Prius Battery Replacement (GenII) Like you've never seen - NEW Cylindrical Cells

Ya, the Toyota battery looks like the safe choice.

 

I wasn't meaning Toyota, I was meaning the OP.

 

Are we sure that the units are exactly the same as the op posted? You and dolj both have a very valid point. We may be safe in the hands of a professional like the op. But those of us that have extensive mechanical experience can easily install a Chinese unit with ease if proven to be the same and passed the testing phase. I'm feeling froggy because I just changed my daughter's MFD. The Prius appears to be mechanically friendly in many ways. You can actually remove the MFD in 2 minutes. It took me about 10 being careful. I tackled the hid headlight last week as well. Difficult but it can be done by experienced former mechanics like myself. I'm not in any way bragging, just trying to say that many things on the Prius are user and mechanic friendly in my opinion.

 

Kenoarto,
If I stick one of these in a car what kind of easily accessible, in car, metrics would you want?

I would likely just put it in and drive it. I don't want to rip it out and do some crazy testing. I'll leave that for someone else.

And as far as no data... What data has any of the other battery suppliers ever provided? Dorman? Cardone? Toyota?

 

If these alternative units prove to be comparable to oem units, that would be a whole new option for people like us.

 

I actually did read the first few pages. I was just sparking new dialogue because things can change quickly. Plus new people can benefit from fresh and updated information. We have two opinions facing the group here. Your opinion is that your units are unique and different from the so called alibaba units. We have an opposing opinion that says they are equal. Don't be offended by the term opinion because no one here can verify the difference between the two options currently. At this point, I tend to lean toward your opinion because I don't believe you would outright deceive a forum full of experts that can eventually expose the truth. Keep us updated on your progress. I may eventually need you.

 

Despite the best of intentions from some very smart people, we now know that many of the rebuilds are having very short life spans.

There are two very basic questions that can only be tested with time:
1) What is the failure rate/how long will they last?
2) Will this new configuration do any damage to the car? And, at the same price of a genuine Toyota battery, why would they be worth taking any risk?

These are long-term questions that will require thousands of testers over the course of time.

 

So I guess I'll buy one and see how it goes.

An a somewhat related note...
Way back in the day we used to try to put together Honda packs with used cells. Nobody reputable does that anymore since used cells don't play well in Honda packs.
For Honda batteries, the aftermarket new cells have been around a long time and are actually preferred by most folks in the know.
For all the hybrid batteries I've installed in Hondas, less than 10 were replaced with OEM Honda packs. All the rest were aftermarket new cells from Asia.
Some other issues with Honda packs...
1) Many folks didn't trust that Honda packs weren't made of New Old Stock.
2) Price at the dealer is just too high.
3) Very few dealers would sell OEM packs to independent shops or consumers. (Even though I've worked on hybrids for over a decade, my local dealer will not let their parts department sell me a pack.)

Toyota doesn't have problem #1, so that puts them in a better position than Honda.
Not sure how much #2 and #3 play into the possibility of a robust aftermarket market for new cells in Toyota packs, though.

Time will tell.

 

Way to go! I'd like to see you compare this one to one of the original "new design" $1000 kits, too.

 

... WHY am I just seeing this now? Wonderful find of a thread, hope this business will develop for years to come.

Anyways, OP, what's the situation of being able to send this to the EU someday? Can this get past the bureaucrats?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Yikes. $370 for shipping is crazy high.
Is shipping free with your battery? Is tax included?

Just confirmed price from China including every little fee is $950 + + + = $1300.

Here's CEBA's US distributor for the "new design" $1600, if we want to buy "local". Includes a 2 year warranty. NewPriusBatteries.com | Home

 

I would highly suggest some photos for the step by step procedure you have outlined and the product in final form.

And judging by the non-mechanically minded folks who join here nearly daily with a battery problem, a lot of disclaimers and warnings.

 

I assume slow boat shipping is way cheaper than that aluminum tube.