposed to the constant heat as a regular gasoline vehicle therefore prolonging repairs 

 

The brakes last longer due to regenerative braking.

 

Add the repairs, insurance, gas on an annual basis then proceed on making a decision.

 

 

If you're financially struggling it's better to wait and save than invest on a untested battery or change the dead cells only.

The cost of tow, diagnostic, labor and another battery will most likely add to the cost of a good remanufactured battery.