New Merc

[Redster]

This sounds like a good replacement for our Mystique. Ford does have a better idea.

For years, we've pressured Ford to make more fuel-efficient cars and trucks," says the Sierra Club's Dan Becker, "Now they have begun to, and we want to help them succeed."

The new Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV, American-made and built by union workers, will appear in showrooms this fall, but goes on sale online today. (Tell them Sierra Club sent you.)

"If we can work with Ford to make its Mercury Hybrid a hit," says Becker, "Ford will be convinced that it can make clean vehicles and make money."

Because the Mariner's electric motor provides enough juice to drive at low speeds, the 133-horsepower gas engine can automatically shut down in stop-and-go traffic. So it gets even better mileage in the city (33 miles per gallon) than on the highway (29 mpg). Another efficient feature is regenerative braking -- when you brake, you generate electricity that recharges the battery.

[Johnman]

Good for Ford. Hybrids are definitely the wave of the future. I was (as an enthusiast) encouraged by the fact that the Honda Accord V6 hybrid was actually quicker than the regular V6 version, according to the car mags. Don't know how they pulled that off.

[Vortex]

I think the hybrids are fine but is the added expense (higher purchase priceand somehow I bet future repairs/parts are going to be sky high) worth it over a small v-6 version? I would bet the next thing coming are hi-tech diesels that can meet pollution requirements.

[RVT04]

OK SO THIS IS OUT OF SYMPATHY as there are only two of us and we once again have five vehicles: as i read your report and enthusiasm of the new hybrid and then recognized that your signature line has four cars already you are fast approaching the rvt04 syndrome and i had a thought about your 5.0 '82 capri. forgive me but i saw a bit on the news the other day where they sank a naval vessel to create an artificial reef and i thought well maybe you could sink your capri in lake grapevine and create a crappie hotel for our next pic-nic :lol:

[Tinaree]

Too bad they are subsidized. If people want these things let them pay for them.

[DEFYANT]

I wonder if people were as skeptical of the "horse-less buggy" of the late 19th centry?

Look at where we are now. in 20 years, the hybreds will be the norm. And probably be bad ass cars too. History does indeed repeat itself.

[Wires]

Hybrids have two big advantages.

1. Electric motors have very high torque
2. Electric motors can work in reverse to convert the kinetic energy of the car back into electricity that can be stored in the battery and used to get the car moving again.

So - a smaller IC engine, with the motor can be used, and the thing is still quick off the line.

Instead of wasting energy heating up brake rotors, that energy is re-claimed and used again.

[rocknrod]

Too bad they are subsidized. If people want these things let them pay for them.Oh you can't do that.......
The "government" has to get involved to make "anything" good happen.

Curious. I don't remember the government forcing cars on people though. And look what happened to the horse and buggy.

[Redster]

I read somewhere (sorry can't remember where) that the Honda hybred's are quicker that the regular model in some instances.

[TX Harley Guy]

I read somewhere (sorry can't remember where) that the Honda hybred's are quicker that the regular model in some instances.
They are. The IMA motor and the gas engine work togeather on this one for a boost effect, plus the Hybrid Accord has the CVT trans (shiftless)
The no starter noise takes some getting used to and unlike the Civic Hybrids the AC and PS are electric, actually the ac is elect and conv in the same unit, the gas engine shuts down at stops but you still have AC, power steering, and fluid curculating for the trans and cooling system.
Neat cars, no spare tire though, its optional. A weight thing.

[RVT04]

They are. The IMA motor and the gas engine work togeather on this one for a boost effect, plus the Hybrid Accord has the CVT trans (shiftless)
The no starter noise takes some getting used to and unlike the Civic Hybrids the AC and PS are electric, actually the ac is elect and conv in the same unit, the gas engine shuts down at stops but you still have AC, power steering, and fluid curculating for the trans and cooling system.
Neat cars, no spare tire though, its optional. A weight thing.
Oh? kinda like the vette :only different :bs:

[rumble]

Does anyone know what the battery life is and what it costs to replace?

[TX Harley Guy]

The 12 volt battery is the same price, 100 mo battery for around $85.
The IMA battery, sit down for this, on an Insight its around $3500 for the battery, plus there are a few control units that are required, about $1500 labor not included.
The good thing is Ive yet to see a customer have to pay for this, 8 year warranty on the IMA battery system.
There is a milage limit too but I dont know what it is, there have been a few over 100k Insights I know of.

[RVT04]

The 12 volt battery is the same price, 100 mo battery for around $85.
The IMA battery, sit down for this, on an Insight its around $3500 for the battery, plus there are a few control units that are required, about $1500 labor not included.
The good thing is Ive yet to see a customer have to pay for this, 8 year warranty on the IMA battery system.
There is a milage limit too but I dont know what it is, there have been a few over 100k Insights I know of.
well that isn't too bad i don't know anything about cars but electric forklifts are in my world and we maintain 35 of them in three different facilities on our campus they are mostly 36-48 volt 24 cell 4500 lb. lifts in three basic config. sit down , reach ,and order pickers that all require a large charger to go with each one
most are 460 three phase but a few 240 three phase and i can only imagine how much current you would push on household 208 single phase
to get the job done well not total current draw but actual amphours
and our batteries get drained in an 8 hour shift they also require alot of water as they get pretty hot. and the contacts are a constant source of replacement
the batteries last about 2 years and need cleaning and neutralizing every 6 months and they cost between 2500 and 3500 depending on the application
so i say what you might save on petrol you are gonna spend more on maintenance and this doesn't include having the motors cleaned and new brushes etc....
so don't jump on board naive, be ready for a different type of service protocol
just my two cents worth