Li-ion cells from RAV4 to Prius gen1

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by MArcin91t, Feb 27, 2026 at 7:35 AM.

  1. MArcin91t

    MArcin91t New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2000 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I recently owned a 2000 Prius 1st Gen with a damaged HV battery. It turned out that one cell almost exploded (the side of the battery melted). Obviously, corrosion and voltage distortion on the BMS caused the problem. I replaced that cell with one from a 3rd Gen Prius (all cells balanced, of course), and the battery works.

    However, I noticed that the other cells weren't very good either, so I started considering an alternative.

    I noticed that you can buy a complete Li-ion battery from a 5th Gen Toyota RAV4 for ridiculously cheap (at least in my country). Prices start at $300.

    I'm wondering if it would be possible to build a battery pack using these cells for a 1st Gen Prius. Theoretically, I would need 76 Li-ion cells, which would require buying two RAV4 batteries, but it's still much cheaper than replacing all the stock NIMH batteries.

    I wonder if this would even work.
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    You got to know the base voltage of rav 4 Prius is like 200 220 Dc volts . You should be able to Google the RAV4 I don't if that makes it plug in or