Hybrid car battery FAQs

The average hybrid car battery weighs around 53.5 kg. However, this can significantly increase with plug-in hybrids, due to their larger capacity needed for extended electric-only range. 

Most hybrid manufacturers advise that the average battery life in hybrid cars is between 125,000 and 160,000 kilometres. With proper maintenance, it’s not uncommon for them to last even longer. For the average driver, a hybrid battery should last around 6 to 10 years. 

While you can purchase a hybrid car battery replacement outright, it’s not recommended to install it yourself. Visiting a specialist garage is the safest way to replace a hybrid car battery. This can also ensure the old battery is properly disposed of. 

Yes – hybrid car batteries are recyclable and are expected to be recycled after use. Most professional garages should have a process for correctly recycling lithium-ion batteries as part of their hybrid battery disposal process. Honda is currently working in partnership with SNAM to give used batteries a “second life”. Electric vehicles and hybrid batteries could be utilised as storage for renewable energy once they reach the end of their usable life. Your Honda dealer can request the collection of end-of-life hybrid batteries by SNAM for treatment and recycling.

If a hybrid battery runs low, your car will automatically switch to its petrol engine. This provides some charge back to the battery, but typically not enough to fully recharge it immediately. Your fuel consumption may temporarily increase during this recharging phase.

If your hybrid battery completely fails, your car won’t be drivable, and you'll need a replacement battery. Regular maintenance helps avoid this scenario, ensuring you always get reliable performance from your hybrid.