I don't know how true this is, but I heard that it can cost upward of $4500.00 to have a battery pack replaced in the hybrids. Is this correct?
"I don't know how true this is, but I heard that it can cost upward of $4500.00 to have a battery pack replaced in the hybrids. Is this correct?"
I've done a good deal of research into this matter and think it is an urban myth. I've never read of a single case where the battery pack had to be replaced. Additionally, they carry an eight year, 100,000 mile warranty in addition to the regular warranty. And consider this, if the batteries are not failing, there won't be any demand for them. That drives the prices down. I recently saw one on Ebay with 4 miles on the odometer when the car was totaled. It went for $455.
I have a 2006 Escape Hybrid (I traded in my 2003 Escape with the conventional V6) I can honestly state I am getting 50% more fuel mileage than in my older 2003 model. (About 30.5 mpg.) Is the difference in price worth it? I think it is probably a wash. But where else are you going to get electricity regeneration from braking that is now just lost energy? And this year you get a nice little $2,250 tax CREDIT. If the price differential is about $5000 or so, then the net is about $2,750. If gas goes to $3 or $4 a gallon it will offer significant fuel savings and dollars. Is there any downside? Well, be careful that you take your keys out of the ignition when you leave it on the parking lot. You won't know it is running.
One thing I would caution anyone considering a hybrid is this. Make sure it is a "true" hybrid; meaning that it can actually power itself with the electric motor. My Escape has a 94 hp electric motor coupled with the four cylinder gasoline engine. I've driven it for 2-3 miles on the electric motor alone with the rpms showing "0." I have read that a full battery charge will get you 20 miles before being completely discharged, but I've not attempted that feat. Of course it's nice to know that I might need this feature in the middle of Wyoming someday when and if I run the gas tank dry.
You pays your money and takes your choice. So far I'm happy. It sits along proudly alongside my 2005 F-150.
BTW, there is no plug, although there is a 110 volt plug-in the dash for small appliances. It is all self-contained.
The naysayers can say what they want. But I would predict this technology will be commonplace within the decade. The Toyota Camry is coming out in 2007 with a hybrid. The grill is a little different but much the same as the regular Camry. About 40-45 mpg. They'll sell a ton of them.
"I don't know how true this is, but I heard that it can cost upward of $4500.00 to have a battery pack replaced in the hybrids. Is this correct?"
No idea.