Originally Posted by
Atlblkz06
I don't think I agree with your there Fro(umlaut)g.
The Prius and other hybrids meet much higher tier emission standards than the average car to begin with. So I believe that a 40mpg hybrid's net output of pollution is lower than that of another car with the same 40mpg.
Batteries: The hybrid system does not drain/recharge the batteries on a full duty cycle. When the hybrid battery is on "Empty" - its actually at 80% capacity. The batteries are shallow drained to improve their longevity and many estimates say they will last 15 years. The same Prius we buy here has a 10 year, 150000 mile warranty in California (and Cali only).
These are NiMH batteries are they are much cleaner and safer than the Nickel Cadmium batteries of the past. Besides the Nickel is easily recycled and can be used to make new batteries. I've heard people bitch about nickel mining etc - but I didnt see any real evidence when I googled it. Even if it is nasty, the nickel can be recycled 100% from old batteries.
However I believe battery technology is in the stone ages right now. With more money going into batteries - I think we will start to see battery capacity grow 2x/weight and volume in the next 5 years.
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