Dave <dm@nospam.com> wrote:
> A correction: The Escape has 250 cells, I believe of similar
> amp-hr capacity to that of the Honda's. So, should be about 2x as
> expensive.

You're right... My math was bad. I was handily converting 330 volts with
2.2 volt cells, instead of 1.2v. The math should be 275 X 1.2v = 330V.
That would be double the cost of the Honda pack, which I saw at about $680
last year. That's probably about equal to the cost of $1600 navigation
display. Still not a lot of money.

> But still, we're talking $2000 or so. The motors and generators
> also add considerable expense. So I think the ~$3000 or so they
> add to the price is a pretty good deal.

Ah, I see your point. If the batteries are $1500, then the Hybrid option
at $3000 is a good deal... Interesting spin. In the case of the Civic,
they also pile on all of the options, so the high margin of options is part
of the overall price of the Hybrid. Also a good deal, if you were going to
get those options anyway.

Side air bags are an option on the Escape, bundled with the Civic.

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8-122.5