I've been driving cab for over 15 years... ... and over the last 6 -7 years, my taxi company and its rival companies in my city have largely switched to hybrids. To date we have about 75 hybrids in my company (mostly Priuses). The oldest hybrids are now over 6 years old and have been on the road 6 to 7 days per week, with two 12hr shifts per day. Some of the oldest hybrids have over 400,000 miles on the odometer. Here's what I can report: WE HAVE NOT HAD ONE BATTERY FAILURE! Also, the Priuses have proven to be the most reliable cars that have ever been used in our company's 62 year history. The same is true for our rival companies. A Thread Every Hybrid Owner (+Those Considering) Should Read - Democratic Underground
I believe it. Locally, Duffy's Cab has a huge fleet of Prius with excellent results. They are written off in crashes before wearing out. Considering the Winnipeg climate can reach +40 C in summer (Not that hot this year, up to +36 once or twice), and -40 C in winter, that's impressive
But I read on the interwebs that the second a Prius hits 100,000 miles, it needs a new battery and they cost $75,000,000 apiece! And they're made out of harp seals and cute puppies!
Not only that but did you read the part where the battery is under the back seat? Said they have to tear it out,cant put it back unless you buy a new seat and seat rack. The new rack and seat cost$10,000,plus labor!!
