Steven Krivit wrote:
Based on *today's* battery technology, and perhaps based on average
driving, mixed city/hwy, when would the Prius battery bank need to be replaced?
Toyota says that so far, not a single battery bank has been replaced in a
production model car. But the cars have only been in use for six years. The
batteries are expected to last 200,000 miles. The warranty says:
"Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Prius' hybrid-related components,
including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and
inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV
battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty."
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/warranty/warranty.html
In short, the batteries will probably last longer than most of the cars,
and thus will never need replacing.
What would the cost be of the new bank?
Dunno. Probably not much. The battery pack consists of 28 7.2 volt NiMH
batteries, weighing 1 kg each. I do not know what they cost, but I think
similar ones for scooters and wheelchairs cost $50 - $150 retail.
http://techinfo.lexus.com/public/main/2ndprius.pdf, p. 12
Note that a plug-in hybrid would require a much larger battery pack.
- Jed
