On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 05:06:12 GMT, "John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>
>"stillsman" <stillsman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:1104593412.651544.267960@z14g2000cwz.googleg roups.com...
>> But "finalizing" this
>>> is made more difficult bc I've been told the new catelog for optional
>>> features for the Hybrid Accord isn't yet available. Any suggestions?
>>>
>
>Personally I would not jump on this so fast. There is a very high
>probability of these vehicles developing problems with their new systems.
>One of the many big questions is how many charge-discharge cycles the
>battery packs are going to be good for and what the cost of replacing the
>battery packs is going to be. Anyone who has owned a laptop computer and
>used is on battery power regularly should know that replacement battery
>packs can be very costly.
>
>I for one would not be an early adopter of this technology, especially on a
>new application.
>
>John

I don't think there is much to worry about. The hybrid Accord is
unlike any other hybrid. It takes the standard V-6 (modified) then
adds a very thin electric motor between the engine and transmission to
assist the gasoline engine when it is called for (IMA). It's only
15 horsepower. The nickle-metal hydride battery pack has an
8-year/80,000 mile warranty. In the meantime, the gasoline engine
runs on 3 or 6 cylinders as the load requires. The Accord never runs
on just the electric motor like other hybrids. However, it does turn
completely off at a stop sign like a golf cart. When you step on the
gas the IMA restarts the V-6 and off you go. If I could afford one I
would order it tomorrow.

Dick