Will any hybrid auto still operate, if drive batteries are removed?

Question

i hear batteries are expensive to replace when a hybrid gets old.

so i want to know if drive batteries are removed will car still operate? i know it will become un efficent , will it still operate at say 70% efficently? sorry for spelling ,,,,,,, thanks

Answer 1

Hybrid drive systems like the Honda IMA or the GM BAS are all electronically controlled.  If you disconnect the hybrid battery system, which is a part of the electronics suite, it will prevent the entire drivetrain from working.

In any case, the battery is pretty much a non-issue.  A new-from-the-factory hybrid car sold in the United States typically carries an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery.  If the battery fails before then, the carmaker has to replace it for you FREE.

Also, cities like New York have been using hybrids as taxi cabs for years.  Many of New York City's hybrid taxis have exceeded 200,000 miles, and there has been ZERO problems with the hybrid batteries.  It's working so well, New York City is going to an all-hybrid taxi fleet by 2012.