Let's Talk Reconditioned Batteries

This is not a promo or ad for anyone. Having worked for Green Bean Battery for a number of years I may be able to provide a unique insight into the After Market Hybrid Battery world (specifically GB) Please ask Questions. I may not be able to answer if I feel it gives away something that will dox me or is a trade secret like parameters for machines.


Let’s start with marketing.

Depending on where you go Green Bean has a pretty good rep. They certainly have tons of 5 star reviews. The good reviews were a big focus early on in order to distinguish the company from competitors. It turns out gift cards are shockingly persuasive. This truly shocked me: I don’t know if it’s a normal practice but they make you sign an nda to receive a warranty battery.


Batteries

From what I see, all Hybrid Battery Companies pretty much do the same thing: Get Cores in, Run them on Special Machines, and group Modules based on factors that they deem important. The Modules from multiple vehicles are the “same” (ex: Prius 2,3,V,C). These get mixed into a giant pool and tested. The batteries that get separated literally look different or are from a special source.

All the components on the battery get reused except the bus bars -this is true for all hybrid battery companies- There are exceptions for the connector getting replaced in the ECU/Voltage Sensor or the Voltage sensing Harness. The fact is, those small wires in the voltage sensing harness get really really corroded after 10yrs of use and everyone just throws them right back on. Blows my mind.

Make sure you know what you’re buying. I often see recommendations to just go OEM. I’m not sure how it works at the dealership but with GB their OEM battery is essentially the battery pack and the harness, that’s it, the other parts get swapped from your core (Relay and ECU/Voltage Sensor). Your ECU/Voltage Sensor could have a Burnt pin and you’re gunna have to pay extra for that.


Dorman

You should know the truth. They won’t advertise this to you but it’s public knowledge that LKQ bought GB. LKQ then bought the Hybrid Division of Dorman. GB is now using Dorman’s Facility to manufacture batteries. So to break it down: When you get a Green Bean Battery you are getting a Dorman Battery, not the other way around.


Warranty

I think it’s hilarious that GB now offers a 1 year warranty and just a few years ago they had a lifetime warranty. It speaks to the absurd gimmicks hybrid companies use to lure people in.


Something that bugs me when I look through chats about buying an aftermarket Hybrid Battery is people always say ‘make sure they’ve been around for 5 years’ - You have no idea how many times GB has almost closed down.


Tips for Aftermarket Hybrid Batteries from a pro:

-Ask them exactly what capacity module you’re getting in your battery. Anything less than 5ah is garbage. If they won’t commit to a number, don’t trust them. If they say anything above 6.5ah they are full of it.

-Ask how long their reconditioned batteries sit before being installed. You don’t want anything that’s been sitting for over a month.

-Shop around, look at price and warranty

-Find the hidden fees, there are companies out there who look very cheap or like everything is on sale. Then they hit you with a $500 install fee or you have to do it yourself.

-Mice love the battery case and the head unit (it’s nice and warm) Put mice repellent or killer in your spare tire area, under the back seat, next to the battery. Keep them out of there

-Unless you get specific codes directly related to the Hybrid Battery DO NOT CALL a Hybrid Battery Company expecting them to diagnose your car. They will sell you a Hybrid Battery and it will not solve the issue.

-Always take out the orange safety plug