When your battery starts losing charge, you may be able to get a reconditioned hybrid battery instead of repairing it (which can be risky), or buying a brand new one from the dealer (which can be expensive).
But what is battery reconditioning? Here, we’ll answer that as well as let you know how to know when your battery may need replacing, what steps we take when we recondition hybrid batteries and the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing this option over new.
How Can You Tell That Your Battery is Losing Charge?
The average hybrid battery lasts eight years or 100,000 miles. However, the new norm for companies like Lexus and Toyota is to warranty the battery for ten years or 150,000 miles.
While ten years or 150,000 miles might seem like a lot, there will come a time when your battery will begin to lose charge. The average hybrid battery loses 2% of performance every year. Some ways that you can tell that your battery is losing charge include:
Decreased gas mileage (reduced range on the battery)
Erratic charge or not holding a charge
The engine running more than it should
Strange engine sounds
Error lights on your dash
What Is Battery Reconditioning?
When a hybrid battery is reconditioned, a professional determines the remaining usable cells and separates the weak ones from the bad ones. Typically, the weak and bad cells get discarded, while the usable ones receive reconditioning using specific methods proprietary to your battery brand.
We’ll get into general details about the process below.
Reconditioning hybrid batteries on your own is possible. However, it requires the proper equipment, time, and expertise, and we recommend that you purchase reconditioned batteries that have been professionally done.
At Exclusively Hybrid, our batteries go through a deep discharge. Then we utilize a process of charging and balancing the battery pack. These two steps will repeat several times during this procedure to restore any lost capacity, making it viable once again.
The hybrid battery reconditioning process involves a process of deeply discharging the battery while recharging and balancing it. It’s necessary to repeat the charging and discharging process multiple times for full battery reconditioning.
The final results of the hybrid car battery reconditioning process include:
Restoring lost battery capacity
Equalizing cell voltage levels
Deep discharging
Reconditioning
Breaking down crystal formations in battery modules or cells
Breaking down voltage depressions in battery cells
Sometimes, only specific cells need replacing to replenish the life of the battery. When mechanics do this, it involves:
Testing to find the failed or failing module: This requires a battery module load tester to identify which module has failed or is in the process of failing.
Replacing the failed module: Some brands’ failed modules are more successful in replacing than others.
Reconditioning again: Once they replace the failed module, it will need to work through all the reconditioning steps again. Going through reconditioning again allows the new module to equalize with the battery pack.
When the battery cell reconditioning process is complete, you’ll get a battery with more charge capacity than it previously had.
But keep in mind – when a mechanic only replaces a few bad cells, your other cells are still aging, and will likely need replacement in the future. Your best bet is to purchase a completely reconditioned battery.
How Long Does Battery Reconditioning Take?
The length of time it takes to recondition a hybrid battery depends on several factors, including the condition of the battery, the type of battery, and the method being used to recondition it. In general, reconditioning a hybrid battery can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the specific circumstances.
If the battery is in good condition and only requires a simple charge and discharge cycle to recondition it, the process may only take a few hours. However, if the battery is heavily degraded or damaged, the reconditioning process may take longer, as more extensive repairs may be needed. Additionally, if the battery is large or has multiple cells, the reconditioning process may also take longer, as each cell needs to be individually tested and reconditioned.
It’s important to note that hybrid battery reconditioning is a complex process that should only be performed by trained professionals. Attempting to recondition a hybrid battery on your own can be dangerous and may result in further damage to the battery or even personal injury.
The Benefits of Reconditioned Hybrid Batteries
A brand new hybrid car battery can cost anywhere from $3,000 up to over $6,000, depending on the type your vehicle requires. Reconditioned options will vary from $1,000 to $4,000, making this a more affordable choice for many individuals.
Reconditioned batteries can provide another few years of use, depending on the usage. This extension in life makes reconditioning a viable option for your hybrid.
What’s the Advantage of Reconditioned Hybrid Batteries from a Professional Company?
While you can recondition your battery at home or even replace bad cells, purchasing a reconditioned battery ensures a better quality battery with less risk of damage.
While a new hybrid Lexus battery or Toyota battery can cost up to $7,000, a reconditioned one from Exclusively Hybrid will be between $900 and $2000. Buying a refurbished hybrid battery can usually save you between $2,000 and $4,000.
A reconditioned hybrid battery that you purchase from a replacement or repair company undergoes a more rigorous reconditioning process than you can perform on your own. A professional company will:
Test to determine the battery’s overall health based on the manufacturer’s standards
Restore the modules’ or cells’ ability to hold a charge
Ensure modules don’t drain or lose charge by allowing them to sit for a month
Rebuild by keeping the good cells and replacing the bad ones
Reassemble the battery pack
Replace copper tabs on the terminals to deter corrosion
Test for quality in a real-world driving simulation
Battery Reconditioning FAQs
The cost of reconditioning a hybrid battery can vary widely, depending on a number of factors, including the condition of the battery, the type of battery, and the method being used to recondition it. In general, the cost of reconditioning a hybrid battery can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The lifespan of a reconditioned hybrid battery will depend on a number of factors, including the condition of the battery before it was reconditioned, the type of battery, and how it is used and maintained after it is reconditioned. In general, a reconditioned hybrid battery should last for several years if it is properly maintained.
Hybrid battery reconditioning refers to the process of repairing a hybrid vehicle’s battery pack in order to restore its performance and extend its lifespan. Hybrid vehicles have a battery pack that stores energy generated by the vehicle’s regenerative braking system, as well as energy from the internal combustion engine, to power the electric motor.
Over time, the battery pack may become less efficient and may not hold a charge as well as it used to. Reconditioning the battery can help restore its performance and improve the overall performance of the hybrid vehicle.
Reconditioning a hybrid battery can be effective in restoring its performance and extending its lifespan, but the results may vary. The success of the reconditioning process depends on a number of factors, including the age and condition of the battery pack, the cause of any performance issues, and the specific techniques used to recondition the battery.
In general, reconditioning a hybrid battery is most effective when it is done early on, before the battery has experienced significant degradation. If the battery pack has been heavily damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, reconditioning may not be effective in restoring its performance.
It’s important to note that reconditioning a hybrid battery is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It is generally best to have the battery reconditioned by a trained professional. This can help ensure that the process is done correctly and that the battery is restored to the best possible condition.
It is generally recommended to recondition a hybrid battery when it shows the signs of deterioration mentioned above. The specific interval will depend on the make and model of your hybrid vehicle and how it is used. It is a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for specific guidance on when to recondition your hybrid battery or purchase a reconditioned battery.
In general, a reconditioned hybrid battery should last for several years, but it is important to keep in mind that all batteries will eventually degrade and need to be replaced.
What’s Your Next Step?
Hybrid battery reconditioning takes a lot of work and time. If you don’t want to do it on your own or just want to start with a fresh new battery, Exclusively Hybrid can help you with your hybrid battery needs for Lexus, Honda and Toyota. They also sell both refurbished and new hybrid batteries for Lexus, Honda and Toyota. You’ll find that they’re less expensive than the ones at your dealership.
We also offer battery testing services to determine if we should help you refurbish, replace, or repair your battery.
If you’re dissatisfied with your current hybrid battery lifespan, our batteries solve that problem as well. The way we configure our new batteries keeps the battery cells cooler to improve the battery’s longevity.
Exclusively Hybrid wants to help you with your new or refurbished hybrid battery needs for your Toyota, Honda or Lexus hybrid vehicle. Be sure to contact us for more information.