Hybrid Car Battery Replacement in Honolulu

Differences in hybrid batteries
A hybrid car battery is different from your standard 12V battery that is present in all standard, gas-engine vehicles. It's primary purpose is to store the energy created by the gas motor and regenerative braking from your hybrid car. That stored energy then helps to operate your vechicle until the charge is depleted, and the process starts over. Hybrid cars also have a 12V battery, and all batteries need to be maintained for optimal performance.

There are 2 types of batteries used in hybrid cars: Ni-MH, also known as, nickel-metal hydride, and Li-ion, or lithium-ion batteries. The Ni-MH batteries are typically found in older hybrid vehicles, and these batteries require a little more care and attention than the others. The Ni-MH batteries will benefit from a specific style of driving as well as depleting the battery in order to reach their full potential. While most of the battery management is done by the vehicle itself, this battery tends to experience more issues with charge capacity and power reduction if not cared for properly.

Li-ion batteries are the type being used in hybrid cars that are in models from about 2015, or newer. This kind of battery is lighter, more compact, and has a higher power density, making it more efficient overall. Both types of batteries offer years of service, lasting between 100,000 miles and 200,000 miles. A typical warranty from Toyota on their hybrid batteries is 10 years or 150,000 miles, and Hyundai also offers a similar, 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. this recent article from Car and Driver can provide additional information on the life of hybrid car batteries.

Masaki's Auto Repair can easily diagnose either kind of hybrid car battery and determine whether a reconditioning is a viable solution, or whether a replacement is necessary. Reconditioning is a procedure where the cells in an existing hybrid battery (mainly Ni-MH batteries) can be revitalized to achieve near-new charge levels and power. This is a viable alternative to buying a new battery, and can save you a lot of money if the battery can accept the procedure. After reconditioning your battery, we can help you learn how to maintain your hybrid car to get the longest lifespan possible.

Battery packs like the ones below need to be completely removed from the vehicle in order for us to address it. We do have the option of reconditioning some batteries but, it ultimately depends on how badly the battery is degraded. By purchasing a new battery for your hybrid car, you have the opportunity to acquire a battery that offers a better lifespan and more power being that it will be a newer generation battery. Masaki's Auto Carries the following battery brands: