A Thread Every Hybrid Owner (+Those Considering) Should Read

While the original post is from 2006, the discussion has continued to the present. As the thread develops, you will learn more and more about how the cost of the batteries has decreased. In addition, it appears there is much controversy about how battery problems should be addressed, both by technicians and the with the warranty policy of the manufacturers.

This is, by far, the most illuminating reading I've done on the subject of hybrid vehicles:

http://www.hybridcars.com/economics/hidden-costs.html

snip

So Ray’s ordeal wasn’t caused by a failure of new hybrid battery technology—those batteries will last the life of the vehicle and will help save hundreds of gallons of gasoline for their owners.

snip


Oh yeah? Listen to what the readers have to say--and they have plenty to say. Reading the whole page of comments will take you awhile, so get yourself a :donut:



Cher

p.s. I found the comments of JerseyTrainer to be valuable.

... and over the last 6 -7 years, my taxi company and its rival companies in my city have largely switched to hybrids. To date we have about 75 hybrids in my company (mostly Priuses). The oldest hybrids are now over 6 years old and have been on the road 6 to 7 days per week, with two 12hr shifts per day. Some of the oldest hybrids have over 400,000 miles on the odometer.

Here's what I can report:

WE HAVE NOT HAD ONE BATTERY FAILURE!

Also, the Priuses have proven to be the most reliable cars that have ever been used in our company's 62 year history.


The same is true for our rival companies.

:hi:

I think hybrids are more reliable because the electric motor and start/stop technology takes a big load off of the gas engine.

My Ford Escape hybrid needs an oil change every 10,000 miles, while the regular version needs oil every 5,000 miles. That's because the engine in the hybrid runs about half as much. My brake pads also last a lot longer because regenerative braking saves a lot of wear and tear.

There were a lot of strange doins with the automotive NiMH batteries:



Wikipedia - Cobasys

This is probably not going to be the case with the newer Lithium batteries. Most of the problems with runaway reactions have been addressed with Battery Management Systems (BMS), that keep the charge and discharge within limits. Also, there are the newer LiFePO4 batteries that are much safer:

LiFePO4 battery safety