03-13-2025, 02:52 PM
ztirffritz wrote:
My only concern with hybrids is that it complicates everything. You have more failure points than you'd have with either drive train individually. In fact, you have more than if you simply add them both together because making them work together is just another layer of complication. Don't get me wrong, the engineers for the Prius and the Volt have done a fine job, but you can't avoid some of the interface issues.
15 years, 155k miles on my Prius. The only thing I did related to the engine was replace the traction battery at the 12 year mark. Expensive, but not a complicated task..the repair guy rolled up in a hatchback to swap it in the parking lot with a socket wrench in about 20 minutes.
The additional points of failure are the inverter, which is also removable with a socket wrench, and the inverter coolant pump, which is under the inverter. Messy because of coolant, but also can be done in your garage. The thing about the hybrid parts is they there are nigh unto solid state. Just not much to go wrong compared to detonating tiny explosives.