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NiMH vs Li Ion Hybrid Batteries in Hybrid Vehicles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Anas Almustafa, Nov 6, 2015.

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  1. Anas Almustafa

    Anas Almustafa Member

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    This is a video to compare some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two most popular hybrid battery technologies in hybrid vehicles today.

    Kindly share your comments on real life experience using those hybrid batteries ( Nickel metal hydride vs Lithium Ion hybrid batteries )

    Share your experience in terms of the following is prefered:
    1. hybrid battery capacity loss
    2. battery capacity drop effect on MPG
    3. reconditioning success for NiMH
    4. High Temperature effect on those batteries


     
    #1 Anas Almustafa, Nov 6, 2015
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Right from the start that video is wrong on some things. How, for example, do you provide "maintenance" to the Prius NiMH battery? Not even Toyota does that! Well, they replace it if it fails, if that is classed as "maintenance". ;)

    We know from very early tests by certain enthusiasts, that the battery capacity has very little effect on mileage. As long as the battery still has enough capacity to reach "30% charge" of a new one without running out of charge completely you won't notice anything. Because it is only used between about 30% and 80% charge (of a new battery, or 6.8 A-Hr).

    All batteries will loose capacity over time. We know from over 10 years of experience with Prius NiMH batteries that they will be fine for at least 5 years, usually about 8 or more, and many miles of use. As with anything, some will fail early.
     
    #2 David Beale, Nov 7, 2015
  3. funfinder5

    funfinder5 New Member

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    My 2006 Prius has lived in Texas all its life. Out in the open Texas sun, never garaged.

    Heat tolerance would be my biggest concern. I have friends who fly hobby planes and such and they never keep their Li Po batteries in their car because of the heat.

    My batteries lasted 9.5 years and 175,000 miles. Were able to be "reconditioned" for less than the price to rebuild a mid 90's GM transmission.
     
    #3 funfinder5, Nov 9, 2015
  4. Anas Almustafa

    Anas Almustafa Member

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    2010 Prius
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    Five
    Its not actually called maintenance but "reconditioning"

    Since most hybrid cars frequently "partially" charge and discharge they start forming potassium crystals on battery cells plates which will limit their capacity from the 30% to 80% range. if you fully discharge to allowable minimum for your NiMH battery then fully charge (let it cool down) then repeat three times. The battery will be reconditioned and the potassium crystals will disappear allowing for the full range of 30% to 80% mentioned above (manufacturer full specs for the battery capacity)

    the effect on mileage is obvious when you cant cruise on electric mode as much because of lack of battery capacity, so when you pulse and glide at a speed of say 70 MPH then let your foot off the gas pedal and press lightly again the "cruising range on electric motor" will definitely decrease thus decreasing your MPG

    There are other ways to properly recondition the batteries but those methods require taking the cells out of the battery and reconditioning each cell separately
     
    #4 Anas Almustafa, Nov 12, 2015
  5. Anas Almustafa

    Anas Almustafa Member

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    2010 Prius
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    Five
    Very nice, i am glad you shared your experience with NiMH batteries reconditioning. did the battery get back to its full capacity and performance after reconditioning ? how long did it last after reconditioning and what type of MPG drop did you notice before and after reconditioning ?
     
    #5 Anas Almustafa, Nov 12, 2015
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