Can we talk about electric car batteries needing replaced way too soon

My neighbor bought a Nissan Leaf in 2019 and last month the dealership told him the battery is already down to 60% capacity. They wanted $8,500 for a new one which is basically what the car is worth now. All those people saying EVs are better for the planet never talk about how short these batteries actually last. Has anyone else dealt with a battery replacement cost that made you question if electric is really the way to go?

3 comments

3 Comments

olivia3981mo ago

Yeah but nobody tells you the battery in a Nissan Leaf is air cooled. That's why they degrade so fast. My buddy has a 2012 Leaf and it's basically a golf cart now with like 40 mile range. Other EVs with liquid cooling hold up way better but the damage is already done to people's trust.

tylerj221mo ago

Olivia398 you're spot on about those Leaf batteries. Swapped to a Chevy Bolt myself and the liquid cooling keeps range solid even after 60k miles. Night and day difference for long term trust in EVs.

elizabeths511mo ago

Liquid cooling really is the unsung hero of modern EVs.