How well do they hold up? Automobile’s are complex machines subject to intense vibration. Apparently Consumer Reports changed their opinion after living with one for while. The battery has a finite lifetime resulting in serious devaluation of the vehicle after 3 years.
” Consumer Reports “
In its annual reliability survey of 1.1 million vehicles, Consumer Reports stated that it expects “reliability of new models to be 60% above average” for the Nissan LEAF and that the Tesla Model S fared well, despite problems with squeaks, rattles, body hardware and door handles that don’t always pop out. The Model S scored well in the areas that matter most, including drive system, electrical system, suspension, brakes, paint and so on.
“The battery has a finite lifetime resulting in serious devaluation of the vehicle after 3 years.”
Tesla guarantees the drive-train including batteries for eight years, unlimited mileage.
Real life usage shows that the battery will be between 70 and 80% of capacity after ten years.
If damaged these batteries can short circuit causing thermal runaway and a lithium fire, which is among the most difficult fires to suppress. A defect could also cause this.
With the general hatred of faith today, it amazes me what people are willing (and eager) to believe in (and pay for), whether they like it or not in fact since these cars are subsidized.