How Long Does a Prius Battery Last?

Your car’s battery has an entropy date, just like anything, which means it will die someday. So, being prepared for it is a good thing. Being ready would help you to take the necessary action as soon as possible.

That’s why I’m going to discuss the possible duration of a Toyota Prius battery, the reasons behind a dead battery, and the necessary actions after your Toyota Prius battery is dead. If you think this is going to be helpful for you, stay with me.

The typical lifetime of the Prius battery that comes with your car is around 8 to 10 years. However, you can expect it to last longer by taking proper care of it. Similarly, if you don’t maintain it properly and drive carefully, maybe it is going to serve you a lot less than 8 years, who knows!

If you want to measure by distance, a factory-installed Toyota Prius battery will support you for around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. And obviously, taking good care of it would increase the lifespan, whereas ignoring it would kill it faster.

I guess you’ve got your answer. If you want the battery to last long, you should be curious about the activities that are killing it faster. Now, I’m going to discuss those factors.

Factors that Reduce the Battery Life

Impact or Damage

Any type of impact or damage can kill your battery faster. Typically, accidents or shocks can damage your car’s battery. If there is any physical damage to your battery, you can be sure that the lifespan of your battery is affected.

Environmental Factors

Batteries are prone to damage because of environmental factors too. If you drive or park somewhere in extremely cold weather, the battery gets affected due to the frigid weather. Similarly, parking somewhere where it is extremely hot is going to kill the Prius’s battery faster.

Improper Maintenance

If you don’t maintain the battery properly, it is going to die faster. You need to clean the cooling system regularly (every 15,000-25,000 miles) because a clogged cooling system won’t let the battery cool quickly. This situation would damage the battery. Also, check regularly for any leakage or damage.

Commuting Long

Cars are certainly made for commuting long distances. However, the battery would die faster if you commute long distances frequently. Having a combination of long and short commutes keeps the battery healthy.

Draining of Charging Fully

If you drain the battery fully on a regular basis, it is going to damage your battery. Sometimes you need to charge it even if it is not fully drained.

Also, the habit of always keeping the charge full is another factor that damages the battery.

These are the main factors that kill the lifespan of your Prius battery. If it is dead, you need to replace it with a new one. You can go to a mechanic for that, or you can do it by yourself. I think you want to save some bucks and do it by yourself. For that, you need to know where the battery is in a Prius.

Where is the Battery in a Prius?

Toyota Prius comes with two batteries. One is the 12V battery that starts the engine and powers the accessories, just like every car has. Another is a high voltage battery that powers the need of the vehicle when it is in the electric mode so that the use of gasoline becomes less.

Here is the list of the models and respective positions of the 12V primary battery. This list is typically for Toyota Priuses in North America. Its positions may change in the case of other locations.

In Sedan Gen 1 (2001-2003), the primary battery is located at the driver’s side of the trunk.
In the case of Liftback Gen 2 (2004-2009), the 12V battery is located on the passenger’s side of the trunk below the deck, near the tail lamp.
In the Liftback Gen 3 (2010-2015), the 12V battery is situated at the passenger’s side of the trunk below the deck, near the tail lamp.
In a Prius C Hatchback (2012-2019), the primary batter is placed under the rear seat of the passenger side.
In the Prius V (2012-2018), the 12V battery is located on the passenger’s side of the trunk below the deck, near the tail lamp.
In the Prius models after 2016, the 12V battery is placed under the hood, just like in other cars.

The high-voltage battery is typically placed at the back under the rear seats in all Prius models. Check your car’s user manual to know its exact location.

How to Get Access to Prius 12V Battery?

The list above shows that the 12V battery is situated at the rear side of the vehicle in most models. Let’s know the way to get access to that battery.

The battery in Toyota Prius is hidden under a few accessories. So, you need to follow a step-by-step process to reach it. The process is given below.

At first, reach to the trunk of your Prius. If you have anything there, get rid of it. Then, bring out the trunk mat.
Under the mat, you’ll find a lid with locks. Unlock the lid and get rid of it. Keep it somewhere outside.
You’ll see a plastic storage bin under the lid. Remove it too.
There you’ll find the high-voltage battery just under the rear seat. Also, you’ll see the spare wheel.
The 12V battery you’re looking for is still covered by plastic molding. From the list given above, you know where the battery is situated. Check that side, and you’ll find the molding easily.
Snap the molding, and it’ll open easily. You’ll see your 12V battery lying there waiting for you.

How to Replace the Battery of Prius?

Replacing the battery is a must when it is dead. So, I’m going the share the way to replace your 12V Toyota Prius battery with a new one.

Step 1- Get Access to the Battery

Following the steps shared in the previous section, remove everything and reach for the battery.

Step 2- Disconnecting Connections

Once you see the battery, you have to remove it to place the new one there. At the top of the battery, you’ll find a bar locking the battery in its place. It is firmly placed there with the help of two nuts or bolts. Remove those first.

You’ll find an air duct connection to the battery that is used to send cool air to cool it down. Remove it by snapping.

Also, you would have to disconnect the positive and negative connections. The positive side is connected using a 10mm bolt. Disconnect it along with the plastic cover and place it somewhere safe so that it doesn’t touch the car. Cover it with something for safety.

You might need to remove another plastic molding on the negative side to disconnect the negative terminal. Then you’ll see two connections, one with the car body and another with the battery. Disconnecting the one with the battery might be more challenging than disconnecting the one with the car’s body. You can go as your choice.

Finally, you’ll see a vent tube with it. Pull the tube, and it’ll come out.

Step 3- Replacing the Battery

Once all the connections are disconnected, take out the battery carefully. Then put the new one in its place. Make sure that it has sat in the place properly.

Step 4- Reconnecting the Connections

Now it is time to connect the battery with the necessary connections. Start with connecting the vent. Then, carefully link the positive terminal, negative terminal, and locking bar.

Step 5- Putting Everything Back

Then, put the moldings back in their places. Bring the plastic bin back and put it in its place. Close it with the lid. Don’t forget to lock the lid. Finally, put the mat back in its place.

And congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your Toyota Prius battery.

When is it Time to Change the Battery of the Prius?

You’ll feel the necessity when it is time to change the battery of your Toyota Prius. Here I’m sharing some situations that suggest you replace the old battery with a new one.

While performing a regular inspection, if you see that the battery case is bloated, it is time to change it. Such a situation says something is wrong, and you need to remove the battery immediately.
If it takes a long time or multiple efforts to start your car, this might result from a damaged battery. It may happen sometimes. But if it happens frequently, consider replacing the battery. It is weak.
An illuminated battery light can signal that you need to change your battery. The light can stay turned on for many reasons. A damaged battery is one of those.
While inspecting, if you find the battery fluid leaking, replace it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might have to face serious damage later. So, please don’t ignore it.

How Much Does it Cost to Change Toyota Prius Battery?

Final Verdict

Instead of talking about just the lifespan of the battery of your Toyota Prius, I’ve discussed a lot more topics you must know, including the process of replacing a dead battery. I guess this would help you to enjoy driving your Prius without facing significant issues.

Stay with me for more information about automotive. If you’re confused, don’t forget to ask questions. I’ll see you later. Till then, stay safe and enjoy driving your Prius.