That was my argument, but only time will tell if it holds true. It is certainly a cheaper route than replacing NiMH packs.
Seth Chuck Hursch wrote: > > Seth wrote: > > > Well, the 90Ah modules that smoke are definitely EV modules. > The Prius > > isn't an EV, it is an HEV, and has a *very* limited EV only > mode, being > > that it requires light throttle and speeds where wind drag is > low. If > > the batteries never really get discharged, then they are likely > not to > > fail by virtue of never being really used. And in HEV mode, > long term > > reduction in battery performance is easy to conceal with the > ICE. > > > > The Honda hybrid strategy makes it even easier to cover up a > reduction > > in battery performance, as it has *no* non-ICE mode. > > So perhaps the electric advantage (in terms of mpg and emissions) > starts to go away when the batteries start to fail? I'd like to > know the battery management scene in the Prius (or Insight) with, > what is it, ~300V divided by 1.25V/cell cells. If the cells > start to drop out, and the capacity of the pack starts doing > funky things, then there will be less "room" for regen'd-energy, > and less to draw from to supply the motor to help the gas engine > out. As the pack wears out, the car might in effect just become > another gas car... > > Chuck Hursch > Larkspur, CA > www.geocities.com/nbeaa -- vze3v25q@verizondotnet
