Hybrid car batteries
45 complaints valued at $334,806.97 since 2014
HYBRID motor vehicles are becoming more and more popular with car owners both internationally and locally because of their fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint when compared with traditional fossil fuelled powered cars.
The environmentally friendly aspect of these vehicles plays a major role in attracting buyers. In a world that is increasingly experiencing vulnerability towards the threats of climate change, hybrid vehicles offer consumers an avenue to reduce their greenhouse gas output.
Hybrid vehicles car owners save a lot, thanks in large part to the rechargeable batteries that powers the engine. Even though all hybrid vehicles contain a lead-acid battery in addition to a Nickel metal Hydride or NiMH battery, they use less fuel because of the NiMH battery.
When used correctly, batteries in brand new hybrid vehicles can last for up to ten years, however, these batteries are also one of the most expensive components to replace in hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid batteries are made up of individual cells and replacing these cells can cost consumers thousands of dollars. That can be a huge issue to a shopper who buys a hybrid vehicle in the hope of saving money.
Brand new hybrid vehicles will generally have a longer warranty on the batteries which will put some consumers at ease.
By comparison, secondhand hybrid vehicles will have a much shorter warranty on batteries.
In Fiji, some retailers sell these second-hand hybrid vehicles and batteries with no warranty at all.
In recent years, the council has received complaints regarding the warranty periods on these batteries from many consumers.
Complaints regarding second-hand batteries
Since 2014, the Consumer Council of Fiji has received 45 complaints related to hybrid vehicle batteries with a total monetary value of $334,806.97.
In 2019, seven cases have been received amounting to more than $51,700 relating to hybrid vehicles batteries.
The council is particularly worried with the attitude of a handful of deceptive traders who are still thriving in the marketplace at the expense of innocent consumers. In a recent survey, the council found that traders were charging up to $3000 for new battery packs.
New batteries were typically sold with one-year warranties while some second hand batteries were sold with a six-month warranty.
New battery packs had a life span of four to five years while second-hand batteries had shorter life spans.
The council also found that cells were on sale for $70-$150 per cell with no warranty.
However, information on whether the trader sells battery pack/cell, warranty period, life span and even the price are not disclosed unless requested by consumers.
The life span pertaining to second hand battery cells consist of three-six months, yet, necessary information on the battery features are not disclosed to consumers unless requested.
The non-disclosure of this information is an issue for consumers who are spending their hard-earned money on the batteries, only to end up feeling cheated when they realise they cannot get them repaired under warranty.
Case study 1
Recently, a case was lodged at the council where a consumer’s vehicle battery malfunctioned within its warranty period but the trader refused to provide any redress.
Given this, the consumer sought council’s assistance. Upon our intervention, the trader was strongly advised on the consumer’s rights to redress, such as repair, replacement or refund, as set out by the FCCC Act 2010 Part 7 Consumer Protection and Unfair Practices. As a result, the trader provided a replacement battery, which the consumer was satisfied with.
Case study 2
John Doe purchased a battery from a company with a one-year warranty. However, before the warranty period had lapsed the battery died, thus took back to the trader whereby he was advised to purchase a new battery pack, even though, the faulty one was still under warranty period. Consequently, John sought the council’s assistance.
Based on our investigation, the trader replaced the battery pack on pro-rata warranty.
Consumer advice
■ Do research
Before consumers purchase a hybrid vehicle, they should do research and ask as many questions as possible about the vehicle and it's batteries consumers needs to be aware of the type of hybrid car battery or cells that is being sold, the size and the type and length of warranty (if any) provided by the traders.
■ Be assertive
If a consumer purchases a faulty vehicle battery, he/ she has the right to gain a redress from a trader through repairs, replacement or refund.
If a trader repairs the battery or cells under its warranty period, a consumer must ensure that the issue is entirely fixed.
In case where a consumer takes his/her faulty product to the trader numerous times and does not have the issue completely rectified, the consumer is entitled to have a replacement.
A refund comes into place when there is no replacement to provide. Traders must also ensure that the warranty period for new batteries passed down by the suppliers or manufacturers are mirrored in the warranty period provided to consumers.
■ Know the value of your money
If a consumer is paying for a certain brand, type and size of vehicle battery, with its warranty then he/she is entitled to be given quality product.
The product supplied by the trader should be fit for purpose and match any description given to the consumer, or any models or sample shown to the consumer at the time of purchase.
Hybrid vehicles are a smart purchase for the consumer looking to save money and also reduce pollution, however it is important that they ensure to find out as much information about the vehicle and battery warranty to ensure they do not get any nasty surprises later on.
Consumers are encouraged to contact the Consumer Council of Fiji on the National Consumer Helpline toll-free number 155 should they require further advice hybrid vehicle batteries.
This is a regular contribution from the Consumer Council of Fiji. Email: mediaofficer@consumersfiji.org for feedback