"But what happens when the battery dies?"
#11
Re: "But what happens when the battery dies?"
I, for one, can't wait to replace my battery! Why? Because in 5-8 years, new generation LiIon packs will be readily available for all hybrid models. From Wikipedia:
The energy density and far more efficient utilization of these batteries provide around 20x the available power of the standard NiMH battery pack but at only double the weight. Tests [Prius II] show it capable of achieving >30 miles (50 km) in all electric mode at speeds below 34 mph (55 km/h). The internal combustion engine starts only at higher speeds or when extra acceleration is needed. Fuel economy is improved to 100 mpg (2.35 L/100 km) - 500 mpg (0.47 L/100 km) [47] depending on driving conditions.
#12
Re: "But what happens when the battery dies?"
Assuming you get free electricity to charge the battery. I really hate this assumption. I am very pro-PHEV, but I think that the assumptions behind statements such as 500 mpg and the reported $0.75/gallon of gas equivalent are deceptive. The $0.75/gallon of gas equivalent assumes a comparison to a car that only gets 25 mpg (but at least it does take into account the cost of electricity at $0.03 /mile).
#13
Re: "But what happens when the battery dies?"
Assuming you get free electricity to charge the battery. I really hate this assumption. I am very pro-PHEV, but I think that the assumptions behind statements such as 500 mpg and the reported $0.75/gallon of gas equivalent are deceptive. The $0.75/gallon of gas equivalent assumes a comparison to a car that only gets 25 mpg (but at least it does take into account the cost of electricity at $0.03 /mile).
And yes, the cost of the battery upgrade would be way more than just paying for gas (generally). However, as the early adopters pay for emerging technology, the costs in production come down when the market adopts the technology (how many hybrid models are coming out in the next two years compared to the last two?). Eventually, in the long, long, long run, everybody benefits from the overall impact.
So, while I'd LOVE to own a Tesla, I'll settle for now!
#14
Re: "But what happens when the battery dies?"
My TCH replaced a V8 hand-me-down that got 18-21mpg. 24 if I hypermiled it! And I don't think they're any more deceptive than the last 20 years of EPA MPG ratings but point definitely taken!
And yes, the cost of the battery upgrade would be way more than just paying for gas (generally). However, as the early adopters pay for emerging technology, the costs in production come down when the market adopts the technology (how many hybrid models are coming out in the next two years compared to the last two?). Eventually, in the long, long, long run, everybody benefits from the overall impact.
So, while I'd LOVE to own a Tesla, I'll settle for now!
And yes, the cost of the battery upgrade would be way more than just paying for gas (generally). However, as the early adopters pay for emerging technology, the costs in production come down when the market adopts the technology (how many hybrid models are coming out in the next two years compared to the last two?). Eventually, in the long, long, long run, everybody benefits from the overall impact.
So, while I'd LOVE to own a Tesla, I'll settle for now!
However, I do think it is deceptive to say you can get 500 mpg in a PHEV. Why not just say you can get 1,000,000,000 mpg. You can, the way they define it (eg free electricity).
Again, if you take into account the cost of electricity, and compare it to a prius that can't be plugged in for a milage comparison, then that would be honest. The calculations I did were based on 8.32 cents per KWH and 46.9 mpg for a non-plug prius. This equates to about 2.08 cents per mile, or $0.99 / gallon equivalent.
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