LiPo in my Prius

[5326]

Anybody tried replacing the 200v battery in the 2nd gen Prius with Lipo packs? I know it sounds a little crazy but Toyota wants between $3,000- $5,000 for a new one. My battery is fine and seems to be in good order but i realize all battery packs have a limited lifetime, but at least with individual Lipo packs Id be able to balance charge them all once a year or so.

I think these packs would last much longer if they just got balance charged once or twice in there lifetime.

Comments and opinions welcome

[dumbass]

How old is your Prius? I have an '06 Toyota Highlander hybrid and it has a 10 year 100,000 mile waranty on the battery. Not idea how well they would back that waranty but at least on paper it looks good.

Bob

[5326]

All second gen Prius in California (2004-2010) have a 10 year 150,000 miles warranty on the battery packs. Mine is still within warranty but in 20k it won't be.

[fechter]

Open the battery and use a light bulb to completely drain a module and see if it thows a code. This can get you a replacement under warranty.

[deardancer3]

There appears to be quite a bit of anxiety about the cost of Prius batteries, which have about the same replacement price as a Dodge minivan transmission, and are a lot more reliable. (I replaced 3 minivan trannies and now have given up on them and am looking for a Prius)

I would look into tools and shops that can diagnose battery health, and also get some good Prius cell subassemblies.

Here is one shop site:

http://www.artsautomotive.com/publicati ... ius-hybrid

best of luck.

dick