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A dead 12-volt battery usually prevents the car from entering its initial READY state. Dim lights, unresponsive locks or a dashboard that will not wake up point toward the auxiliary battery, although those clues are not a diagnosis. Many hybrids can be jump-started at a designated terminal, as Toyota and Honda explain in their manuals. The jump is for the 12-volt system only. A failing traction battery behaves less predictably. The car may show a "Check Hybrid System," "Power System" or manufacturer-specific warning, cut electric assistance, limit acceleration and use more fuel. Overheating ca

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is an acquired taste here: You’ve got to like electric drive and don’t need to drive more than 75 miles a day, unless your workplace has 240-volt charging stations, meaning you work at places like Google not WalMart. Interestingly, the list price is actually lower than a Toyota RAV4 EV before Toyota rebates. With Mercedes, you get the quality, luxury, quietness, and envy-inducing three-pointed star. There are things that Mercedes does almost better than anyone else, such as its Comand telematics system. Mercedes-Benz has run more marketing simulations than we have. Th