[molson209]

until it comes time to replace the Batteries

[LogicDesigner]

There was a lot of fear-mongering about batteries initially, but it turns out they last a lot longer than people expected. The Volt has been out for four years and owners are reporting virtually no range loss. And there was a study done on Model S cars that I posted an article about a few weeks ago. Here is the spoiler:

Based on 84 data points from the 85-kWh version of the Model S and six from 60-kWh cars, the study concludes that the Model S will retain about 94 percent of its capacity after 50,000 miles, with losses thereafter shrinking to about 1 percent per 30,000 miles.

That means that after 100,000 miles, the typical Model S is projected to retain about 92 percent of its battery capacity and range.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3258415/posts

[pepsionice]

There’s a French battery-powered car (two seater and just for local travel), where they leased the batteries to you. At the end of the cycle....you simply brought the car back to the shop, and they swap batteries with you. Naturally, there’s a lease cost (I think it’s roughly $75 a month).

The problem I see with this business is if you get into an accident....you automatically need hazmat folks there and the fire department will probably figure some gimmick to charge you an extra $20,000 for cleaning up the mess and possibly disposing of the batteries.