Update battery thread: is the Optima Yellow Top still the preferred choice?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Johnny Cakes, Dec 16, 2025.

  1. priumium

    priumium Member

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    This makes it obvious to me this company failed to comply with specs, as OE now seem to be Yuasa AGM.
     
  2. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    For a Gen 5? Not in my '26, lol. Flooded.
     
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  3. priumium

    priumium Member

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    Ah, but this is a G3 forum, that’s my reference. It’s the same form factor for G2 and G3. I have so far no other relevant experience.

    An interesting possible reason for placing the battery in the trunk is that small Ah batteries do not cope well with extreme temperature changes, as is the case when placed in the engine bay (engine is hooooot).
     
  4. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    doubtful. space, maybe weight. I had a BMW once, a 3 series coupe, I believe, with the battery in the trunk.
     
  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Are you saying you see problems with the Gen 4 battery under the hood? There was no unusual problem for a flooded battery when I had mine.
     
  6. priumium

    priumium Member

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    There are so many considerations when placing components for production as an engineer. 12V batteries are still using lead/acid. That tech is from 1920. Extreme heat or cold are equally bad.

    The engine bay on G2 and G3 could easily handle this form factor if this would have been prioritized. Many cars, including Volvo S80 2001 placed 12V in the trunk.
     
  7. priumium

    priumium Member

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    Not at all, just curious/talkative about general engineering decisions. The heat from the engine is actually good for 12V health in my climate, but not so much in other climates.
     
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  8. priumium

    priumium Member

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    I was not aware they moved this, I have only G2 and G3.

    This info actually makes me a little bit more inclined to also get a G4. ;)

    Any odd/special issues to look for, according to your experience @Prodigyplace (or any other G4 DIY reading this)?
     
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    My OEM battery lasted about as could be expected for a flooded battery. I notice my 2025 Camry had a flooded maintenance-free battery in the trunk area. There is a jump start point under the hood though.

    When I took my 2017 in for the first check in late 2016, the tech supposedly did not check the battery because "Prius us different" even though the battery had been under the hood for over a year by that time.That is one of many reasons why I do not trust my local dealership. I drove over 2 hours to a good one to have the wiring harness recall performed.
     
  10. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    So, there's no tube leading to the outside?
     
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I just checked. It is vented, likely because the rear seats fold down, making it part of the cabin area. See the rectangle below

    upload_2026-1-2_11-18-23.png