Hybrid batteries are considered by the fed to be part of the emission controls. And thus are warrantied 8 yrs or 100,000 miles. In California and states that adopt California Emission Control Coverage, warranty is 10 years or 150,000 miles. So hybrid manufacturers who sell in California must meet these numbers, but they don’t make specific changes for California cars, so we all benefit.

Your mechanic is scared, because hybrids require far less maintenance than a traditional ICE car. Part of the reasons include, electric power steering, electric A/C compressor, less run time on the engine, simplified transmission, no alternator, far less use of brake pads.

I will try to answer a few of your questions now. : )

Electricity production varies from region. I knonw here in CAlifornia that there is pretty much no Coal used. Mostly natural gas and renewables. Maybe some nuclear I think. As far as Texas (I am assuming TExas cuz u said San antonio)goes, a good chunk probably is from coal, but I suppose you can look at it this way: your car is going to rpoduce the polution anyways, so using electricity domestically produced may satisfy some home grown energy urge. That only pertains to plug in hybrids/electric cars though. If it is a standard retail Pius, for example, there is no plugging in and the car produces the electricity itself.

As far as the manufacturing process, I am prettys ure that the manufacturing process for a hybrid produces the same ammount of pollutants as a conventional car. In fact, nowadays, car companies are creating much greener facilities. I know GM just put the largest roof based solar array in the world onto their plant in SPain. They also have plans to expand onto more of their plants. I figure other automakers will follow suit.

Battery life, like I said, can be nearly infinite cuz the software in the car keeps it at the optimum charge for long battery life. DIsposal is probably the same as regular car batteries. Landfills I think. Nowadays they are nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries, which I would guess are no where as poisonous as the old lead acid batteries.

The cost may be the only thing that may scare u. Hybrids do tend to be a little more pricey than their conventional counterparts. Buying used is pretty much out fo the question also, cuz I have yet to see a hybrid driver willing to part with their vehicle in light of high gas prices. In the coming years however they may become more available used. What size of car are u looking for exactly??? A compact car, a sedan, and SUV? I might be able to make some recommendations. : )

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So many resources go in to making a new car, and used cars have always gotten my around. The hybrids appeal to me because of the gas savings. However, I have been trying to figure out exactly what the trade off is in terms of: 1. the pollution caused by producing electricity (I believe here in San Antonio it’s coal), 2. pollution caused by manufacture process, 3. battery life and disposal, 4. cost of a new car. In other words, one may believe that by driving a Hybrid they are being “green”, when in reality they are not. But I haven’t seen used Hybrids for sale so that’s a good sign!