Wow. There really is a lot of misinformation floating around about hybrids.
1. There is no disposal issue with NiMH batteries. They are totally recyclable, and Toyota has built a plant just waiting for them to start coming in - but none have yet. Battery life is not a problem yet. Some hybrids have gone over 200,000 mi without battery failure. The 12v lead-acid battery is much more of a disposal problem I think.
2. Ultra-capacitors are not currently used in any hybrids, but may well be in the future if a way is devised to control the discharge rate of the capacitor. They charge up quickly but discharge at the same rate or faster, making them a poor source of steady power.
3. Current cost of a replacement battery for a Prius is about $1200. I spent more on transmissions in our last POS Neon with less than 70,000 miles.
4. Hybrids have no problems with cold climates. Like all other vehicles, the mileage suffers in cold weather - I averaged 42 mpg over the last 2 winters with my Prius as opposed to 50 mpg in the summer.
5. Owning my Prius is very 'materialistic'. It is fun to drive, has lots of room. all the amenities, and keeps a little more 'material' in my wallet at the same time. I had an Echo before the Prius but it was a bit too small and noisy but VERY reliable. The Prius is a car that can be both a 'fat ride' and 'green' at the same time.
I have over 30,000 mi. on my Prius and haven't had any problems yet. Never made it that far with our Chrysler products before they had to go back to the dealer for something. The best warranty is one you never need to use, but the drivetrain and hybrid components are covered for 100,000 mi. by Toyota. If you want to really learn more about people's experiences with the Prius, go to Priuschat.com. There is a lot of good info there and might change some minds about hybrids.
1. There is no disposal issue with NiMH batteries. They are totally recyclable, and Toyota has built a plant just waiting for them to start coming in - but none have yet. Battery life is not a problem yet. Some hybrids have gone over 200,000 mi without battery failure. The 12v lead-acid battery is much more of a disposal problem I think.
2. Ultra-capacitors are not currently used in any hybrids, but may well be in the future if a way is devised to control the discharge rate of the capacitor. They charge up quickly but discharge at the same rate or faster, making them a poor source of steady power.
3. Current cost of a replacement battery for a Prius is about $1200. I spent more on transmissions in our last POS Neon with less than 70,000 miles.
4. Hybrids have no problems with cold climates. Like all other vehicles, the mileage suffers in cold weather - I averaged 42 mpg over the last 2 winters with my Prius as opposed to 50 mpg in the summer.
5. Owning my Prius is very 'materialistic'. It is fun to drive, has lots of room. all the amenities, and keeps a little more 'material' in my wallet at the same time. I had an Echo before the Prius but it was a bit too small and noisy but VERY reliable. The Prius is a car that can be both a 'fat ride' and 'green' at the same time.
I have over 30,000 mi. on my Prius and haven't had any problems yet. Never made it that far with our Chrysler products before they had to go back to the dealer for something. The best warranty is one you never need to use, but the drivetrain and hybrid components are covered for 100,000 mi. by Toyota. If you want to really learn more about people's experiences with the Prius, go to Priuschat.com. There is a lot of good info there and might change some minds about hybrids.
