Does a hybrid car require more or less maintenance than a regular car?

Q: I'm thinking about getting one but I'm not sure if it will cost me more in the long run.

A: There are two types of hybrid vehicles, parallel and series. A series hybrid, like the Honda vehicles, have an integrated motor in the transmission assembly. The advantage of this type of system is improved highway economy and less complexity. A series hybrid is somewhat more complex than a regular car, but much less complex than a parallel hybrid. The disadvantage of a series hybrid is that they have no ability to drive completely on electric power, which is a primary reason behind the incredible efficiency of cars like the Prius in stop and go traffic. A parallel hybrid, like the Ford Escape and Toyota Prius, has essentially two complete powertrains- an electric and a gas powertrain joined by a planetary gearset (like a second transmission). These cars are essentially the most complex on the road, and can on operate in full electric mode if the batteries are charged. Some cars, like the 4wd Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX400h, have THREE powertrains, a gas and electric one in the front and a separate electric motor in the rear. These are possibly the most complex powertrains ever installed in a mass produced vehicle. So your concerns are valid-but consider this. Because hybrid vehicles are such a valuable PR device, car companies will bend over backwards to make sure that you don't have problems with your vehicles. They are not much fun to drive but if you live in an area that has clean air lanes, that combined with the federal tax credit amounts to a pretty good deal overall. In states like California, hybrid vehicles are in such great demand that depreciation is almost nonexistent- so total cost of ownership is for now quite low. There are some questions around battery packs, but if you keep cars fewer than 5 years, it should not be a concern. Also bear in mind that battery technology will only get better and cheaper in 5 years, so the $5000 quote you hear being passed around today for a new battery pack is not necessarily what they will cost in 2011 which is when you'd be due for a replacement.

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