Michael Pardee wrote:
> "L Alpert" <alpertl@xxgmail.com> wrote in message
> news:FrSdnS3GV8-I3xDfRVn-rw@comcast.com...
>> Michael Pardee wrote:
>>> "Bob" <lester11221@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>> news:htednY58zuDnkRDfRVn-vQ@comcast.com...
>>>> Does anyone have any info on the long-term reliability of hybrids.
>>>> Any brand. Batteries?
>>>>
>>>>
>>> I have a 2002 Prius. So far (2 1/2 years, 45 K miles) it has been
>>> the most reliable car I've ever owned. Disclaimer: my daughter's '93
>>> Accord has been a clear second, considering it had 8 years and 163K
>>> miles at the time. I've put a couple axles, a timing belt, brakes, a
>>> window regulator and an ignitor in it in 4 years.
>>>
>>> The question of hybrid battery life comes up all the time. The
>>> bottom line is that everybody wonders and practically nobody has had
>>> problems.
>>
>> Well, good news so far, but I have always wondered what will happen
>> 6-10 years from now when batteries need to be replaced in mass. Are
>> they recyclable? If not, will they have to be handled as toxic
>> waste? If so, how environmental friendly is that?
>>
> Toyota already has a program to buy them back for $200 and to recycle
> all the metals. Few batteries probably will ever reach the point
> where they will be replaced though - the battery is expected to last
> the design life of the car. Individual cells can be replaced and the
> hybrid computer even has diagnostics for determining if individual
> cells are performing properly. I expect the overwhelming majority of
> Toyota's hybrid batteries will be sold for the bounty when the cars
> are scrapped if current trends continue. There are 1999 model year
> Prius cars in Japan and their batteries are doing fine.
> Mike

It makes good sense as long as the components can be reused. It would be
interesting to find a site that would break down just what parts are and are
not recyclable. Google...here I come....