How often must the battery be changed on a new Lexus RX 450 hybrid?

by on 2009/10/27

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Stupid Flanders October 27, 2009 at 3:01 PM: The battery is made to last the life of the vehicle.

It should never have to be changed and comes with a 10 year, 150K mile warranty in an emissions state and an 8 year, 100K warranty everywhere else.
professorprius October 27, 2009 at 3:02 PM: Hi,

which of the batteries did you mean- the 288 volt, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid one or the 12 volt, lead acid one? These are two separate power systems and two independent batteries.

Stupid Flanders is correct in the hybrid warranty terms for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, with it being a minimum of 8 years or 100,000 miles to 10 years or 150,000 miles for states following California emissions standards.

He is also correct in the NiMH being an extremely long-lasting battery. The EPA and DOE tested the Panasonic NiMH used by Toyota and their testing revealed that after 100,000 miles of driving usage, the NiMH still retained 90% of it’s recharge and power delivery potential.

The lead acid battery is covered under Lexus’ 48 month or 50,000 mile basic warranty (this is not the powertrain warranty).

The lead acid battery will need to be replaced just like one in any standard vehicle, approximately every 5-7 years of time or driving usage equivalent (roughly 60-84,000 miles @ 12,000 miles per year).