HV battery from 2017 Prius Prime Advanced about to become available!

This post is an offshoot of “2017 Prius Prime with $15,000 Rodent Damage”

Our car, with only 43,000 miles on it, has been sitting on the dealer’s lot for 8 weeks while awaiting a new HV battery. Two days ago, we were told the batt ETA was 6 March. Now they are saying maybe next week.


Total damage on the insurance tab is $14,741 plus $900 for rental car, less a $500 deductible. Unfortunately, our insurance will only cover the cost of a new OEM unit.

According to the insurance company, it is my prerogative what happens to the original traction battery. The dealership says the original HV battery cells are fine. It only fails because of minor rodent damage to the cable sheathing.

Given the critical shortage of new batteries, this item, with only 43k miles, has very significant potential value to someone who could install a used battery. However, if I leave the dealership with it, I will not be able to physically manage the thing due to health problems and the fact that it must weigh hundreds of pounds. (Anyone know how much it actually weighs?) Beyond that, if I cannot get it to someone who has a real interest in it, how would I recycle it?

I retired in 2013 to earn a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. This was to work on addressing the climate crisis, and it is nauseating to think that this perfectly good battery would not end up in someone else’s Prius Prime!

We live in a very rural region of the U.S. (12901 Zip).

I need help to find someone interested in and able to obtain this very significant electrical component. Any and all accurate, relevant advice that facilitates its installation in someone else’s vehicle will be greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you very much for that info, Marine Ray!

 

This is genuine Toyota policy re the wiring harness. But the battery itself is OK.

The insurance co. states these are legitimate charges!

Toyota policy does not permit the dealers to ship the batteries back. They require that it be done by a hazmat specialist!

 

The only Toyota policy documentation I have been able to find about this is from 2013. There was a core charge for Ni-Hy batts. but not for Li-Ion at that time.

 

Thanks so much for this lead!

Posted comments at two of his videos.

 

An update: The new battery is being installed today. There is apparently no core charge on the Li-ion batts. Directly contacted four potential battery restorers. None have expressed an interest in this battery. Unless something unexpected happens, this battery will be left for Toyota to recycle.

 

Was just informed the car is ready.

Wish you were closer in space or time!