Hybrid Batteries, like all batteries, eventually run out of power. It’s never a question of if, but when. It’s just the innate nature of batteries! Most hybrid batteries will perform well for 5-8 years, depending on these factors:
- Driving habits. The worst thing for a hybrid battery is to let it sit for periods of time. The battery will begin to self-discharge and lose power. Hybrid vehicles need to be driven regularly to maintain optimum battery performance.
- Temperature. The nickel-metal hydride batteries in hybrid vehicles will not last as long in extreme climates where the temperatures are either normally very high or very low for extended periods.
- Terrain. Vehicles that are regularly driven over challenging terrain (like mountains) will loose power and fuel efficiency faster than ones that are driven in less demanding places.
There are several things you can do to extend the life of your hybrid battery.
Proper maintenance, driving the vehicle daily, or putting the battery on a trickle charger during long storage periods can maximize the battery's life expectancy, but once the sulfate is crystallized over most of the surface of the lead plates, the battery can't be revived as a whole unit and must be replaced. Fortunately, sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are made of fairly common materials and are thus reasonably affordable.