Replacing the battery makes it essentially a new car from drivetrain perspective.
Also, Leafs typically last as long as gas powered cars. Gas cars have the same problem - the entire engine and transmission are expensive to replace and the car is usually scrapped. The problem you outline is not unique to electric cars.
Why does everyone say replacing the battery gives you a new drivetrain? It would be like replacing the gas tank. The drivetrain equivalent in an EV would be the electric motors.
They’re uninformed, or fanboys. 10k for a battery might get your range back to stock, but you’re still going to have worn cv axles, control arm bushings, wheel bearings, and ball joints that typically start needing replacement after 100k miles. There are still bearings on the motor, gearing to the differential, and winding insulation that also wear with age. I’d expect those to last 250k easy, but to think a new battery is a panacea for your clapped out commuter car is asinine.
$10k gets you the battery pack, but then there is the controller you need to replace as well, a good $4-8k. Plus the labor, +$300/hr for a certified technician. Meanwhile, my 2007 mini can get the engine and transmission swapped for $7000, with performance modifications and labor included.
Replacing the battery makes it essentially a new car from drivetrain perspective.
Also, Leafs typically last as long as gas powered cars. Gas cars have the same problem - the entire engine and transmission are expensive to replace and the car is usually scrapped. The problem you outline is not unique to electric cars.
Why does everyone say replacing the battery gives you a new drivetrain? It would be like replacing the gas tank. The drivetrain equivalent in an EV would be the electric motors.
They’re uninformed, or fanboys. 10k for a battery might get your range back to stock, but you’re still going to have worn cv axles, control arm bushings, wheel bearings, and ball joints that typically start needing replacement after 100k miles. There are still bearings on the motor, gearing to the differential, and winding insulation that also wear with age. I’d expect those to last 250k easy, but to think a new battery is a panacea for your clapped out commuter car is asinine.
$10k gets you the battery pack, but then there is the controller you need to replace as well, a good $4-8k. Plus the labor, +$300/hr for a certified technician. Meanwhile, my 2007 mini can get the engine and transmission swapped for $7000, with performance modifications and labor included.
ICE BAD ≠ BATTERY GOOD