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Friday, May 09, 2008 --- 4 days ago http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/cars/kickingtires/~3/286193838/hybrid-accelera.ht
| For about 10 years, the long-term reliability of hybrid-electric vehicles has remained relatively unknown and constantly in question, even though current hybrids’ track records and reliability ratings are positive. People fear having to replace a hybrid’s expensive battery pack, and are generally concerned about high-dollar repairs because of the advanced technology in hybrids. Surprisingly, these concerns have been directly confronted by the U.S. government. Since about 2001, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity department has conducted accelerated reliability tests on hybrids to address such concerns. AVTA’s tests are primarily for fleet operations, where vehicles rack up absurd amounts of miles in a short period of time. The vehicles tested see mileage numbers up to 50,000 miles per year and remain in service until they hit 160,000 miles. The information collected still holds value for the average 15,000-mile-per-year car shopper, however. Data such as fuel economy, maintenance and repair costs are meticulously recorded throughout the vehicle’s term, and every factory-recommended maintenance procedure is followed. The test results are available to anyone and can be viewed at AVTA’s website. At the end of 160,000 miles, hybrids are tested for fuel efficiency and remaining battery pack capacity. This would be roughly equivalent to a normal driver driving 16,000 miles a year for 10 years. Again, though ... |
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