Hybrid technology has come a long way in the last ten years with innovations in range, fuel economy, and charging. Hybrid batteries have become more advanced and require less maintenance and hybrids and EVs made up 16 percent of the U.S. vehicle market in 2023. With the progression of the automobile industry leaning more toward hybrids every year, it is a good idea to know what you can expect when it comes to hybrid car battery warranties.
While hybrid batteries are lasting longer than ever, they still have a shelf life and will eventually wear out. Because of this, automakers provide hybrid car battery warranties that help cover you if you need to get a replacement. Since the battery is the most important component of any hybrid, it is essential that you understand what you can expect from it and how you can keep your car running for many years to come. Knowing what hybrid car battery warranties cover and how long they last will help you make the best decision at the dealership.
What Do Hybrid Car Battery Warranties Cover?
When you buy a new hybrid vehicle, it will usually come with a battery warranty that is included with the rest of the standard factory warranties. This coverage is designed to protect you from things like premature battery deterioration and replacements that might have to happen through no fault of your own. While not all hybrid car battery warranties are the same, most of them will include coverage for the main components of the battery and the charging system.
Battery Pack
All hybrid car battery warranties will include the battery pack itself in the coverage. The battery supports the internal combustion engine in the vehicle and charges automatically using the regenerative braking system. A standard hybrid vehicle will not need to be plugged in because of this process. If the battery goes bad or stops holding a charge, it has to be replaced, and the battery warranty can help you pay for it.
Battery Control Module
The battery control module is a computer system that tracks the charging and draining of the battery at all times. It controls how much power is directed to and from the battery and how it is distributed throughout the vehicle. Most hybrid car battery warranties include the control module in the coverage as the entire system will most likely need to be replaced if the battery goes bad.
Hybrid Control Unit
When you press on the gas pedal in a hybrid vehicle, the signal is sent to a hybrid control unit. This unit determines how much power is sent to the electric motor for propulsion and manages the flow of power throughout the vehicle. If an issue arises with your hybrid control unit, you may notice that your vehicle’s gas mileage is dropping or that you are losing acceleration power. Hybrid car battery warranties usually include this unit, so you can get it replaced or repaired if a problem comes up.
Inverter and Converter
All hybrid vehicles have inverter and converter units that are responsible for converting AC voltage to DC voltage and back again. Most hybrids have an inverter/converter tandem unit that makes these conversions in one component. Major hybrid brands like Toyota include this unit in their hybrid car battery warranties and will replace it if it stops working or is faulty in any way.
What is Not Covered By Hybrid Car Battery Warranties?
As important as it is to know what is included in hybrid car battery warranties, it is just as important to know what isn’t included and what could void the warranty. Most battery coverage will not include any of the components that make up the internal combustion engine portion of the powertrain. However, your hybrid’s factory warranty will most likely include powertrain coverage, though it may not be as long as the battery coverage. The battery warranty will also not include any of the other electronic components like the lights, infotainment system, or HVAC. These parts will most likely fall under the bumper-to-bumper factory warranty, though, so be sure to read the fine print of your factory coverage.
It is also possible to void hybrid car battery warranties by modifying or improperly servicing the covered components. For example, improper vehicle storage or charging can damage the battery and void the warranty. Most coverage will also be voided if the battery is damaged in an accident or through any kind of vandalism. Understanding the terms of your particular battery warranty will help you avoid any breaches of the coverage and keep your vehicle running smoothly on the road.
Length of Hybrid Car Battery Warranties
Hybrid car battery warranties are usually long enough to cover the length of a hybrid battery’s life. In general, you can expect your battery warranty to last at least eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever one comes first. Most hybrid batteries will last around 100,000 miles, so you should be able to get a replacement and keep your vehicle running for around 200,000 miles before you have to put in another battery at your own expense. Every vehicle and factory warranty is different, though, so it is a good idea to weigh the terms of your warranty with your driving habits and choose the hybrid that is best for you and your particular needs.
Cost of a New Hybrid Car Battery
If you end up voiding your hybrid battery warranty or go beyond the length of the coverage, you will have to pay for a new battery out of your own pocket. The cost of a new battery will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The state of the supply chain for the battery materials will also have an effect on the cost of a new battery as the market for precious metals like cobalt, lithium, nickel, and graphite is always changing. For the most part, though, you can expect a new hybrid battery to cost anywhere between $1,000 and $8,000. This high price is why it is so important to know what hybrid car battery warranties cover and don’t cover and why you should be careful about voiding them.
Final Thoughts
While a hybrid vehicle can save you a lot of money on gas over the years, replacing the battery can be a major expense. Taking advantage of your vehicle’s factory coverage is your best bet if you want to save money on some of its most costly repairs and replacements. Understanding how hybrid car battery warranties work and what they include will help you keep your hybrid running smoothly for a long time.
