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12V battery alternative "V Power" better than Optima or OEM?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 2009Prius, Sep 20, 2010.

  1. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    I stumbled upon this:
    55aH 12V battery for Prius AGM SEALED BATTERY Audio Performance [XPC-550] - $123.20 : Batteries Are Us

    Anyone tried this? Is it really better and easier to install than the Optima which needs adapters? Thanks!
     
  2. CBarr31

    CBarr31 Active Member

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    No idea but I am curious to see if anyone has tried one or is going to try one.

    That is one big SOB though, 39 lbs.!!!! Almost 12 lbs. more than the Optima. It would have to be significantly better than the Optima to justify that. That is a lot of extra weight for a battery.

    Happy driving,
    Chris
     
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I see no claim it has a vent tube to keep Hydrogen gas out of the passenger compartment, I will pass. (I am amused it mentions my Prius alternator; 1) The Prius has no alternator 2) in the Prius the HV Battery charges the 12 volt Battery)
     
  4. partsmore

    partsmore Junior Member

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    This is a sealed battery - this and the Optima do not require a vent
    (AGM = Absorbed glass mat) completely sealed and do not gas or leak.
     
  5. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    It does claim higher capacity. I copied and pasted the info in the original post but somehow the formatting got corrupted so it's hard to read. Let me try again here:

    So it claims 55Ah vs. OEM 36Ah or Optima 38Ah.

    Dose the Optima have a vent tube?
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    "We provide an installation kit with new electrical connectors and a connector and plug to allow you to connect the vent holes in this battery to the vent tube in the Prius" - from the elearnaid site
     
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  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    AGM and GellCell batteries do not vent gas during normal operation and charging. Both, however, can vent if abused. I assume this is why the Optima provides a vent tube connection.

    Tom
     
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  8. Scottyboy24

    Scottyboy24 Junior Member

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    I am a newbee, and have a stupid question.
    How do i post a new thread?
    I need to know if anyone else has had there original 12v battery leak out in the battery compartment? I thought it was supposed to be a AGM, which is not supposed to leak?
    Thanks
     
  9. sach0325

    sach0325 Junior Member

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    Optima Yellow Top doesnt last more than 4 years in my experience with two 2nd Gen priuses whereas OEM one had lasted atleast 7 years