What does it mean to recondition a Hybrid Battery?
If you are looking at replacing your hybrid battery you may be wondering what exactly does reconditioning a Hybrid Battery mean?
Currently there are two main types of batteries used in a Hybrid and EV; Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery(NiMH) and LIthium-Ion Battery. The following describes reconditioning a NiMH battery commonly used in Toyota and Lexus cars. If you are not sure what type of hybrid battery your car has there is a chart available here.
A Reconditioned Battery is a cost effective way to extend the life of your vehicle. When Nimh Batteries are reconditioned they regain some capacity by doing deep cycles of charge and discharge. Some components are generally reused on Hybrid batteries like the Main Relays, Voltage Sensor, Temp Sensors and Plastic Covers. The superior strength and reliability of a Buffalo Battery can be attributed to deep cycling modules and balancing the battery as a whole.
Understanding NiMH Batteries
NiMH hybrid batteries are rechargeable batteries that use nickel oxyhydroxide positive electrodes and hydrogen-absorbing negative electrodes. Their high energy density and lack of toxic metals make them an attractive choice for many applications. However, NiMH battery cells can have degraded performance due to crystalline structure that forms on the electrodes over time. As the crystalline formations grow over time on the electrodes, the internal resistance increases and the impedance value becomes out of sync with the rest of the pack. The vehicle's performance will deteriorate and the battery will eventually become unbalanced enough to cause a trouble code like P0A80 (Replace Hybrid Battery Pack).
Each hybrid battery is made up of multiple modules grouped in series. Each Module is made of a collection of cells also grouped in series. The battery cell count and module count in the battery will change based on what type of vehicle you have.