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Hybrids: 2007 White Honda Civic Hybrid, 2013 Fit EV
Posts: 941
Electric Cars and Plug In Hybrids
I've really gotten into electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug In Hybrids (PHEVs) lately. I wanted to know what you guys think about them. I'll try to answer any questions you have about them. I think this is a good discussion to have amongst hybrid owners, since we were early adopters of one technology, and many of us will probably be early adopters of the next generation of plug in vehicles.
Please state your thoughts, questions, concerns, praises, etc about plug in cars.
Hybrids: 2007 White Honda Civic Hybrid, 2013 Fit EV
Posts: 941
Re: Electric Cars and Plug In Hybrids
Sadly, Honda is the ONLY major automaker that hasn't announced plans to make a plug-in vehicle. I have sent them letters, emails, and called them. They are really into their fuel cell program.
Hybrids: 2007 White Honda Civic Hybrid, 2013 Fit EV
Posts: 941
Re: Electric Cars and Plug In Hybrids
That's not at all true. There are hundreds of 2002-2003 Rav 4 EVs on the road with their original batteries. Some have over 100,000mi will virtually no range degradation. The condition of the batteries will depend on usage, but 3-8 years is a very short time and EV batteries will last much longer than that. They are required to have the same 15-year warranty (in California and the 'clean' states; I think 10 yrs everywhere else) as hybrid cars, so you will be guaranteed for that long.
Also, keep in mind that the RAV4 EVs were designed 12 years ago. If 12-year-old technology works that well, imagine what cars like the volt will be able to do. GM is being very conservative with the Volt's battery. The battery is only drained to 50% before the generator kicks in. This will keep the car's battery lasting even longer.
I am confident that battery technology is here and EVs won't need constant battery replacement. There will be a few duds, just like in our hybrids, that will require replacing, but those will all be under warranty.
Sadly, Honda is the ONLY major automaker that hasn't announced plans to make a plug-in vehicle. I have sent them letters, emails, and called them. They are really into their fuel cell program.
Here is an article in the LA Times reviewing the Honda Clarity. Its interesting that the author, Dan Neil, feels fuel cell powered cars probably aren't the future of the automobile. I love his description of the Clarity as "a big garnet-red teardrop falling from the cheek of the future".
Electric Cars and Plug In Hybrids
