I currently own a 2007 Prius and had to replace the hybrid battery after 9 years and 173k miles. I am looking at a 2013 and I am wondering how long the third generation hybrid batteries are lasting and is the replacement cost similar to the gen 2? Thanks, Glenn
haven't seen many gen 3 failures yet, but a few experts say gen 3 isn't as robust, and expect more failures than gen 2. who knows for sure? the good news is that costs are the same, and keep coming down.
I recently heard the same thing in person from one of them in the business and he says he's seeing an increasing number of 2010 customers down here in the south.
I am thinking Gen3 is better due to (1) computer prevents discharge of battery when gaso runs out and (2) stronger engine. We have heard very few failures here past 2008 MY to be honest. A few 2008's are just starting to go bad. Toyota gives us no failure data so we have nothing to go on really.
Sitting unused is about the worse thing you can do to them, either generation. I would certainly take a NiMH over a Li-Ion chemistry.
I live in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia which is is similar climate to Florida . My local independent mechanic services a lot of the local Prius Taxis that are run hard 24/7 , He was telling me that the Gen2 Prius were getting around 500,000 km before they were getting bad battery cells . BUT the Gen3 are only getting around 250,000 km before they have faults . This could be down to the heat and the fact that the cars are driven by drivers who dont have to pay for repairs .......
Write a letter to Toyota. U didn’t hear this from me but word on the street is they’ll replace a battery even if it’s out of warranty. We’re early adopters and we should b rewarded for taking a risk. Just give them a sob story and guilt them into replacing it. Can’t hurt