Lithium batteries have made a name for themselves in the last couple of years. Most electric vehicle owners currently prefer lithium-ion batteries for their cars. And when it comes to hybrid vehicles, finding the right fit is a bit hard.
The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle with a 151-horsepower hybrid powertrain. This also consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. So, you might ask, “Can I get a Honda Insight Lithium battery upgrade?”
Yes! You can get a lithium-ion upgrade for your vehicle. However, the entire process can be a bit technical and you have to follow the steps carefully. Any mishaps here and there can be lethal for your vehicle.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the potential of a lithium battery upgrade in a Honda Insight. Let’s begin!
Can You Use a Lithium Battery in the Honda Insight?
Previously, Honda insights used to have IMA batteries of their own. The IMA batteries were
generally built as a part of a system with a number of small parts. As a result, it was impossible to replace or upgrade the battery.
However, in recent models such as the Honda Insight 2019, the IMA batteries have been replaced by AGM batteries. Unlike IMA batteries, they don’t require a system built around them. So, they can be replaced by Lithium batteries.
So, if you own a Honda Insight from 2019 or later, you can change its batteries. However, it’s not the case for older models.
Also, the AGM batteries generally don’t have the lifespan of other battery types. So, getting a replacement can be a good idea.
Benefits of Lithium Ion Car Batteries
Before we discuss the installation of Lithium batteries, we need to understand what makes them so special. Lithium-ion is one of the best materials for batteries, whether on a computer or on an electric vehicle!
One of the best benefits of a Lithium-ion battery is its low maintenance. All you need is the battery and the charger. You don’t have to constantly take care of it or use a primer to keep the battery running.
So, you don’t need any scheduled cycling for your battery. However, regular checkups and maintenance are a must!
However, Lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect. So, after every partial discharge or regular battery cycle, it performs below its capacity for a while, So, you need to get used to irregular losses in power.
How to Setup a Lithium-Ion Battery in Your Honda Insight
Setting up a new battery can be a bit hard. While you don’t have to be the savviest with cars, knowing your way around vehicles can be beneficial. To help you understand better, we’ve divided the process into two parts, removing the old battery and setting up a new one!
Removing an Old Battery
Removing the old battery of your vehicle is pretty simple. The steps include –
Step 1: Note the Positive Terminal
Before removing the battery, note the position of the positive terminal. Mark the polarity of the positive cable with a visible marker. This will be helpful in the next steps.
Step 2: Disconnect the Terminal Cables
Now, disconnect the terminal cables. Look for the cable clamps on the sides and disconnect them. It’s better to disconnect the negative one followed by the positive.
Step 3: Unscrew the Strap and Remove the Battery
The battery is secured by a hold-down strap with two screws. Remove the screws and unfasten the strap.
Once the battery has been unfastened, gently pull it up from the car. Make sure the battery is in an upright position when pulling up. This will prevent spilling any electrolyte or liquid from the battery.
With that, we’ve managed to successfully remove the battery. However, it’s important to dispose of the battery carefully. Otherwise, there remains a risk of contamination or damage.
Setting up the Lithium-Ion Battery
Now that the old battery is out of the way, it’s time to set up our new battery. This is where things get a bit technical, so be careful! The steps for setting up a new battery are-
Step 1: Charge the Battery
Before we get to work, make sure the battery is fully charged. Use an external charger to charge the battery before starting. Don’t keep it too long after charging, or its power might deplete.
Step 2: Clean the Battery Tray
To begin with, clean the battery tray. You can use a wire brush to gently remove all the extra dirt and metal scraps lying there. However, don’t use any oil or liquid since the battery will be placed there.
You have to be very careful while cleaning. Any dirt or metal scraps remaining there could cause coolant to leak from the car.
If you’re wondering which wire brush to use, here are our recommendations –
Step 3: Place the Battery and Fasten it
Now, place the battery on the tray. Place it according to the positive terminal you had marked before. Make sure the positive terminals are in order.
Secure the hold-down strap in its position. Unfasten the screws to put the strap in place and secure it back,
Step 4: Put the Cables in Position
Attach the cables in place. Connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative one. Generally, the positive is colored red and the negative is colored black.
Finally, hand tightens the nuts and terminal bolts. Be careful and don’t over-tighten them or this might put pressure on the battery. With that, we’re good to go!
With that, our new Lithium-ion battery is in place!
Precautions
The battery is an integral part of your car. So, you need to be very careful while setting up everything. To begin with, make sure you go through the manual of your Honda Insight very carefully.
When choosing a battery, make sure its power matches that of your vehicle. Otherwise, it will cause parts of your car to stop working. This could lead to a number of potential risks for your vehicle, so keep that in mind.
Finally, be very careful throughout the entire process. Make sure you have the correct protective gear for you. Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to prevent any harm to your body.
FAQs
Now that we’ve discussed everything, here are a frequently asked questions –
Can You Replace an SLA Battery with a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Yes, you can replace your conventional lead-acid battery with a Lithium-ion battery. However, if your car has an SLA battery, it probably won’t have charging features. So, you need to use an external charger for it as well.
When Should I Replace My Honda Insight Battery?
Generally, the batteries come with a 10-year or 150,000-mile lifetime. However, if you feel like your battery isn’t performing at an optimum level, you might need to get it replaced sooner.
Can You Run the Honda Insight without The Battery?
No, you cannot run the Honda Insight without the battery. Although it’s a hybrid and it can run on oil partially, it requires the battery to start and operate. So, it’s not recommended to try running the Insight without a battery.
Conclusion
When it comes to hybrid vehicles, the battery is the heart of your vehicle. So, being careful with the battery and choosing the right product can go a long way. To help you get the best out of your vehicle, getting a Honda Insight Lithium battery upgrade is a good idea.
If you’re contemplating changing your battery, we hope you found this helpful!