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2012 Prius C Hybrid Battery replacement options

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by SilverWagon, Jul 26, 2024 at 6:56 PM.

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  1. SilverWagon

    SilverWagon New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I've been reading that I can order an older, Gen 2, Hybrid battery from a Toyota dealer and swap out the modules with my 2012 prius C. I dont know of this is true. Has anyone done this? If so, which battery did you purchase and how much was it?

    I recently went to the junk yard and I purchased a used 2018 Prius C hybrid battery with 112k miles on it. I have a 30 day return window. I thought I would open it up and test the modules and then turn in the core but I like the idea above if it's possible.

    Please let me know asap!
    Thanks!
     
    #1 SilverWagon, Jul 26, 2024 at 6:56 PM
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    A Toyota dealership will only sell you a new OEM HV battery!
     
    #2 Brian1954, Jul 26, 2024 at 7:23 PM
  3. SilverWagon

    SilverWagon New Member

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    Yes. That's why I said, " I can order an older, Gen 2, Hybrid battery from a Toyota dealer and swap out the modules with my 2012 prius C." What did I say that was confusing?
     
    #3 SilverWagon, Jul 26, 2024 at 10:23 PM
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Physical unit terms, from individual up to the largest group used in the context of a Prius:

    Cell
    Module
    Battery

    A 2nd generation Prius battery is divided into 28 modules, each containing 6 cells.

    In strict electrical terms, a Prius module is a battery because it contains multiple cells. However, we need a clear way of distinguishing the difference between a "package of 6 cells" and the "full finished metal box with a whole car's worth" in it. Hence the term module.

    The Prius c battery only has 20 modules, so it is physically smaller than that of a 2nd generation Prius.

    So the easiest fix for you is to swap the entire c battery in your car for another c battery. Toyota will cheerfully sell you a new complete battery with core exchange, and there are used ones available from a variety of sellers.

    Your idea would work- you can buy the 2nd generation Prius battery new from Toyota, and swap any 20 of its modules for all of yours. That's a lot more labor with many more chances to make mistakes. Remember, you'd have to get both batteries back together properly: One for your car's sake and the other so you can get your core deposit back from Toyota.

    This would be worth doing if the two battery prices were very far apart... but I've never seen them that far apart.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 27, 2024 at 1:00 AM
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2024 at 1:06 AM
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