Little background: For years I had stated I would never buy a hybrid or an electric car. My wife used to work for a company which made the electric batteries for Toyota and the Vice President of the battery division came to the house one day to buy a horse from the wife. We started talking about the batteries and I asked him what could be recycled from the batteries if/when they went bad. He stated 'the case', the liquid/internals inside the case could not be recycled and the contents would be stored away. There were no commercial applications for the deleted materials. I decided I would not help create a future 'superfund'. However, 3 weeks ago, I drove my 2001 Jeep Cherokee to Florida, and the front differential started going out outside Ocala Florida(growling, clunking noises) and I decided, 15 year old vehicle, 250,000 miles, time for it to be permanently retired. My wife and myself went to a Toyota dealership in Ocala Florida, I saw the Priuses and decided what the heck, at my age, in 30-40 years, they will either have found a commercial use for the contents of the battery or my grandchildren or great-grandchildren will have to pay for more government messes. I test drove the Prius C, liked it, they gave us a fair deal and I bought it. Just the low end Prius C (cloth seats-which I like-I hate leather seats) and it had the only 2 items I really wanted-cruise control and AC-it has a few other things, like the power seats and that cool dash and display system. I drove from Ocala Florida to southern Indiana on $40 and loved every minute of it. Love the car so far since my round trip commute is 76 miles with 60 being on the super slab, 4 miles in a major construction zone (new Ohio River bridge in Louisville, Ky)-just filled up-50.1 mpg with those driving conditions-love it (Jeep got 19 mpg).
Hey! Welcome to PriusChat! …sounds like you made a smart choice! We enjoy pics (lots of) and also I'm (…as are many others!) curious as to what you have christened your new wheels? - Wil
Havent name it anything other than 'the toy'. I keep joking I need to put a wind up key on the roof for Halloween LOL. I will post pictures as soon as I meet the requirements of this site. I tried and got the message I need to be a member for at least a day-just joined an hour or so ago.
welcome, you'll be happy to know that the gentleman you spoke with was incorrect, and that the batteries are completely recyclable. all the best!
Enjoy the ride - and yes, find comfort in knowing there's a whole lot of funky rumor anti hybrid junk you'll hear about the Prius & all hybrids. After a while you'll just smile & nod. .
I didn't consider the information a rumor since the information was the Vice President of the battery division of the company which made/makes the traction batteries for the Prius, and scientifically speaking, how can the liquid inside the battery be re-used when the liquid can longer be charged or maintain a charge-those ions can only work for so long, and he stated there was no commercial application for the depleted material....
Congrats on the car. According to Toyota, 98% of the traction battery is diverted from landfill. For the benefits the car provides, I can live with the 2% that isn't. Which is why I own two. iPad ?
I purchased a 2015 Prius C 2 in August. I travel 44 miles round trip 5 days a week. Needless to say it is wonderful on gas. I am getting 53 mpg every day. Oh cause that's a good point, but other than that I really love this car. I love the way it rides and handles. I am proud to be its owner. I hope to keep this car at least 10 years. I love Toyota products. They have always been good to me. Very reliable. You made the right decision. You will love your C. Congrats on your purchase.