Mild hybrid operation (BSG) isn't necessarily predicated on engine stop-start; if you turn off ESS, the BSG will still relieve the brakes under deceleration and relieve the engine under part-throttle acceleration.
Batteries have always been one of the most effective way to 'dump' excess energy; data centers handle electrical surges by dumping energy into batteries, not applying friction to a spinning disk to release heat. It's not just pad wear; heat takes its toll on rotors and fluid as well. Charging a battery instead means less thermal energy release, in favor of electrical energy. Heat is really what breaks things. Also, I believe the BSG motor/alternator is liquid-cooled, unlike brakes. A radiator in the front of the car dissipates heat much more effectively than a metal disc tucked inside a wheel.
Frankly, no new car meets your criteria. Every car now has 100% digital systems and more sensors than you can shake a stick at, plus elaborate powertrains that can't be repaired, just replaced. Your best bet is a 4Runner/Tacoma from 15-20 years ago; when something breaks, just go to the scrapyard and pull a replacement.
Not useful on ice.
True, but is this really a big deal?
Trading cheap brake wear for expensive battery wear is engineering madness.
I already shut the ignition off at railway crossings and car washes.
Highly dependent on the drivers' habits. My BMW was a 'very mild' hybrid (i.e. just a beefier 12v alternator that was smart enough to always engage during braking/decel), and it would show energy flow in iDrive, as well as 'extra miles of range' due to the system. If I engine braked/coasted in gear whenever possible (manual transmission), I'd see an extra 15 miles or so of range on each tank. 48V coupled with a motor could obviously do much better. But it you slam on the brakes every time you decel, the mild hybrid system won't do much for you; you've got to decelerate slowly to capture as much energy as possible.
I didn't hear anything about a 10 year warranty from FCA on eTorque. My guess is it has the same powertrain warranty as all the other components. And if it costs less than $2000 parts and labour from the dealer to replace the battery I will be freakin' amazed.
330 Wh is a TINY lithium battery; imagine four laptop batteries. I agree the stealerships will overcharge for replacement, but on paper it should be no more than double the replacement cost for a 12V lead-acid battery. The entire BSG system is a ~$1000 upsell to from the suppliers to FCA, although I doubt they pass on more than half that cost to consumers (judging by the fact that the 2.0T BSG is priced less than the 3.6 ESS).
What are you basing that assumption on? It’s not in a typical easy to access location.
On paper means very little, on paper an LED should cost less than $1, but you won’t find a genuine replacement part for that cheap. A lot depends not only on cost of components, but cost of testing, cetification, etc. Because the last thing you would want is a cheapo Chinese Lithium battery rupturing under you gas tank in order to pinch a penny.
Lifetime Warranty usually doesn’t apply to batteries. But likely the BSG itself, converter, and wiring is covered, not sure about the belts if they would be considered consumables?
