[Chuck Moreland]

150k miles, needs a new battery pack. $4k dealer quote. Warranty on the battery is 100k.

They are not pleased.

If his is a common problem, that hidden cost erases the hybrid economy.

It occurs to me that it is not uncommon for a car to need a new engine by 150k miles, so the battery could be viewed in the same light. But not really, because the prius also has an engine. Their's has 150k miles on it and it too might be close to needing a rebuild or replacement.

Then there is the electric motor. Ditto to it being worn out.

The extra complexity of the hybrid does drive increased repair costs, probably more than offsetting the fuel savings.

Maybe the state of battery technology today just isn't there yet for hibrids.