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How do I know if a hybrid makes sense for me?
If you think of yourself as a tree-hugging, Birkenstock-wearing friend of the earth — or if you're just interested in reducing our dependence upon oil — you should consider a hybrid. The economics may make sense, depending on the size of the tax break you get, the cost of gasoline, how you drive, and how many miles you put on the car. But it's absolutely certain that you will be doing your part to reduce pollution, and reduce America's dependence on oil, for which we would applaud you.
Vehicles that use Toyota's hybrid system are best for urban drivers, where the fuel economy improvements are most apparent and the fuel savings will be greatest. The system found in the Accord Hybrid and the Lexus models favor highway driving, and offers increased performance with only a marginal improvement in mileage.
Where should I get it serviced — dealer or independent?
For routine service such as tires, brakes, shocks, and oil changes, you can take a hybrid anywhere you like. However, for service involving the battery motor or the hybrid electronics, you'll need to take the vehicle to a dealer. At least for the next few years; that is, until Crusty down the corner has a chance to short out somebody else's hybrid when it comes in for service. (A few fires and electrocutions ought to go a long way towards advancing the learning curve!)
Is there a lot more service involved... and will it be more expensive when it happens?
We don't think there will be more service involved — but the reliability of the hybrid power plant, particularly as it ages, is an unknown. However, hybrid manufacturers are offering good warranties on most or all of the hybrid components.
Isn't it true that no one knows how long the batteries will last, and that having to replace them could cost several thousand dollars?
The jury is still out on the longevity of batteries. Toyota is pretty confident; they say that theirs are expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle," and that lab tests show that they can go the equivalent of 180,000 miles with no deterioration. Ford's should be similar, since they licensed Toyota's technology. Honda says its battery pack is designed to last 10 years under normal driving conditions." Honda and Toyota both warranty their battery packs for eight years or 100,000 miles, while Ford's warranty is also for eight years and 100,000 miles. All we can say for sure is that at some point in the car's life, you will need to replace the battery pack, and at this point, it's still very expensive. We expect the cost to come down over time, but the first hybrid owners who get a bill of up to $4,000 for new batteries are going to choke on their fermented bean sprouts. Our advice? Hit the discount stores and start stocking up on a heap of C and D cells, just in case.
Will it breakdown more often?
We certainly hope so! Remember, we're mechanics! But, we doubt it. Most of a hybrid vehicle is made of existing technology: brakes, tires, exhaust system, shocks, pine tree air freshener.
I've heard that hybrid vehicles involved in a crash pose a danger to emergency personnel, because they might get electrocuted by cutting through a high-voltage line. I'd hate to live with the guilt of zapping my neighborhood volunteer EMTs
The automakers have addressed this concern, by painting the high-voltage lines bright orange and encasing them in metal housings beneath the passenger compartment, where they're well out of the way. In addition, they've put their rescue procedures online, and offered training courses to emergency responders. In fact, the California Air Resources Board has found that these vehicles pose no additional risks over a conventional vehicle," and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of no deaths of EMT personnel — at least not yet. Of course, there aren't very many hybrids on the road yet, either. And, we worry about those folks who aren't trained, such as tow truck drivers or Good Samaritans.
Are hybrids here to stay, or do you think they're just a fad? (Can you say, "Wankel rotary engine?")
We suspect that hybrids are here to stay — at least for the foreseeable future. They will probably improve, and evolve to use alternative fuels, such a ethanol or diesel.
Many engineers also believe that hybrid technology is a step on the way to hydrogen fuel-cell-powered cars. But, that could take a very long time, since range, cost, and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered cars are still big question marks. In the meantime, hybrids are good step for fuel economy, energy efficiency, and cleaner air.
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