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Replacing a hybrid battery through a core exchange is straightforward: you receive the replacement battery first, install it, and then return the original battery.
The replacement battery arrives in a reusable shipping container with a prepaid return label. After installation, place your old battery into the same container and ship it back within 10 calendar days of receiving the replacement.
The core return requirement applies to all replacement hybrid batteries currently sold on our website.
What Is a Hybrid Battery Core Return?
A hybrid battery core is the original battery that you remove from your vehicle during a hybrid battery replacement.
We use a core exchange system for our replacement batteries. After you install the replacement battery, you return your old battery to us as the core. You do not need to send your old battery first or wait for us to process it before we ship your replacement.
This helps reduce vehicle downtime and makes the replacement process easier to organize.
How the Core Return Process Works
1. Order the Correct Replacement Battery
Choose the replacement hybrid battery that matches your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
The core exchange process applies to all replacement hybrid batteries currently sold on our website.
2. Receive Your Replacement Battery
We ship the replacement battery to you first.
It arrives in a reusable shipping container, so keep the container and packing materials after opening it.
3. Install the Replacement
Remove the original battery and install the replacement.
Hybrid batteries contain high-voltage components, so if you do not have the right experience and equipment, we recommend hiring a qualified mechanic or hybrid specialist to install the battery.
4. Keep the Original Battery
The battery removed from your vehicle is the core that must be returned.
If a repair shop performs the installation, tell the technician beforehand that you need the old battery back.
Do not allow the shop to dispose of, recycle, or keep the original battery.
5. Pack the Old Battery
Place the original battery into the same shipping container in which your replacement arrived.
You do not need to purchase another container or arrange separate packaging.
6. Use the Prepaid Return Label
A prepaid return shipping label is included with the replacement battery.
Secure the old battery in the container and attach the provided return label according to the included shipping instructions.
7. Return the Core Within 10 Days
The original battery must be shipped back within 10 calendar days of receiving the replacement battery.
If you plan to use a mechanic, scheduling the installation before or shortly after delivery can help you stay within the return window.
Is Returning the Old Hybrid Battery Required?
Yes.
The core is a required part of the exchange. Replacement batteries currently sold through our website are not offered as a standard buy-and-keep purchase where the customer keeps both batteries.
Once the replacement has been installed, the original battery needs to be returned through the provided core return process.
This requirement applies to all replacement hybrid batteries currently sold on our website, not only Toyota Prius batteries.
Shipping, Container and Prepaid Return Label
For eligible orders within the continental United States, shipping is currently included.
The replacement battery arrives with everything needed for the standard core return:
- A reusable shipping container
- The necessary packing materials
- A prepaid return shipping label
The same container is used for both directions. The replacement battery arrives in it, and after installation, the original battery is packed into it for return.
This means you do not need to find suitable battery packaging or purchase a separate standard return shipping label.
Because shipping terms may change, always check the current terms shown when ordering.
The 10-Day Core Return Deadline
Your old hybrid battery must be shipped back within 10 calendar days after you receive the replacement battery.
The easiest way to avoid delays is to plan the installation in advance.
If you are using a repair shop, let them know that:
- You already purchased the replacement battery
- You only need removal and installation labor
- You must keep the original battery for the core return
That way, once the installation is complete, the old battery can go directly into the return container.
What If You Don’t Want to Install the Battery Yourself?
You do not have to replace the hybrid battery yourself.
A qualified independent mechanic, hybrid specialist, repair shop, or dealership can perform the installation.
For many customers, an independent mechanic or hybrid repair specialist can be a practical alternative to dealership installation, especially when comparing local labor prices.
Before booking, tell the shop that you already have the replacement battery and ask for a quote for installation only.
Most importantly, remind them that you need the original battery back.
Prius Gen 2 and Gen 3 Installation at Our Service Shop
Our published fixed installation price applies specifically to:
Professional installation for these vehicles at our service shop costs $150.
The service includes removal of the original hybrid battery and installation of the replacement battery.
Most installations take approximately one hour, and an appointment should be scheduled in advance.
The $150 price is specifically for Prius Gen 2 and Gen 3 installation and should not be assumed to apply to every hybrid vehicle or battery sold on the website.
How Much Does Prius Hybrid Battery Installation Cost Elsewhere?
If you are outside our service area, you can take your replacement battery to an independent mechanic or hybrid repair shop.
For a typical Prius Gen 2 or Gen 3 hybrid battery replacement, installation commonly costs around $200 to $250, although the actual price depends on local labor rates and the repair shop.
Installation may take approximately 1 to 3 hours, depending on the technician, vehicle condition, and shop procedures.
When asking for a quote, make it clear that you already have the replacement battery. You are only paying the shop to remove the original battery and install the replacement.
Tell Your Mechanic to Keep the Old Battery
This is one of the most important things to remember if someone else performs the installation.
Some repair shops may normally recycle, dispose of, or retain an old hybrid battery after replacement. In this case, you need it back because it is part of your core exchange.
Before the work starts, tell the technician:
“Please keep the original hybrid battery. I need to return it to the battery supplier as a core.”
Once the installation is finished, take the old battery, place it into the supplied container, and prepare it for return.
Why Does the Core Need to Be Returned?
Old hybrid batteries still have value within the refurbishment and replacement process.
Returning the core allows used battery assemblies to go back into an organized inspection and refurbishment stream rather than leaving each customer to determine how to handle the old battery independently.
The exchange model also helps maintain the supply of cores needed for refurbished replacement batteries.
For customers, it provides a defined path for the old battery while making it possible to receive the replacement before returning the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The replacement battery is shipped to you first. You return the old battery after installation.
The original battery must be shipped back within 10 calendar days of receiving the replacement.
A prepaid return shipping label is included with eligible replacement battery orders within the continental United States.
No. Use the same shipping container in which your replacement battery arrived.
No. The core return requirement applies to all replacement hybrid batteries currently sold on our website.
Yes. A qualified independent mechanic or hybrid specialist can perform the installation. Make sure they give you the original battery back afterward.
Installation for Prius Gen 2 and Gen 3 vehicles at our service shop is $150 and usually takes about one hour.
Independent installation elsewhere typically costs around $200–$250, although prices vary by location and repair shop.
Core Return Summary
The core exchange process is designed so you do not have to give up your old battery before your replacement arrives.
You receive the replacement first, install it, keep the original battery, reuse the shipping container, and return the core with the included prepaid label within 10 calendar days.
If a mechanic performs the installation, make sure they return the old battery to you.
Keep the container, keep the return label, and keep the original battery until the core return is complete.
