when you replace the battery

[mattpopp]

How much does it cost to replace the battery in this little thing and what effects are there on the environment when disposing of it.

[john1701a]

Replacement is rarely ever needed and the battery itself is recycled.

.

[efusco]

How much does it cost to replace a transmission, an engine or any other major part in any car? A lot.

While it's certainly possible that the battery could fail prematurely it's covered by a 100,000 (or 150k mile in California emissions states) warranty and is expected to last at least 180k miles and some have gone nearly 350k miles on the original battery...how far have you gone on your original transmission?

You can buy a salvage battery for around $500, brand new is closer to $3000 should you ever need one. And, as John pointed out, the batteries are 100% recycleable so no waste at all....in fact there's a $200 reward for turning it in.

[mattpopp]

Not sure if any of you fellows have ever experienced a battery blowing up on you, a 6 cell/12v battery is no fun when it happens, matter of fact a dewalt 18v is not any fun either. When i say blow up i dont mean it will fly to pieces, normally there is a very loud boom, the side swell out and battery acid goes everywhere.

I am just wondering as i am wondering if a hybrid is right for me. It would be a life changing experience for me to own one.

As far as a transmission goes. I have never had one fail. I am pretty good with a wrench, I dont mind getting dirty and bleeding over a truck. I know what it takes to keep a truck or a car running. I also have a very good unstanding of the lights that can pop up on a dash. So i guess to answer your question, about 360,000 miles. Maybe more, the odometer broke.

I guess 3000 dollars is not bad for it. When the Transmission in my Cummins Diesel Race truck cost about 8000 dollars.

[Schunken]

mattpop....


A lead-acid battery compare to a NimH-Battery???

If a NIMH-Battery of a RC-car fails (Shortcut)....it will become warm, and than very hot, than the safety valves pop out and the electrolyte comes out...

No BANG! No death....

lead-acid batterys can "explode" because the steam pressure generated by the "cooking acid", can not compare this to NimH - Cells....

The battery of the prius is not ONE BIG battery....it contains many small cells...its unlikely all fails the same time

Andreas

[bshef]

Originally Posted by mattpopp

Not sure if any of you fellows have ever experienced a battery blowing up on you, a 6 cell/12v battery is no fun when it happens, matter of fact a dewalt 18v is not any fun either. When i say blow up i dont mean it will fly to pieces, normally there is a very loud boom, the side swell out and battery acid goes everywhere.

Incredible statement!
Do you seriously think Toyota would design a car that would have the potential to "blow up" like it was full of dynamite because of batteries!

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by mattpopp

As far as a transmission goes. I have never had one fail.

I have. And based on the number of transmission shops, I'm not alone.

In fact, my bad experience is what led me to researching other transmissions. So, the fact that Prius has nothing but what is essentially a differential made it really appealing, since those almost never need repair or replacement.

.

[andyprius]

Originally Posted by mattpopp

Not sure if any of you fellows have ever experienced a battery blowing up on you, a 6 cell/12v battery is no fun when it happens, matter of fact a dewalt 18v is not any fun either. When i say blow up i dont mean it will fly to pieces, normally there is a very loud boom, the side swell out and battery acid goes everywhere.

I am just wondering as i am wondering if a hybrid is right for me. It would be a life changing experience for me to own one.

As far as a transmission goes. I have never had one fail. I am pretty good with a wrench, I dont mind getting dirty and bleeding over a truck. I know what it takes to keep a truck or a car running. I also have a very good unstanding of the lights that can pop up on a dash. So i guess to answer your question, about 360,000 miles. Maybe more, the odometer broke.

I guess 3000 dollars is not bad for it. When the Transmission in my Cummins Diesel Race truck cost about 8000 dollars.

LIFE CHANGING experience is absolutely right. Lead acid betteries generally only blow up because of overcharging, and/or low electrolyte. Prius HV batteries appear to be totally safe, according to statistics. Jump in, get your feet wet!

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by john1701a

I have. And based on the number of transmission shops, I'm not alone.

In fact, my bad experience is what led me to researching other transmissions. So, the fact that Prius has nothing but what is essentially a differential made it really appealing, since those almost never need repair or replacement.

John,

A small number have failed, usually due to shorted windings in the MGs (in Classics). Some of us refresh their ATF at 60k miles (2004+) or 30k miles (classic) to avoid the build up of metallic particles and hopefully reduce the probability of this failure.

JeffD

[Stefx]

Originally Posted by mattpopp

I am just wondering as i am wondering if a hybrid is right for me. It would be a life changing experience for me to own one.

The danger from the fuel in the fuel tank is much greater than the battery, yet all our cars have a fuel tank.

I agree with you that this type of vehicle is a life-changing experience. My two previous cars were awd turbo sports cars. My Prius has less than half the horsepower my previous car had.

I now tend to stick to the center/right lane at 60-65mph, I make it a game to minimize my fuel consumption. I don't care anymore when another car passes me. I feel much more relax when I arrive at work.

Once you drive a car with auto-shutoff (the hybrid cars' internal combustion engine stops at red lights unless the battery needs to be charged or you're asking for heat in the winter) you'll think that any car should have that feature (wether hybrid or not).

The brakes (pads/discs/drums) will seem to last forever as they are rarely used due to the renegerative braking of the electrical motor.

Make sure you are aware of the irks/quirks/shortcomings of the car before you buy one... make sure you are ok with them.

I will miss my sports car, but I like my hybrid a lot. I am fine with my choice and have no regrets... I do hope that one day Tesla-like cars become affordable :-)