Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Battery Replacement
So, you have some concerns about what it would take to replace the battery on a RAV4 Hybrid.
It’s an understandable concern. With today’s advanced car technology, things can get expensive pretty quickly. But should you be worried about having to replace the hybrid battery on your RAV4 in the future?
By the end of this article, you won’t be too concerned about your hybrid battery.
I’ll cover the signs of a failing battery, life expectancy, replacement cost, warranty coverage, and more so you know exactly what to expect and look out for.
Understanding the Hybrid Battery
We’re going to be talking about the hybrid battery in your RAV4.
Please note there are two batteries in your car, and we are not talking about the 12-volt battery. That 12-volt battery is used to start the vehicle, and that’s not what we’re discussing here.
The hybrid battery sends power to the electric motors and works in tandem with the gasoline engine. It gives your car the ability to use less gas because of the partial electric power.
This hybrid battery in the RAV4s is the 245 V lithium-ion battery. It’s also known as the “traction battery.”
Using the hybrid battery enhances the vehicle’s overall performance. It saves you from spending an arm and a leg at the gas pump and produces less emissions.
Expected Lifespan
All types of batteries degrade over time, so the RAV4’s hybrid battery is no exception. But how long will it actually last?
We asked Michael Dominguez, a Master Mechanic and automotive technology expert, who says that “on average, a hybrid battery in the RAV4 is designed to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. However, various factors, from driving habits to climate, can influence this range.”
That’s about 11-15 years for most people.
However, there’s still a good possibility that your battery life can exceed this range. This range is just an estimate based on design. Plenty of RAV4 owners will see their battery last much longer.
Remember, proper care and maintenance are key to maximizing your RAV4 Hybrid’s battery life.
Cost to Replace
The RAV4 Hybrid’s battery replacement cost is a hefty one. But many people say it’s worth it since the battery is designed to last for so long.
With parts and labor included, the cost to replace the hybrid battery on a Toyota RAV4 is anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 for a new battery, but can be as low as $1,500-$3,500 if you replace it with a used battery (Santa Cruz Toyota).
As hybrid batteries and the concept of electric vehicles are still relatively new, we expect the replacement cost to get cheaper as time goes on. As the technology grows and becomes more familiar, prices will go down.
And, of course, you only pay out of pocket if you are outside Toyota’s incredible warranty.
Warranty Coverage
You’ll be pleased to hear that Toyota offers an excellent hybrid battery warranty for the RAV4.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first (Toyota).
This warranty applies to RAV4s that are 2020 or newer. If yours is older, you have an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
If your battery dies sooner than expected, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be paying anything out of pocket.
If you get your hybrid battery replaced with a new one from Toyota, the replacement comes with a 3-year/unlimited mileage warranty (if your factory battery warranty has less than 3 years left).
That’s a pretty great deal, and it shows just how much stock Toyota puts in those 245 V lithium-ion batteries.
Replacement Options
When replacing your RAV4 Hybrid battery, there are a handful of options at your disposal.
You have the option of buying a new or used battery through Toyota. However, you can also choose an aftermarket battery manufacturer to replace the battery instead of using Toyota’s brand.
There’s a lot to unpack here. Let’s compare all of these options!
New
Replacing your battery with a brand-new one is typically the first thing that comes to mind.
This option will offer a longer lifespan on average, so you’ll be able to go further before needing to replace the battery again. It may also perform better than a used battery.
Buying a new replacement battery is a great option if want to get many more miles out of your RAV4. The expense is significantly greater than a used one, so you must be able to handle the out-of-pocket cost if it’s not covered under warranty.
Used
If your RAV4 Hybrid is approaching the end of its life, a used battery may be a better option.
Although a used battery won’t last as long as a new one, it is much cheaper. There’s no point in splurging on a new battery if you think your RAV4 won’t last another 100k-200k miles.
It’s worth noting that these used batteries can still last quite a long time, but it is less likely to last as long as a new one.
These used batteries come from RAV4s that have reached the end of their life. Even if the battery is no longer usable, Toyota refurbishes these as a certified pre-owned product in their closed-loop, EV battery life cycle.
OEM
We spoke with John Lin, Owner of JB Motor Works, to discuss the pros and cons of OEM and aftermarket hybrid batteries.
Let’s start with the pros and cons of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery, which is a battery produced by Toyota.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fits and functions the same as the factory battery | Higher cost |
Backed by Toyota’s customer support |
Lin mentioned that the biggest advantage of using an OEM hybrid battery is that “you’re buying reassurance”. This is because the batteries are designed by Toyota to perfectly fit and function within the RAV4’s design.
An OEM hybrid battery seems like an obvious choice, but there’s one disadvantage to consider.
Lin explains that the disadvantage to an OEM battery replacement is that it typically costs more than aftermarket batteries because it has the reputation of Toyota’s brand behind it.
So what are the benefits of an aftermarket battery? There are several.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket batteries are not produced by Toyota. Instead, independent companies manufacture their own batteries that are designed to replace the OEM battery.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lower cost | Might not last as long |
More options for capacity and performance | Might lack a sufficient warranty |
Could have compatibility issues | |
Potential for poor customer support |
Lin states that “the primary advantage is cost” when it comes to aftermarket hybrid batteries. However, he also points out that “some manufacturers also produce batteries with higher capacity or performance characteristics than OEMs.”
Although aftermarket batteries can be a great option, there are also some disadvantages.
The biggest disadvantage is that “not all aftermarket batteries are created equal.” They might not last as long, could lack a sufficient warranty, and could experience compatibility issues. It’s also worth noting that you won’t get the same customer support as you would from Toyota.
When asked how consumers should choose between OEM and aftermarket RAV4 hybrid batteries, Lin says, “Ultimately, the choice between OEM and aftermarket batteries boils down to an individual’s budget, performance requirements, and risk tolerance.”
Replacement Process
Replacing your hybrid battery is not something that you’ll want to do yourself. It should only be done by a qualified mechanic.
However, you might be curious to know what the replacement process looks like. This also helps you understand the labor costs involved.
To provide insights on the replacement process for a RAV4 Hybrid battery, we spoke with Matthew of Leo & Sons Auto Repair, an independent auto repair shop that specializes in hybrids and electric vehicles.
Matthew outlined these steps for replacing the hybrid battery:
- Perform a de-energizing safe-down procedure.
- Hoist the vehicle and remove any under-panels or components that are in the way.
- Drain coolant (if applicable).
- Disconnect low-voltage and high-voltage electrical connectors.
- Install a lift table.
- Remove EV battery mounting hardware.
- Lower the battery down with the lift table or lift the vehicle off the battery.
He also highlighted that not only does the replacement process take a lot of time, but there is special equipment required to do the procedures.
He says, “While time is a definite factor when replacing an EV battery, proper equipment is the most important aspect. Having not only the proper protective equipment, such as high-voltage lineman’s gloves rated to 1000V, but also a battery lift table that can hold the weight of the battery safely.”
Signs of a Failing Battery
While the hybrid battery should last a very long time, there are still a few things to keep an eye on concerning the battery.
A few indicators of a failing battery are as follows:
1. Decrease in fuel economy
Since the hybrid battery is designed to increase fuel economy, lower MPGs is a clear sign that the battery is failing to do its job.
A bad battery isn’t providing as much electric power as it should be, therefore the vehicle must rely more on the gasoline engine. This will result in more engine run time and lower fuel economy.
So if you suspect a failing battery, keep this in mind. Also, be aware that other factors, such as cold weather and tires, could decrease fuel efficiency.
2. Poor Acceleration
Hybrids are known for their impressive torque which offers quick acceleration (KBB).
If the battery starts to fail, your acceleration will be negatively impacted because the battery is not aiding the gasoline engine as effectively as it should be.
There are other mechanical failures that could cause poor acceleration, so this doesn’t always mean the battery is to blame. Nevertheless, it’s something you should investigate if you find your RAV4 accelerating more slowly than usual.
3. Fast Battery Depletion
If you start to notice that your charge isn’t getting you as far, or if it’s losing a charge while it’s the vehicle sits, it’s a sign to have your hybrid battery checked. It’s best to have this checked out immediately.
4. Dashboard Warnings
If your hybrid battery is failing, your RAV4 is designed to show warning messages on the multi-information display.
These messages indicate a problem with the hybrid system:
- “Hybrid System Malfunction”
- “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
If you notice one of these appear on the screen, it’s a clear sign that something in the hybrid system is failing, which could be related to your battery.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care are essential to achieving the proper lifespan of the RAV4 Hybrid’s battery.
Mechanic Michael Dominguez provided his tips for maintaining and caring for the RAV4 Hybrid battery, including “regular maintenance, avoiding extreme temperatures, and ensuring the battery isn’t left uncharged for extended periods”.
He also pointed out that “moderate driving habits that don’t constantly push the battery to its limits can further its life”.
Following these tips will prevent excessive degradation of the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
If you take good care of your RAV4 Hybrid battery and provide it with the maintenance it needs, it can be expected to last 150,000-200,000 miles.
If you need to replace it, you can expect it to cost $3,000-$8,000 for a new battery, or $1,500-$3,500 if you’re replacing it with a used battery.
In most cases, battery replacements will fall under Toyota’s warranty, which covers the hybrid battery for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
You should look out for signs of a failing battery, which include poor fuel economy, poor acceleration, rapid battery depletion, and dashboard warning messages.
To maximize the lifespan of the battery, it’s recommended that you follow proper maintenance and care protocols.
Now that you’ve read about the RAV4 Hybrid’s battery replacement, how do you feel about it? Are you confident in the battery, or have concerns about it being a large expense in the future?
Let us know in the comments below!