Hey guys, I'm new to the site, I've had a quick look around, it seems very informative with quite a few knowledgeable people on board.

I do have a question though. Although I fully support any technology that increases mileage and helps the environment, I must wonder what is going to be done in 5-10 years when these vehicles need battery replacement or reach the end of their lives. We are talking about millions of pounds of batteries. Is there a plan in place, or is this one of those things where we'll deal with it when it happens?

First of all, welcome.

NiHM batteries are not toxic like lead-acid batteries, which have been around for a century. They are less toxic than alkline or other batteries.

60.3mpg lifetime - 71mpg in winter months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

well that's good to know. Any more detailed information about these batteries, more specifically how they can be recylced?

I think Toyota or Honda will take the hybrid batteries back when they are spent.

I'm expecting mine to last for at least 150,000 miles.

If you are eco-conscious, but have a problem with the batteries, the alternatives woudl be diesel power, or a gas-powered subcompact.

60.3mpg lifetime - 71mpg in winter months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

NiMH batteries are reprocessed by mechanically separating the individual materials (plastic, hydrogen and nickel) within a vacuum chamber to prevent the escape of hydrogen. The output of this process is a product with high nickel content which can be used in the manufacture of stainless steel.

Shawn

I agree. It is obvious that part of the hybrid cars appeal is in marketing. If the population as a whole (not to mention governments ) were interested in reducing the amount of fuel burned, it would be simple for consumers to buy, or for governments to legislate the sale of more efficient vehicles, not necessarily hybrids. Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but hybrid technology only applies in stop and go situations, not on the highway. Many of the gains for highway use are from other technologies (aerodynamic, cylinder de-activation) that have nothing to do with hybrid technology.

I think the batteries will last a real long time like a cellphone re-chargable battery as long as keep charging the batteries everyday by driving and regenerative braking the batteries in thr hybrid should last a real long time. When the batteries do die they will most likey be recycled the way we recycle cell phone batteries.

The Ford Escape Hybrid integrates a four cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine that is much more fuel efficient than standard engines (Otto-cycle), so the FEH gets about 150% better fuel economy on the highway compared to standard Escape V6. While this technically is not considered part of the hybrid technology, it is integral to the system since the small Atkinson engine needs the electric motor torque capability for adequate start acceleration.

Well, you should make a Prius testdrive, look at the display that shows the energy flows and you would know you are wrong: The 50 kW motor is used very frequently to make minor speed adjustments. That is why the Prius never feels like a 1.5 liter engine:it allways has 50kW of spare power at hand when the engine alone doesn't cope. The effect isn't as dramatic as in stop and go traffic, but it sure does work on the highway. Only when travelling long stages at a very constant speed (rare in Europe) does the hybrid technology offer little value, but hey, who cares, it makes it up BIGTIME when going into town.

(10.000 miles of Prius II experience, 20 km /liter = 48 miles /gallon)