In article <9Q4Wj.2609$ah4.604@flpi148.ffdc.sbc.com>,
"Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote:

> "Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
> >
> > Hmmmm. The Prius will get, over a year's time, no less than 45mpg. And
> > that's without any freaky driving techniques.
> >
>
> My concern is still the batteries. The OP had his present car for 12 years
> so I'm going to assume he wants long life from the next. Will the batteries
> become a nightmare or just another expense? Just something to be factored
> in for the total cost of driving over the years. I keep hearing about a
> five year life, so that would be two changes for the OP if he keeps the car
> that long.

Based on other rechargeable batteries I would expect a significant drop
off in capacity after 3 to 5 years.
Since the Prius will still run anyway I'm sure the batteries will be run
into the ground before replacement.