Hybrid vehicles are one of the most recognizable innovations in green car technology. They combine an electric motor with a combustion engine to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which differs from conventional car batteries in several ways. If you're considering purchasing a hybrid, it's important to understand what types of batteries are available, how they work and what issues you may potentially encounter.
Hybrid Car Battery Types
The most commonly used type of hybrid car battery is a nickel metal hydride battery, which uses nickel oxyhydroxide, to hold its charge and nickel-metal hydride for the negative electrode. According to Hybrid Cars, nickel metal hydride batteries are considered to be the most environmentally-friendly, compared to lead-acid or nickel cadmium batteries. Energy-efficient environmentally-friendly lithium-ion batteries, which are typically used in laptops and cellphones, are currently being developed for use in hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid Car Battery Function
The battery in a hybrid car functions in a slightly different way than those used in a conventional vehicle. According to Autotropolis, the primary function of the hybrid car battery is to provide the appropriate amount of voltage needed to power the electric motor. The battery is connected to a controller, which is in turned connected to the accelerator. As you press the accelerator, the controller sends a signal to the battery telling it how much electricity is needed to power the motor. Conversely, as you press the brake, the electric motor acts as a generator, sending an electrical charge back to the battery where it is stored for later use.
Driving Range
Nickel metal hydride batteries have only a limited capacity to store electricity before they need to be recharged, which also limits how long you can drive your vehicle using the electric motor. The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center estimates that the average hybrid vehicle can travel approximatley 50 to 100 miles before needing to be recharged.
Hybrid Car Battery Life
Hybrid car batteries vary in terms of their battery life, depending on the vehicle manufacturer and your driving habits. Edmunds notes that all hybrid vehicle components currently on the market are covered by the manufacturer's warranty for up to 150,000 miles but that a number of models, including the Toyota Prius, have undergone testing that demonstrates the average battery can last for up to 180,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.
Hybrid Battery Cost
Hybrid car owners may potentially encounter a significant cost to replace their vehicle's battery if it's not covered by a manufacturer's warranty. According to Edmunds, an online car-buying resource guide, hybrid car batteries can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 to replace out-of-pocket as of 2010.
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