What happens to the batteries in hybrid cars when they reach their life-expectancy?
To be considered for BA, you'll have to cite a reference, and limit your responses to facts.
I've placed a call with my county's hazardous materials collection unit, which (according to one official I've spoken with,)handles the post-consumer life of these batteries, but I've not yet gotten an answer, and my web-searches have come up blank. All of the battery recycling programs I've learned of relate to household and smaller (ie: cell phone and computer) rechargables.
Batteries in hybrid cars.
http://battery24shop.com/All-Batteries/Boat-Battery/ Boat Battery
Until I understand the fate of these batteries, I really don't have any reason to consider cars built around them more or less environmentally damaging than those built around a traditional internal combustion engine. The environmental impact of a vehicle's manufacture and use goes well beyond what comes out of the tailpipe.