Hybrid Cars Once Exotic, Now Part Of The Mainstream

Honda civic hybrid battery

Battery hybrid cars, once considered somewhat exotic by the average car owner, have quickly become mainstream. Around four and a half million of them were sold worldwide in 2012.

Hybrids are known, of course, for greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and considerably better fuel economy. They’re typically 20-35% more efficient than vehicles powered entirely by gasoline. In addition, some insurance companies find them to be less likely to be involved in accidents and therefore offer discounts to their drivers. In the United States, hybrid buyers can take advantage of tax incentives that can save them as much as $3400 a year.

But don’t they cost more as well? Yes, the initial purchase price is usually 15-25% more than that of traditional cars, but that additional investment is more than offset by significant fuel savings if you keep the vehicle for a long period of time.

Hybrid batteries will typically last six to 10 years. Replacing a hybrid battery can cost between $3000 and $4000.

“IMA” is Honda’s abbreviation for their Civic model’s hybrid system. That stands for “integrated motor assist”. The Honda Civic Hybrid IMA produces 110 horsepower at 5500 RPM. It pairs a 1.5 liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline powerplant with an electric motor mounted between the engine and the transmission to add power when necessary.

Replacement batteries for the Honda Civic Hybrid IMA can be found for under $2000 plus shipping. But it’s important to note that many of those are refurbished. That’s true even when you purchase from a Honda Civic Hybrid IMA dealer. So do your research. For about the same cost – and maybe even a little less – you can find a new battery.

Hybrid battery replacement is a fact of life when you drive one of these vehicles. But when you factor in all of the advantages to both your wallet and the environment, it’s a cost you can live with.

Remanufactured Hybrid Batteries Are a Less Expensive Replacement Option

Honda insight ima battery

Now that hybrid cars have been on the road for long enough, we all know at least three things. We know that they get great fuel economy. We know that they are better for the environment. The other thing we know about hybrid cars is that one of the things that is essential to their function is prone to failure. Research finds that though hybrid battery warranties are eight years, they can last as few as six. If you’re a hybrid owner you know that the thought of hybrid battery failure is pretty scary because you don’t know when it will fail and because you know the cost of hybrid battery replacement can run you a few thousand dollars.

One less expensive option in the event of hybrid battery failure is to get a remanufactured hybrid battery. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are significantly cheaper than buying a brand new one from your dealership.

When something is remanufactured — which happens with a lot of electronics like lap tops, cell phones, and other handheld devices — the parts are all tested and inspected. The parts that do not pass inspection or are worn are replaced. The battery is then put back together in better condition. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are not new, but all of the parts should be in working order.

The Secrets to Optimizing Your Fuel Economy

Honda hybrid battery

One of our biggest expenses these days is paying for gas. The lifestyles we live mean that we drive to work, to recreational activities, run errands, and go to appointments. With the cost of gas these days — which always seems to be rising — the money we shell out for gas each week can make a huge dent in your wallet. Here are some ways to increase your fuel economy and save your self some money.

Taking good care of your car and keeping up with the maintenance is one way to make the most of your fuel economy. Having good parts on your car and making sure your tires are in good shape is a good place to start. Tires should always be properly inflated and the wheels should not be cracked or bent.

The way you drive also has an effect on your fuel economy. Going the speed limit uses less gas to begin with and you’ll use the breaks less often. Not driving aggressively by not speeding or breaking more than is necessary will not waste as much fuel. Furthermore, not hauling anything while you’re driving or avoiding carrying unnecessary weight will not use as much gas either. And if you feel like you’ve been wrongly given a speeding ticket then check out how to fight a traffic ticket las vegas.

One of the best ways to get the best fuel economy though, is to drive a hybrid car. Hybrid fuel economy is so good because the car runs from two energy sources. One of them is traditional gasoline and the other is a hybrid battery. Electric batteries for cars make the fuel economy so impressive because the car switches between the two and the battery regenerates when the car is braking. The only caveat with buying a hybrid car is that hybrid batteries often fail. This is not such a huge concern these days, as hybrid battery replacement is pretty common and it is getting easier and less expensive to do.