First Numbers on Hybrid Battery Failure

[tpsbmam]

http://www.hybridcars.com/components-batteries/first-numbers-hybrid-battery-failure.html

For years, sporadic anecdotes about hybrid battery failures have been reported by individual hybrid drivers. But finally, the automakers are reporting the first numbers about the likelihood of batteries failing after the warranty expired.

With more than 100,000 Honda hybrids on the road, the automaker told Newsweek that fewer than 200 had a battery fail after the warranty expired. That’s a 0.002 likelihood. Toyota says its out-of-warranty battery replacement rate is 0.003 percent—or one out of 40,000 Priuses—for the second generation Prius. Based on this rate, and the fact that very few of the second-generation Priuses have been driven beyond the warranty period, perhaps fewer than a dozen have had battery failures after the warranty expired. Replacement rates for the first generation Prius was closer to 1 percent.

Most hybrid-producing automakers offer a warranty on hybrid components for the first 100,000 miles. In California and other states using California’s stricter emissions laws, the warranty is extended to 150,000 miles.

The next logical question is the replacement cost, which has been very difficult to determine—but the numbers are in. The cost of a new Honda hybrid battery pack ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 depending on the model. Toyota currently sells a Prius pack for about $3,000. Installation costs are approximately $900, according to the Newsweek article. Both companies plan to substantially reduce the cost of the replacement packs, as they reach economies of scale on battery production.

[Buck Laser]

1. Had my Honda in for minor service and asked.

Battery replacement isn't complex, since it's between the back seat ant the trunk, easily accessible. At 33,000 miles after 4 years, battery replacement is something I lie awake worrying about.

[bhikkhu]

2. Fantastic numbers, and very good news.

(I can say with some intelligence, as I am "in" the automotive industry, and have worked in the warranty area, as well as vehicle electrics). If the batteries weren't reliable the whole thing could tank on cost and service issues, but it seems they have hit one out of the park on the first try.

[kristopher]

3. I like the last line:

Both companies plan to substantially reduce the cost of the replacement packs, as they reach economies of scale on battery production.

[DainBramaged]

4. So these numbers are to be believed?

Toyota had a "hidden recall" for 5 years regarding engine failures due to sludge buildup, and Honda had the same over premature timing belt failures.


http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news02/toyota_sludge.html

But last week, Toyota sent letters to 3.3 million owners of vehicles equipped with the two engines affected by the problem -- the 1MZ V-6 and the 5SFE inline 4 -- saying it will pay for repair costs in cases where owners can prove they made "reasonable efforts" to maintain the vehicle. Cop out.




The real answer lies in sales through their parts departments to repair shops and dealers selling used hybrids, because they are the true test of actual replacement quantities.

[bullwinkle428]

5. I've read from a couple of different sources that Honda's battery failures

were observed in cars with manual transmissions at a ridiculously higher rate than those with the CVT (automatic) transmissions. That's why Honda dropped the stick-shift option for the second-generation Civic Hybrid, and I don't believe Toyota ever offered that option with the gen-1 Prius (I know for sure the gen-2 is CVT-only).

Honda offered the choice on their old Insight, but they stopped making that car two years ago. I'm sure they rue the day that happened, given that the car is capable of 70+ mpg, and seeing the prices that 15-year-old POS Geo Metros are fetching currently!