Got a battery with all new cells and a 48 month warranty from Greentec Auto for $1750 (plus refundable core charge of $500). Watched a Youtube video to see how it all comes apart. Remarkably easy, took under three hours (including tool searches and runs back inside to re-check the video). I think I could do another in half the time. Saved about $2500 vs having the Dealer do it. They also offer installation in some areas, but, um, not on Guam.
Right. I have to ship the old one back. Freight will just about eat up the core deposit by the time I send it back to California and they apply $150 surface freight, but I'm fine with that, knowing it won't end up in a landfill. Anyone else interested in trying this company, just know ahead that they'll deliver the battery to you for free within CONUS, but you'll pay a flat $150 to return the core.
newpriusbarreries.com doesn't have a core charge. Same price. $1600 delivered to your door and no other charges.......
Are the cells actually new? I was under the impression new OEM style cells could only be purchased through Toyota.
This. What do you think happens to those returned cores. Still, keep good thoughts; carefully rebuilt batteries can work out.
Those cannot be OEM new cells because they are only available from Toyota dealers. If it contains the cheaper clone of @2k1Toaster 's cylindrical cells, they have a limited capacity.
I assume that you had to take the green cover off during installation. If so, What did the cells look like? Rectangular slabs or tubes? Edit: Looks like tubular cells, found this on their web site: Their web site offers batteries with rebuilt as well as new cells, so they would have a use for the old cells. The $1750 is clearly the battery that they claim has new cells. To me, their most sketchy claim is for "remanufactured hybrid battery pack with high capacity cells" for $1550.
Trouble is, we don't know for sure that another company can't source high quality cells like Toaster does.
Except, they have additional labor involved in addition to the shipping costs that comprise the bulk on @2k1Toaster 's price.They use lower quality cells in order to make a profit.
No, I did not remove the cover -- now I'm curious and wish I had, but am not eager to tear it all apart again. I will say though, the battery in the V was much easier to remove and install than the gen 2. I'm considering selling it and getting a non-hybrid anyhow, because we've both retired and don't drive all that much any more, and the car will sit idle for extended periods when we travel off island.
I may be missing something here but I don't see how a non-hybrid would be an advantage? Won't you still need to add a fuel stabilizer for anything more than 3 months plus a 12volt battery minder? The HV battery can sit for upwards of a year with no effect. I've installed Cardone batteries as old as 6 months that are still going. Cardone recommends rotating stock at 12 months.
