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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the ES300h model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the ES300h. Please use the main 6ES forum for discussion about shared components with other sixth generation ES models.
The reason that no store or website offers direct 12v replacement batteries besides OEM (Panasonic) is that this is a special purpose battery according to the warranty and maintenance Lexus manual. There are close alternatives like the Exide MX24 but I am not convinced they will last that long, without compromising the expensive HV battery and reducing the overall mpg.
I shopped around and I was able to buy the OEM battery 28800-36050 listed at $315 MSRP for just $235 from a local Toyota dealer. By the way, the same part is sold by Both Toyota and Lexus for Camry hybrids and Avalon hybrids. The $235 price is very close to the Exide at $189 plus shipping and other aftermarket batteries so I wouldn’t risk buying anything else.
My original battery still running strong after 9 years and tested fine by Advance auto battery tester with 417 CCA /450 CCA. For the reason below I decided to replace it proactively.
As far as to when to change the 12 battery there are two options:
You keep the 12v battery until it goes out. The benefit is that you save about $30 for each year you keep it longer. The problem is that you will get stranded. This could be at your house or work but even worse it can be a weekend night in a restaurant or a trip. The second problem is that you will pay almost MSRP price at $315 as there is no time to shop around. The third issue is pick up or delivery of the battery which will probably be 2-3 days later especially now with the supply chain issues leaving you without use of the car.
The other option is to change the battery in year 8 or 9 before it fails. Not only you have time to shop around to get a good price but you can also afford shipping times or dealer delays to pick it up. Most importantly you avoid being stranded at the worst time and you keep using your car. Yes if you divide the cost of new 12v battery by 8 years it might cost you an extra $30 dollars for the early decommissioning of a still good battery by a year but you will definitely save at least that off the MSRP of a new battery since you have a few days to shop around and you avoid the risk and inconvenience of being stranded and not using your car for a couple of days.
I just replaced my battery with one from Rock Auto. I (first) thought how can a different battery effect gas mileage? After one fill up mileage was 3 miles per gallon less. Hmmmm. 15 gallon x 33 mpg = 495. 15 x 36 = 540 Rough estimate of one gallon every fill up every 3 weeks. 52/3 = 17 fill ups a year. Gas in Southern California is $4,30. Lower gas mileage costs around $73 a year. Higher priced battery with better gas mileage pays for itself in 2 years. So, IMHO buy a OEM Panasonic and change it yourself.
note: Battery replacement doesn’t get your hands dirty. Sealed battery keeps the terminals clean.
makes no sense. 12v battery doesn’t effect Mileage.
I agree. Looking at posts 13, 17, 77, 80, 82, 85 and 93 they disagree. One of the posts states it will take a while for the car to figure out the new battery(?), I don’t know how this would work.
I agree. Looking at posts 13, 17, 77, 80, 82, 85 and 93 they disagree. One of the posts states it will take a while for the car to figure out the new battery(?), I don’t know how this would work.
I will follow up in a few months and report.
Russell
Your loss in fuel efficiency and correlating it to projected cash savings make sense.
I went with a comparable Autocraft battery ($190, i.e. saved 175$ over the OEM) 4 years ago, but for whatever reason, the Lexus hybrid logic (where control is given to the hybrid batteries) worked a tad different from the OEM. And, I ended up getting over these last 4/5 years about 5 mpg less on an average - although my driving needs and style has not not changed over these last 9 years!
I drive ~10000 miles/yr and the reduced 5 mpg costed me - (i.e. each year I burnt ~ 36 more gallons, which @ $3.25/g (avg AZ price over the last 4-5 years) ) an extra $116 of fuel. And 464$ over the last 4 years! Not a smart financial decision on my part for sure.
I hear such stories on these forums from others with other brands as well.
My lesson learnt:
1. Buy the OEM as cheap as you can over alternatives, esp Autocraft,
2. There is more to battery electrochemistry that I assumed!
my oem panasonic agm 12 volt battery failed in gs 450h after 250 k and i went used battery shop and bought
agm deep cycle 12 .8 volts battery with 950 CCA
now after 4 years still working great very close to 600 000 km
cost me $100 and i will newer buy oem battery from dealer because it is to expensive and they giving you only 350CCA
only mod i had to make is use aluminum tape to attach temparature sensor to agm; battery .this new refurbished battery didnt even have venting hole like old one .I will always go for aftermarket used or refurbished agm battery and even over 1000CCA,even if polarity is oposite there is way to connect and orientate new replacement battery as per your need.
Here’s the battery I used, it fits perfectly and it works. Battery connected facing in. From menards with core and mail in rebate discounts. FVP batteries are manufactured by a Company who I heard the same company who makes Exide batteries.
The price for a new battery at my local Lexus place is $315. Unforunately, they are closed for a few days after getting hit with hurriance Ian. The nearest place to buy one is 90 minues away on the east coast of FLA.
I am going with the OEM one. I checked numerous auto parts stores. None offer a battery for this ES hybrid. 12v may be 12v, but I want a reliable battery designed for the car. The original one in my 2013 latest 10 years and 117k, which is amazing. 5 years of New England weather, and now 5 years of south FLA weather. This is my first and hopefully last replacement!
10-08-21, 07:17 PM
