Another 12v Battery Option: O'Reilly's Super Start Extreme AGM

Great info guys. Thanks for all the posts and research. Most of all thanks for your patience and dispelling all rumors and illogical assumptions.

I guess the bottom line in all of this discussion is; there are several batteries that can be safely used for the Prius. I love the way the cost and DOD was explained. After reading all of this thread, I am convinced that the WKA 12 is the best deal out there for Prius batteries.

 

There may well be more but PriusCamper has done a good job researching suppliers in the US "plentiful in the UK".


Examples (note prices are for 2)
2 x AGM/GEL 34Ah 33Ah 35Ah - MOBILITY BATTERIES
2 x 12V 90ah replaces 85ah 75ah & 70ah Mobility Scooter, Power Chair Batteries *
Probably the most difficult part is the limitations of space provided for the battery in the Prius. A new world of
batteries become available for the gen2 Prius if the battery space was only 3/4 of one inch wider with batteries of 70,80,90 amp/hr capacity.

I do not know of the size restrictions for gen1 or gen3 or if post positions on gen1 are reversed.

John (Britprius)

 

Just bought the Super Start to replace my 5 year old OEM battery (current MPG is 38, so hopefully the new battery will help). I decided to go with a direct fit that had the greatest Ah rating (46 Ah since CCA doesn't provide much value for a Prius) and a decent warranty (3 year replacement). It was instock at a local O'Reilly's with a manufacture date of A3 (Jan 2013) and it measured 12.8V (100% SOC). It is a direct fit, even had the little notch to fit the OEM vent tube (pics below).

It seems O'Reilly's Super Start Extreme for Prius is actually made by Deka; same specs as the Deka Intimidator 9A51P but Deka's only comes with a two year warranty. Also it appears the Marathon battery at Batterymart.com is the same but only with a one year warranty.

Pics:

 

For a very long time, the correct GS Yuasa battery had an MSRP of $138 at Toyota dealer parts counters (was higher at some dealerships that were not satisfied charging MSRP.) Then the price shot up a couple of years ago, creating a market opportunity for aftermarket suppliers.

It is nice to see that some US-made battery alternatives are finally appearing, in response to that.

BTW, the Classic Prius battery terminal polarity is reversed, since the battery is located on the left side of the trunk.

 

For all the fear mongering about non-Prius type batteries, my old OEM Prius battery has liquid in it. My replacement Optima does not, at least not enough to detect it sloshing around. According to the theory about liquid exploding from the battery, the OEM one is more dangerous.

If an AGM battery doesn't have liquid sloshing around in it, then the OEM battery that came with my 2006 Prius isn't AGM.

 

OH MY GOD!!!! Don't you know that if you get in a car accident battery acid could fly everywhere inside the car? Oh and all your windows could shatter, which will send little pellets of flying glass everywhere too! You really oughta be much safer and only use an AGM battery as well as get rid of all your windows too!

But maybe keep your front windshield so you don't have to wear a motorcycle helmet when you drive... Then again it's safer to not have any glass that could break in an accident and you really are safer wearing a motorcycle helmet. So it's up to you, it could mean the survival of you and your family 'ya know!!!

 

Some other posters have reported this as well. What is strange is that apparently the battery exterior labeling is exactly the same as AGM batteries.

All I can say is that the Toyota tech bulletins on this subject are very clear that only an AGM battery should be installed in Prius.

 

My OEM battery (now on my mower) has enough liquid in each sell to be able to use a bulb style hydrometer to check the state of charge.

John (Britprius)

 

Would anyone mind posting a link to some screw in posts that would work with the WKA12-55C/FR ?

Thanks.

 

I've been searching, but so far I can only find equivalent ones for 150€ and up in my country.

Anyone ever make a mock-up of cartboard to find the absolute maximum size of the cavity the battery sits in?
The replacement versions are 238mm and the AGM-deep cycles are 228m or 230mm.
Maybe I can fill it with expandifoam to make a mold (and knowing my luck, not be able to remove it )

 

The critical measurement is the smallest measurement, from the front to the back of the battery. This is a maximum distance of about 145mm. The height of the battery (bottom to top of terminals) can be 230mm. The length of the battery (from the + end to the -end) is the least critical of all, and with little modification of the battery fixing can probably go to 280/300mm. The terminals layout should be (with the terminals closest to you) positive + on the left.

John (Britprius)

 

Optima weighs 26lbs
WKA12-55C Battery 40lbs
just sayin'

 

This is because of the lead content of the battery. The higher the lead content the higher the capacity. The difference is about one gallon of fuel.

This is where the Prius battery falls short compared to to normal cars.

We know the Prius does not need "cranking amps" because the Prius 12 volt does not turn over the engine, but if you sit listening to the radio or leave the car at an airport for a few weeks it does not have the capacity to cope with this.

John (Britprius)

 

I'm convinced. Less expensive, but non automotive electrical posts on those wheelchair batteries. Has anyone gotten one to work on their Prius yet? Install pictures?

 

I think you will find lots of info here.
Fitting mobility 12volt AGM battery. | PriusChat

 

These may work.
Odyssey SAE Terminals: BatteryMart.com