- How much do new batteries cost, and is there a superior replacement?
No idea, but used are anywhere from $200-$1000 depending on which junkyard you go to.
- Can the car be driven w/o hybrid functions?
Not very easily
- Are there ways to preserve the battery as long as possible?
Probably nothing usefull you can do.
- Has anyone ecomodded a Fusion?
Sort of
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...rid-10851.html