I was comparing the new Accord with its hybrid counterpart, and was trying to decide if it is worth the extra cost to get the hybrid. If the battery is warranted for 8 years, assume worst case a battery failure after 8 years. The batter replacement cost would offset fuel savings. The question is by how much. This is what I came up with:
Assume Average use= 12,000mi/year
Normal avg economy = 33 mpg = 363.6363 gal/year = 2909 gals.
Hybrid avg economy = 48 mpg = 250 gal/year = 2000 gals.
Avg fuel cost (WA) = $3.21/gal. * 909 gal difference = $2,917.89 in fuel savings
LX msrp = $23,870
Hybrid msrp = $25,470
$2,917.89 (fuel savings) - $1,601 (price difference) = $1,316.
So overall savings assuming a constant gas price is about $1316. How much would it cost to replace the hybrid battery in the Accord? Does anyone even know, since its a new model, or is the battery the same as previous generation hybrids? I would imagine it would cost far more than $1316 to get a new battery, unless you bought aftermarket and replaced it yourself--but I don't think you would get another 8-year warrantee if you did that. I know the battery change on a Prius is pretty easy to do-it-yourself, but honestly have no idea if the Accord is just as doable.

Anyway, just wondering--thank you for your input and thoughts.

 

Honestly, I think you have to decide which is best for you. It could easily go either way. I would think the battery pack is probably priced close to what Toyota gets for their battery pack (1000 to 1800 depending on where you go).
For someone like me, I'd probably stay away from the hybrid, mainly due to the extra electronics in it (they like to go bad). Your use age might be different than mine as well.

 

Thank you for the reply. I can definitely see how it can go either way. Seems like having a hybrid battery that you undoubtedly will have to replace within about a decade will just about negate the cost savings in less fuel used. I don't foresee the there being much risk with electric motors--they seem very dependable. Additional electronics, however, can always develop problems.

I suppose there might be some other subjective factors not mentioned like less pollution/CO2 emissions, less contributing to foreign oil profits and the political implications that brings. A 30% reduction in fuel consumption over the life of a car is not exactly insignificant. If one cares about these factors, one could say the hybrid is a better choice. However, I think if these were major priorities, there are probably better options, like a plug-in hybrid like the Clarity.

Looking like the non-hybrid might be a better choice. I haven't driven one, but I'm wondering how the power difference (212hp vs. 192) and the insta-torque provided by electric motor assist might make the car seem quicker from a stop. Guess i'll have to test drive them to see if the difference is substantial enough to sway a decision...

 

I went through the same thing you're going through. I looked at all the issues Honda was having on there hybrids and decided to go with a Tesla model 3. It had more options and better warranty. Honda still has some work to do even though they've been doing it for a while.

 

I would pass. Doesn't make sense from an economics point of view.

Eventually, when prices drop I would go full electric.

 

Good points. Thank you for your input. Going with an EX 1.5