(03-05-2023, 04:05 PM)americus 2.0 Wrote: I was curious about the cost and availability of batteries for EVs and found the following article from a 2022 Consumer Affairs article. 

Link

Although the powertrains in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, the high-voltage batteries that power their electric motors can fail eventually.


We reached out to five mechanics and technicians from different parts of the U.S. to see how much an EV battery replacement costs for different vehicles, and the average results ranged from $4,489 all the way to a staggering $17,658.

Keep reading to find out what an EV battery is, how long it lasts, how to know if yours is going bad, what it might cost you to repair or replace yours and whether a warranty can help.

Key insights
-All EV batteries will eventually fail to hold a charge and require replacement.
-It’s hard to pinpoint how long EV batteries will last, but most have a life span between eight and 15 years.
-Sourcing a replacement EV battery from anyone but your car’s manufacturer is nearly impossible, which is the main reason replacement costs are so high.
-EV battery repair is a growing industry that may help you avoid the high cost of a replacement, but it’s not commonly available yet.



More at the link.

There is no way the average American can afford to replace a battery that ranges from $5K-$18K. They would have to put money aside every month if they didn't want to (or weren't able to) shell it all out at once. An example; if we assume the lowest cost battery has to be replaced more often it would take a person saving $625/year for 8 years to replace the battery one time. That goes up to $1200/year for 15 years to replace an $18K battery.

It makes sense in the luxury and near-luxury car market, where people are willing and able to spend more on a per-mile and per-year basis.  But for bare bones "just get from point a to point b" and " I want to keep this car for the next 20 years" the the economics are not quite there.  If batteries get cheaper or if gas gets more expensive those economics become more favorable.

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