EV batteries lack reparability leading some insurers to junk whole cars after even minor collisions

FOX Business ^ | March 20, 2023 | By Lawrence Richard

[Oldeconomybuyer]

A scratched or slightly damaged electric battery might be enough for some insurers to write off entire cars, as for many electric vehicles there is no way to repair battery packs after collisions.

As a result, the consumer — who likely acquired an electric vehicle wanting to reduce monthly costs — faces higher premiums and some countries are starting to see electric vehicle batteries piling up in scrapyards, according to Reuters.

Matthew Avery, research director at automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research, said the goal of electric vehicles was sustainability, but a lack of reparability is creating a whole new problem.

"We're buying electric cars for sustainability reasons," Avery said, Reuters reported. "But an EV isn't very sustainable if you've got to throw the battery away after a minor collision."

These battery packs can also cost tens of thousands of dollars, representing as much as 50% of an EV's price tag. This also makes replacing batteries uneconomical.

These cars also pile up in scrapyards, usually with low mileage, exacerbating the problem.

According to Reuters, EV salvage sales in the U.S. and Europe includes low-mileage Teslas, Nissan Motor Co, Hyundai Motor Co, Stellantis, BMW, Renault and others.

[Howie66]

DC

[bray]

Every car has 1000 lbs of hazardous waste to dispose of.

[Roadrunner383]

“This is terribly misleading coverage. You can absolutely replace an EV battery pack. And Tesla does it frequently. The grain of truth behind this false assertion is this: Tesla will replace the entire battery pack during its 8-year warrantee. AFTER those 8 years, Tesla will not service the packs, and their service centers will instead recommend replacing the pack, which can cost up to $20,000. Most insurers are contractually obligated to use manufacturer-approved service centers, so if the value of car is less than $20,000, the car may be considered “totaled.”

Thanks for citing facts. A lot of stories are posted on FR just to generate outrage. When Trump talked about the Wuhan Virus escaping, Libtards automatically went in the other direction regardless of the truth. Same happens on here with EVs. Because the Enviro-Nazis like EVs , a lot of Freepers pop up and talk a bunch of nonsense about them being useless.

[bert]

What we are learning is that so far as EV’s are concerned, Tesla is.

Everyone else isn’t

[DIRTYSECRET]

We need kamikaze conservatives.

[dfwgator]

So what happens ten years down the road with all of these EV “Junkers” that cannot be resold?

[SJackson]

They can make swappable and repairable batteries. Cell phones used to have them.

BETTER PLACE

You buy the car but lease the battery. Battery can be charged or drive to a swap station and swap it. Ends the replacement cost in 8-10 years, and in an enviornment with convenient swapping stations ends the problem of long waits while charging. Unfortunately it didn't catch on, they went bankrupt in 2013. A 7:45 video of a swap at the site. A lot quicker than a charge. There are also motorcycles and scooters with replaceable batteries, mostly sold overseas. A great solution for urban areas.

BETTER PLACE - Better, it might have been, but future proofed enough for a developing market, it was not. This early battery cartridge exchange station from Better Place, was a stepping stone in the evolution of the electric vehicle. We should not undervalue the efforts of those brave engineers who took a chance and failed. Because with each failure we know to look elsewhere for a solution. The epitome of perseverance in the face of adversity is Thomas Edison, when developing the incandescent light bulb.

[Presbyterian Reporter]

This appears to be the next crisis for Biden to fix.

Namely, the government needs to create a NATIONAL CAR INSURANCE AGENCY where gas powered cars pay the same insurance rates as EV cars.

[bert]

Like it or not, the Tesla disruption of the auto industry is in process.

Competition in the form of cost and usability will determine the outcome.

[SJackson]

This is terribly misleading coverage. You can absolutely replace an EV battery pack

Note post 27. Though this company failed technology could be developed and marketed. Heck, it was developed a decade ago buy failed on the marketing side. IMO, the best feature is eliminating the 8-10 year battery replacement cycle. Lots of people keep cars longer than that. You simply lease the battery.

[CodeToad]

“Competition in the form of cost and usability will determine the outcome.”

BS. It is government interference that is determining the outcome.

[bert]

No, that canard has been trashed by Tesla who is producing an EV every 30 seconds. Tesla has disrupted the industry by new and totally different technology at all levels of production

Tesla seemingly has no real competition

[EandH Dad]

From the article “some countries are starting to see electric vehicle batteries piling up in scrapyards, according to Reuters.” Just wait til that dumpster fire starts.

[dangus]

UPDATE:

Apparently, the LATEST model Tesla (”Y”) is exceptionally different to repair. I presumed we were dealing with older models, since anything less than 8 years is warranteed.

[POWG]

There is a series of fascinating videos about Disruptive Technology by Tony Seba. You can find them on YouTube. Definitely worth watching.

[CodeToad]

You’re really an idiot for thinking Kalia and other states demanding EVs and no gas cars has no interference effect.

Moron. Stop with the liberal propaganda.

[cuz1961]

[Sicon]

"EVs....NOT GREEN"

"COVID"... Not even as deadly as the flu.

"COVID" "Vaccines"... Not safe or remotely "effective".

Jan6... Not a "violent, armed insurrection"

Masks... Not effective or necessary

Lockdowns... Not effective, necessary, or Constitutional

Social Distancing... Not effective or necessary

2020 election... Not "the most secure election in history"

Biden got 81 million votes... Riiiiight.

Is there a single thing that we are not lied to about every single day?

[dangus]

>> So what happens ten years down the road with all of these EV “Junkers” that cannot be resold? <<

Well, the scrappers could fix the batteries and put them back on the market. Pretty much the same that happens to most 10-year-old “junkers.” We’re not talking about this like it’s the NORMAL state of affairs.

[tbpiper]

What a magnificent thing to do!