How are the batteries doing on the first generation, late 90's hybrids?

Question

I read the batteries were to be replaced in 8-10 years. I just don't want to buy a used Prius with a battery that's about to go dead on me. Thanks.

Answer 1

The warranty on the hybrid batteries are (depending on manufacturer) 8 years/80,000 miles or more, and for AT-PZEV models out to 10 years/150,000 miles.  That's a full warranty, NOT pro-rated.

However, hybrid battery replacements are very rare, in or out of warranty.  Just because a warranty is up, doesn't mean that the item is bad or needs to be replaced!  (when the bumper-to-bumper warranty ends at 3 years/36,000 miles, doesn't mean that the bumpers will fall off!)

Yes, the first production hybrid on the road was the Toyota Prius, out in 1997 for the 1998 model year.  However, the NHW10 model Prius (1998-2000 model years) was only sold for the Japanese market.  Within Japan with the proper paperwork, there's a free trade-in for this older, less reliable battery design.  (These JDM Prius, occasionally sold outside of Japan grey-market, do not have this support.)  The Prius' hybrid design and battery pack was improved for the NHW11 model, which was sold worldwide in 2000 for the 2001 model year.  (The pack was again improved for the current NHW20 model, first sold in 2003 as the 2004 model year.)  The Prius' battery pack is highly computer-regulated (charge/discharge cycles and deepness) to lengthen its lifespan.

There are many Prius owners with well over 100,000 miles (plus some over 200,000 miles, including several taxis), with no reported battery problems.  I would not be worrying about the battery pack on a used Prius, but the performed services are much more important.  I would recommend asking on a Prius owner's group for used Prius buying advice:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyo...

http://www.priusonline.com/

http://www.priuschat.com/

The only other production "late 90's hybrid" was the Honda Insight, which was the first production hybrid sold in the US in 1999 for the 2000 model year.  Honda discontinued this model in 2006 for sales reasons.  The driver has more control over the hybrid battery pack use, so battery pack lifespan may depend on how the vehicle was treated.

Answer 2

The last I've heard, not a single battery has been sold.