How are hybrid cars for long term? Are the repair bills more expensive lets say for the batteries?

Question

How are hybrid cars for long term? Are the repair bills more expensive lets say for the batteries?

Answer 1

No, not really.

Answer 2

The Prius batteries have been performing very well with extremely few replacements.  

You know lead-acid car batteries only last 5-7 years.  That isn't necessarily true of all batteries; for instance nickel-iron "Edison Cells" used in railroad signaling often last for 20-30 years.   It's quite plausible to have batteries that last the life of the vehicle.

In any case, what if a hybrid battery loses capacity over the years?  It just means the gas engine runs more often and it gets somewhat less fuel economy.  That may well be the fate of 15-20 year old hybrids, with their low-income owners limping the last years out of them.

I don't expect higher repair bills from the electronics.  Automotive-grade electronics are reliable, failures in the electronic modules themsleves are extremely rare.  (misdiagnosis by incompetent technicians are, alas, quite common.)  Cars becoming more electronic are a huge win.

I think battery-electric cars will be cheapest of all to maintain.  As hybrid cars become "strong hybrid", i.e. primarily an electric car with an onboard generator to provide infinite range, the only major failure point will be that generator, and that'll just be swapped as an assembly with a rebuild.

Answer 3

I own a Ford Escape hybrid. So far hybrids haven't been around long enough to get any information on replacing the battery. The only problem I had was not related to the hybrid component. I remember reading an article recently (can't remember where) that said they tried to run a hybrid battery down simulating normal use and couldn't. So as far as the battery is concerned the jury is still out. The cost of the vehicle relative to a non-hybrid was about the same for me. (Actually it was a little cheaper than the non-hybrid vehicle I was also considering).

I'm getting 28.5 mpg and that is very good for a 4 wheel drive SUV. On long trips I get over 30mpg.

Answer 4

idk

Answer 5

They will last long, but the batteries will cost a lot of money.

Answer 6

WHO CARES....BUY A BICYCLE....LONG LASTING, LOW COST MAINTNANCE AS COMPARED TO ANY CAR, NO GAS, EXERCISE WITHOUT PAYING TO GO TO THE GYM. ONLY THE POLLUTION INVOLVED IN MAKING THE BIKE IS PRODUCED.....BENEFITS BENEFITS BENEFITS!  THE WORLD MOVES A LITTLE SLOWER, TOO MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO ENJOY IT....GOOD LUCK IN FINDING THE ANSWER YOU ARE REALLY LOOKING FOR...JUST WANTED TO PUT IN A PLUG FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUR OWN PHYSICAL HEALTH

Answer 7

Well that depends on the hybrid.  For example, a Prius bought in California has a warranty that covers the battery for 10 years.  An extended warranty will cover most of the rest of the car for 6 years.  While under warranty, obviously the repair bills wouldn't be any worse than a regular car under warranty.