Last week we talked about how, in just under a decade, gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains have gone from semi-exotic compact cars with a novelty factor so high they drew thumbs-up from passing motorists to a mainstream automotive technology that's now offered in everything from SUVs to pricey luxury sedans.
In thinking about just how far hybrids have come since we drove that first Honda Insight back in late 1999, we were reminded of one of the chief concerns many worrywarts raised about hybrids, namely the durability and longevity of key hybrid system components like battery packs. Well, to put it mildly, we think the verdict is in on this question.
It seems that several thousand examples of Ford's Escape Hybrid SUV have been hard at work in the taxi fleets of New York and San Francisco. The plucky little trucklettes, which earn EPA fuel economy estimates of 34 MPG city and 31 MPG highway for front wheel-drive versions, have all racked up in excess of 300,000 miles on these mean streets before being put out to pasture, a record which would be impressive for a lot of traditional gasoline-only models we can think of.
Add a 150,000-mile warranty on major hybrid components and we think it's safe to say this is one less issue to worry about if you're thinking about buying a hybrid. Which raises the question, what are you waiting for?
For a look at some of our favorite new hybrid models, check out these DriverTV "virtual showroom experience" videos:
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