Man who'd saved so much money on gas after driving his Toyota Prius is left stunned after being handed quote for a new battery
Published on Aug 19, 2026 at 2:29 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Aug 19, 2026 at 2:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This man was really pleased with how much money he’d saved on gas since switching to a Toyota Prius – but then he learned how much a new battery would cost.
The hybrid car has been the mascot of eco-conscious drivers for decades.
But it turns out that a battery doesn’t come cheap.
Charlie Peterson couldn’t help but share the jaw-dropping quote online once he was given the bad news.
Toyota Prius have maintained a good reputation over the years
The Toyota Prius has been around in one form or another since 1997, developed as the ‘car for the 21st century’.
As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, it would become a early forerunner for the electric car trend of the 2010s onwards.
It became a signifier of eco-consciousness, with liberal minded characters like Brian Griffin from Family Guy driving one.
Even after all these years, other manufacturers are still trying to create a hybrid that approaches the lofty heights of the Prius.
And with almost half of Toyota vehicles sold in the US being hybrid cars, it’s clear that the Japanese automaker has quite the solid reputation in that field.
But, with the good must come the bad – or at the very least, the expensive.
One TikToker, who’d saved a lot on gas since buying a Prius, was learning the hard way that his new ride came one with one pricey element.
This TikToker was shocked by the price of a new battery
Charlie Peterson, aka thatmakessensetome, took to TikTok to share the pricey quote he’d been given for a hybrid battery replacement.
He’d been asked to pay $6,800.
This is a pretty standard sum for hybrid car batteries, which can range from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the model and make.
“I’m wondering if anyone knows about alternatives or [has any] experience?” Peterson asked his viewers.
As is the way on the internet, plenty of people weighed in with their opinion – some being more snarky than others.
“Nope. That’s the cost. You saved all that money on gas though, right?” one remarked.
“That’s all the gas money you saved,” another joked.
“Never buy a hybrid. They are expensive complicated engines and I was at the Honda dealership for one problem after another,” a third commenter said.
“I’ve driven an electric vehicle for the past 10 years and it’s the most affordable vehicle I’ve ever owned.”
While it can be helpful to procure opinion from a wider audience, the final call ultimately lies with Peterson on what he wants to do.
Some Prius drivers resort to refurbished or used hybrid batteries, which can cost way less than brand news one sourced from the dealership.
A refurbished battery replacement might cost between $2,000 and $3,000 and can take under two hours if you can DIY it.
Timeline of Toyota Prius
1997: Launched in Japan as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid sedan.
2003: Second generation is launched, redesigned as a 5-door liftback.
2009: Third generation is launched, with a larger 1.8L 4-cylinder engine.
2015: Fourth generation is launched.
2016: Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is launched, with an enhanced electric-only range.
2022 – 2023: Fifth generation is launched, with a radical redesign, as a ‘hammerhead’ front face and a coupe-like silhouette are introduced.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
