Consensus on HV Battery replacement

Green tec says their premium grade HV battery for 2004-2009 Prius contains "NEW GENERATION CELLS."

But are these modules actually NEW?​

I wish vendors would reserve the term "NEW" for brand-new modules that come straight from the manufacturer. To me a NEW module has NEVER been in a car.

NP2 modules were first used in 2nd gen Prius (2004-2009). Newer NP2 modules (2010+ Prius) carry a version number (B2, B3, B4, or B5). I believe B2 (or higher) is known as "3rd generation" module. Higher B numbers indicate newer modules.

So, Is green tec using "3rd generation" modules to rebuild their premium grade 2004-2009 HV pack? They can certainly refer to these as "new generation modules," even if they were removed from a wrecked 2010 (or newer) Prius.​

I haven't yet located a source for individual "brand new" NP2 modules. Perhaps the manufacturer will only sell NP2 modules directly to Toyota? NOT on the open market? If so then the ONLY way green tec (or any other 3rd party) can obtain NP2 modules is by removing them from wrecked/scrapped cars.

I doubt these vendors can actually "remanufacture" or "recondition" an existing battery module. These modules are hermetically sealed. The "rehydrating the modules" thread on Priuschat has many discussions about how difficult it is to "seal" a module after opening it to add electrolyte. I doubt the "remanufactured" HV pack vendors are rehydrating their modules.

Re-hydrating the battery modules. | Page 4 | PriusChat​

I'm also skeptical about the word "recondition." Every used module has a certain amount of remaining mAh capacity. Some folks claim that "cycling" (discharge/charge and repeat) can "restore" a weak module. But at best the gain in mAh capacity is <20%. And any such gain in mAh capacity is often only temporary (it might last 30 days).

In reality these vendors are obtaining huge quantities of used modules from junked/scrapped cars and then they test the modules for remaining mAh capacity. How many of these vendors state what their actual minimum mAh capacity for a "good" used module is?

All "new" modules have a capacity of 6.5 Ah. The Prius will perform well as long as the HV battery can provide >4 Ah.

But any so-called "remanufactured" HV battery is only as good as the weakest module in it.​

I'm very pleased with my own DIY HV battery repair. I replaced 2 modules. I"m most of the way through my 3rd tank of fuel with no DTC codes and great performance. Mpg is about 44.5 at the moment. Plus, I have 8 spare modules on hand that I plan to test very thoroughly on my workbench. If more modules fail in my car I'll have tested ready-to-use modules on hand for quick turn-around.

-EB

 

Ok, you guys made me actually weigh a Gen II battery. It came in at 85lbs. I like the two by four trick. I do allot of battery work and use a Hoyer lift.

 

Sorry to hear and condolences.
Koons has a VP/manager that was helpful to me when we were fighting Va. hybrid fees a couple years ago.
I wish I had his name, he is active with Virginia Auto Dealer Assoc.
Is your Red Triangle lit up?
If Koon's is seeing your code PA080, then I'd try again with Toyota. I am confused if Toyota quoted you a discount on a battery, but to make a full quote on the whole job, you gotta be at Toyota with a code thrown.

If the code has cleared there's a chance the cooling fan of the battery is clogged and fixing that might help in a few cases.

 

all the best!

 

I think you made the right choice. You are getting a new battery installed by the dealer. If nothing else, that helps with resale value. Your battery should be the least thing you have to worry about in the future.