We just acquired a late model Toyota Prius Hybrid and a Honda Insight LX Hybrid. They are powered by BOTH gas engines and electric batteries which drive propulsion. Under 25 MPH in City driving — you’re 100% battery driven — which is where a significant Fuel saving advantage is happening.
Gas is $2.09 here out west. Is getting rid of your GAS GUZZLER the whole story … not even close?! Will purely “Green” culture continue driving the tectonic shift in Automotive technology or — a combination of Fuel economy and a reduced Carbon Footprint? No doubt Electric Automotive Technology is unstoppable in vehicle development.
We are Diving Deeper into the Hybrid / Electric / EV genre and studying like mad to learn where it goes from here. “The Verge says: “Electric vehicles are a crucial component in the fight to reduce pollution in the transportation sector, and it’s always nice (necessary?) to see more inspirational and aspirational (designs) ones hit the market.
With the introduction of the Porsche Taycan, “It’s a sign that we’re finally leaving the initial phase of mass-market electric vehicles, and entering one where they’re taken more seriously.” “Porsche’s first electric car outsold every other Porsche sedan and coupe” ! (Road and Track)
The Porsche Taycan Outsold the Porsche 911, 718, and Panamera in the U.S. Last Quarter of 2020
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a34248351/porsche-third-quarter-2020-sales-figures/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/05/business/porsche-taycan-sales/index.html
Both Tesla and Porsche “helped inspire automakers to just design beautiful cars that happen to be electric.” The Verge
Let’s take a look at what has transpired on a short 10 years — with the 2021 models arriving — and Beyond.
Are Hybrid internal cumbustion / battery juiced vehicles viable ?
Whats next ? We own 2 that are 10 years old and still running strong with no issues worth reporting out on. Normally these would be sold off or passed down into the family as starter cars for work or school.
The big questions for the second and 3rd owners are all related to the Service, Parts, Replacements and Repairs budget:
1) when does the very expensive battery need to be replaced
2) When does the Generator need to be replaced.
3) How long does the Transmission last? Or as Toyota says: ” Toyota has its own unique way of transferring the engine and motors’ power to the wheels.
We know are way around cars. This sounds like a Trip to Honda or Toyota … every time. But we have our favorite Auto Service Shop we use.
The marketplace is becoming increasingly specialized and significantly Hybrid for certain. As well as High Performance All Electric. Plug In too.
Toyota explains that major vehicle components are being jettisoned, reduced, reconfigured or integrated (and their associated costs to eventually repair or replace); https://www.torquenews.com/1083/its-whats-missing-matters-why-toyota-hybrids-are-so-much-more-reliable-other-brands-vehicles leaving the remaining mostly or entirely Hybrid vehicle with less things (sub-assemblies) to worry about later in its life.
…. And probably items only available from Toyota versus the huge Automotive after-market supply chain which tends to keep the market very competitive on price and features.
What we are learning as the EV and Hybrid marketplace has evolved.
