Ways to identify Hybrid vs EcoBoost with tailgate badges removed?

[baaron]

I have been considering removing the "hybrid" badge from my tailgate as an additional deterrent for catalytic converter thieves. I understand it would be difficult to steal, but I'd rather they not even bother to try.

It got me thinking... What ways can one identify whether a Maverick is a hybrid or an EcoBoost from the exterior?

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[BILLNOROVILLE]

I don't know about the ECO boost location but the Hybrid is way up behind the motor so I think removing your Hybrid emblem would increase the chances of it getting messed with. I put Hybrid emblems on the side too.

I have a 2016 Prius and a 2012 Prius owned told me my model was usually not hit because of its location. According to police he talked to his model could be taken in 2 minutes and could be cut out with even getting under the car by laying on the ground and reaching under.

 

[WannaMav]

Puzzled because catalytic converters (of whatever type) have been mandatory equipment on all U.S. vehicles for more than 40 years. Whether a hybrid or not, your Maverick has one.

 

[baaron]

Puzled because catalytic converters (of whatever type) have been mandatory equipment on all U.S. vehicles for more than 40 years. Whether a hybrid or not, your Maverick has one.

The location of the catalytic converter is more difficult to access on the hybrid, but hybrid cats are generally more sought after by thieves.

 

[WannaMav]

The location of the catalytic converter is more difficult to access on the hybrid, but hybrid cats are generally more sought after by thieves.

Would be interested to see a citation for that statistic. On its face it is somewhat counter-intuitive - as hybrids make up such a small percentage of all vehicles, presumably the black market would skew to catering to the majority.

 

[baaron]

Would be interested to see a citation for that statistic. On its face it is somewhat counter-intuitive - as hybrids make up such a small percentage of all vehicles, presumably the black market would skew to catering to the majority.

I don't think these guys are reselling them. I believe they sell them for scrap to someone who can salvage the platinum and other valuable metals in the catalyst. My understanding is that hybrid cats have less wear as they're not using the gasoline engine all of the time. Just spit balling though.

 

[RR - All the way]

Hybrid catalytic converters contain more of the valuable metals and can fetch 800 to 1500 dollars at a recycle center that does not ask questions. Up to 250 for a gas engine. These figures vary considerably, dependent on model of vehicle and associated rare metals. A bit of an advantage for the Maverick, I would guess, is that it is lower to the ground than larger trucks.

I have not really looked at the standard Mav alarm system. If it goes off from vibration, that might help. If you park your Mav in the driveway, it might help to have a motion detector light. Finally, you can buy an alarm for the CC. I know nothing about them, but I understand they are several hundred dollars.

 

[icegradner]

The hybrids converters don't have more valuable stuff in the cats from the factory, but they do tend to retain more of them down the line, because they use the ICE less.

 

[DryHeat]

This business about hybrid catalytic converters being more valuable is a surprise to me, but I looked it up and found 3 different websites that all say it's true. Here's one of them:

Hybrid Catalytic Converters
Catalytic Converter value is determined by the amount of precious metals contained within. So the question is; do hybrid Converters have more of these metals inside them? Yes, absolutely. Hybrid Converters have a denser load of precious metals because the vehicle switches between two different power sources. The light-off temperature activates the catalytic converter to its optimum efficiency. To reach a light-off temperature, the vehicle needs to be warm. Since Hybrids are shifting from electric to gas, the catalytic converter usually operates on a cold start. Due to this cold start, more precious metals need to be in the converter to compensate. Some hybrid cars even have two catalytic converters which gets you double the value!

Why Are Hybrid Catalytic Converters Valuable? - PGM Recovery Systems

 

[baaron]

This business about hybrid catalytic converters being more valuable is a surprise to me, but I looked it up and found 3 different websites that all say it's true. Here's one of them:


Why Are Hybrid Catalytic Converters Valuable? - PGM Recovery Systems

The more you know.

 

[BILLNOROVILLE]

The location of the catalytic converter is more difficult to access on the hybrid, but hybrid cats are generally more sought after by thieves.

And the reason older Toyota hybrids are targeted more is not because it is a hybrid, it is because of the location and easy access. My neighbors SUV which was jacked up higher and had big tires than stock made it very easy to get under. It's cat was stolen and it was not a hybrid.

Access varies on all vehicles. Those that are easy are targeted. I don't worry too much about my Hybrid. Have you actually looked under one. There are pictures of them glowing on this forum showing them somewhat between motor and lower part of the fire wall.

 

[Finklejag]

Would be interested to see a citation for that statistic. On its face it is somewhat counter-intuitive - as hybrids make up such a small percentage of all vehicles, presumably the black market would skew to catering to the majority.

Come to Portland, Oregon and see for yourself. The 2nd and 3rd gen Prius are the #1 targeted for thieves. I rode in a Lyft and the driver was telling me he had his stolen three times off of his 2012. He had to pay $500 out of his pocket each time, because that was his deductible.

 

[baaron]

So, now that that's out of the way. Who can tell me how to tell the difference between a hybrid and EB without looking at badges?

 

[Meintc]

I can only think of in the interior, under the rear seat.

 

[OXHB619]

Rear suspension is different isn't it ? Can you see gauges through the widow clear enough when it is off ?

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