Hybrid Porsches, One 100 years old and one "new".... Options

[neo914-6]

Electric "hybrid" Porsche


Tesla's comparison to their new roadster, Porschius. Not sure what the aircraft above it represents...

[LarryR]

I'm curious what is going to happen with the hybrids when their electric motor & batteries start to give out. It seems like with a hybrid, you are going to have high maintenance costs because there is this whole other subsystem within your car. When people can't afford to repait the electric motor and such, will they just keep driving it, on the gas engine? Or will they just "trade it in" earlier?

The best way to conserve on energy, it seems to me, is to keep your existing car running in top shape. People don't realize that with every car that is produced, a lot of energy was consumed from harvesting the raw materials to putting the finishing coats of paint on.

The batteries will need replaced, but (and I don't know exactly what type of electric motor is used in the Prius) a good electric motor designed for commuter use should only require minor adjustment and or replacement of the contact brushes, and we are talking years between when this maintenance is needed.

The battery pack is pretty expensive those Nickel Metal Hydrate battery packs in the prius are about 7K new. The motor is brushless inductive AC motor. It should outlast the gas engine. I wonder how much of a 'core' charge the old pack will provide. I think at current Toyota gives a 10 year waranty on the battery though and a used one from the bone yard sells for 700.

Why a hybrid? Just go all electric like these two examples.

VoltsPorsche Kit

Students Take Porsche to Electric Avenue

That electroauto kit is interesting. However, I believe their 150 mile range estimate is very optomistic. I contacted them about it and they said in northern California with all of the hills that number can be cut in half. I was looking at doing it but there is no way for me to recharge at work and I have about a 100 mile round trip to and from work. When the cost of lithium ion phosphate batteries drops down into the realm of affordability then it will be a very viable alternative. Until then a hybrid with a fairly efficient gas engine to assist and or charge the batteries is a reasonable alternative.

Their kit would also be reasonable for people with shorter commutes. Due to the high cost of housing I think a lot of people in N. California have pretty long drives to work. I think my drive is long but I am only about the median distance from work when compared to my co workers.

I cant wait for all of the efficient diesels that are supposed to be coming in 2008. VW is supposed to release the jetta after the first of the year and the rabbit by mid year. Audi, BMW and even Toyota will have diesel options in 2008 too. Unfortunately, with the Audi I think they only have plans for a diesel in their SUV. An A3 2.0 turbo diesel would be a great commuter. So for me I think I will buy one of the VW offerings this year. When the electric car technologies are more mature I will consider it.