"What do know about repairing the hybrids like the Prius? Does that
take a new kind of mechanic that knows electronics, or is a car a car?
How do these new hybrids hold up in your estimation?"
Hybrids are a new technology for the auto industry. I kinda liken them to a train locomotive. An engine runs a generator that powers an electric motor.
The reliabilty of these vehicles has been stellar. I think the manufacturers did their homework before releasing them.
There is added complexity involved and technicians have to be certified to work on hybrids as we're dealing with systems that have around 300 volts. If you've ever seen under the hood of one you'll notice some orange colored conduit protected wires. These are the high voltage wires. I would not recommend playing with these.
When I was trained on Hybrids we were given linemen's gloves and were shown how to inspect them. They are certified for 1000 volts and are replaced annually. We also made whats called a dead mans pole. It's a PVC pole made specifically to push another tech off of a hybrid if he is being electricuted. So they really are nothing the average backyard mechanic should be messing with.
Fire dept. personnel have had to be trained specifically to respond to an accident with these vehicles.
The Ford Escape being a full hybrid will run on battery power only up to 25 mph unless it needs to be charged. At that point the engine will start and charge the battery providing power for the electric motor.
The heart and sole of these vehicles is the transaxle this is where the DC motor and generator is housed. As the vehicle is braking the motor is acting as a generator which slows the vehicle down and charges the battery. Thus regenerative braking.
One thing to keep in mind Hybrids work the best in urban areas as they get the best mileage in the city driving.
So to answer your questions I would highly recommend taking a Hybrid to a dealer. But given their track record you should have to worry to much about repairs.
One other thing, some seem to have longer maintenance schedules since the engines aren't running as much. Which is an additional savings.
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