Toyota Prius is one of the most ecologically friendly cars manufactured since 1997. It is a hybrid vehicle with batteries, also called plug-in hybrid. It is recharged by connecting a plug to an electric-powered source. This article is going to give further information on Toyota Prius batteries.

Types of batteries in Toyota Prius

Models produced between 2000 and 2003 are usually equipped with Panasonic Plastic Case Prismatic Module batteries. 2004 and later models contain metal ones instead. Metal batteries have higher capacity, energy and power than the plastic ones. The Toyota Prius batteries are divided into: lead-acid (Pb-A) accessory battery (which is found in the majority of cars) and the main hybrid driving battery characteristic for hybrid and electric cars. Each module of the latter comprises of six 1,2 V cells. It has the capacity of 2,6 Ah, voltage of 7,2 V and weights about 1 kg. It is estimated that at the end of 2009 lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles are going to appear on the market.

Battery life and costs of exchange and charging

Life of Toyota Prius batteries lasted five years (100000 km) until recently. According to last reports, manufacturers have prolonged their warranty for another three years. So, from now on, the hybrid battery is supposed to last for eight years (about 160000 km). This is a good news for Toyota Prius owners, since reliability of these cars will soar and, on the other hand, their costs connected with their replacement will decrease. As far as the costs of the replacement are concerned, you have to pay between $2000 and $3000 in order to replace a hybrid battery in Toyota Prius. The car's computer does not allow it to fully charge or fully discharge. The optimal level of charge for them is about 60% and the charge level can vary up to 15%. That is why, contrary to cell phone batteries, for example, these ones have level of charge between 45 and 75%. This guarantees better efficiency, longer warranty and smaller replacement costs.

The technology of hybrid batteries has developed during the last ten years. Currently, Toyota Prius batteries are more effective than before and they last longer as well. Consequently, more and more people are allured to purchase Toyota Prius models and the production of these environmentally-friendly cars increases.

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