Yup, I hear this from other people too. Will companies continue to manufacture specific batteries for 20 years? I suppose China will, lol. Order your battery on Alibaba. It’s amazing how people forget they often paid a $15k premium for an EV as well. Without govt. refunds it would be out of our price range. EV may be the future for short-haul trips, but I think hybrids have a better chance of mass-acceptance. Our neighbor’s had her three-year-old Bolt battery replaced twice now. Lucky she has a warranty.
Its not like the battery internals are specfic to the car. Just the box they are held in. Batteries will be remanfactured like every other auto part in the history of cars. 20 years from now it will be going into a autozone and picking one up.
Heard the same stuff about Fuel injection back in the 80s.
Lets look at the Fiat Battery internals - Fast forward to 9:00
Lithium Batteries are happiest when they have 2 things.
- They are at 100F or less.
- They are in a state of charge between 20-80 percent.
I don't know enough about Fiat, but if they liquid cool and heat that takes care of one. But, I bet it uses 100% of the battery because its so small.
(Edit - I wonder if the Guess-O-Meter has adjusted itself to you driving technique? It does learn the drivers habits and gives a range based on that algorithm.See Here ->
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/guess-o-meter-actual-charge.151245/)
Tesla does a great job at giving their batteries those 2 things and they are lasting very long.
Nissan did neither on first generation Leaf and they didn't last.
So the car is still usable, and he paid $15,000 to help keep American troops and treasure here.
$15,000 over 8 years is $1,875 a year
$1,875 a year is $156.25 a month.
$156.25 a month is $39 a week.
$39 a week here in St Louis ($3/gallon) is 13 gallons.
13 gallons at 30 MPG is 390 miles.
30 Miles of electric here is 50 cents.... So 390 miles cost $6.50. A $32.50 a week difference. That's $1,690 a year or over 8 years $13,5000
And that's not considering fluids/fuel/check engine light stuff.
And the car is still driving......
At worst its a wash compared to gas. Using general numbers.
Ive taken many extended trips with my tesla and jaguar.... Not a big deal.
A 500 Gas or electric is a lousy distance car.... Right tool for the job.