Hi Rick in Yuma, Starting battery? On a Honda Insight, the 144 volt battery pack is used to start the engine, via the electric motor connected directly to the engine crank shaft. Only under certain conditions such as below zero temps or fully depleted battery pack, does the backup 12 volt starter turn the engine.

I live in WA, but cruise through Yuma fairly often in my 2005 Insight. It's one of my favorite towns. I sometimes go to Somerton, Gadsden, San Luis, or even Algodones. Last June I went from Yuma to Spokane, WA and averaged 102.2 mpg! With a range of about 1000 miles, I don't stop for fuel too often.....

2005 Insight

89.3 mpg lifetime

Video camera replaces outside mirrors