Replacing hybrid's battery not as costly as you think - Tire Business
-- ArtID: 121129994 ArtByline: Crain News Service report ArtCategory: NEWS ArtCategoryName: NEWS ArtTitle: Replacing hybrid's battery not as costly as you think ArtMainPhoto: /apps/pbcsi. 20, 2012) — The oldest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrid cars are now 12 years old, and many have long since topped 100,000 miles. Although the cars have been breathtakingly dependable, there's a limit to the life of nickel-metal-hydride battery packs, and many hybrid owners are now reaching it. But that's not necessarily a reason to sell or junk the car. According to Eric Evarts, senior associate autos editor at Consumer Reports , "Most hybrids have been extremely reliable in our survey, and few have needed battery replacements. Even if you're one of the unlucky few, look at it this way: In the most popular hybrid design, from Toyota, there are virtually no wearable parts in the transmission. So owners of popular hybrids who have seen reduced battery performance or warning lights on the vehicle's dashboard have worthwhile alternatives that don't involve sending the car to the junkyard. One Long Island, N. Y. , 2005 Prius owner was quoted $4,000 for a new pack, and then learned that he was actually covered by the longer, 150,000-mile warranty that applies to owners in states that follow California emission laws. Source: www.tirebusiness.com
