GM leasing lithium ion batteries?!?

[AZEqualizer]

According to Autobloggreen (http://www.www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/15/gm-confirms-theres-a-possibility-lithium-ion-batteries-will-be/) and JustAuto (http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=93084&lk=dm) a (subscription service) GM confirms leasing lithium ion batteries for Chevy Volt and Opel Flextreme is a possibility.
Leasing the batteries would solve "a number of issues that would otherwise significantly slow their launch."

Is this a good move for consumers or is this just another gift that keeps on giving for GM and other automakers that follow this line of thinking?

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/11/voltpi9_.jpg

[RAN]

That is the question! It's very possible that, by the time these original batteries wear out, there will be better, or cheaper (or both, if we're lucky) storage systems available to replace them with. I'd have to figure (excuse me for guessing) that, if it's good for GM to do, it's not the best deal for consumers.

Rick

[AZEqualizer]

I have read several discussions in regards to this and don't have the time at present to delve into it deeply.
Two thoughts that seem to crop up but I don't know if they are true.
1) the Feds have designated that the Batteries for a EV must be covered by the manufacturer for what is considered drive train life. I think it was stated that this was around 100k to 120k miles.
2) by leasing the batteries the manufacture takes this out of the Federal rule ... see #1 above. And it is regulated by the lease agreement.

[RAN]

Yes, now I remember that part.

If they want to see how long batteries will last, bring em out to AZ! Actually, if you can avoid too much bumper-to-bumper traffic, and parking in the sun, they last quite a while out here.

I wonder, if the next generation of batteries proves to meet the "life of vehicle" requirements, will GM then offer to sell them to previous Volt owners? Tesla seems to think their batteries will last that long. God knows there are enough of them in there!

Rick

[WattGas?]

Here's a source on the federal battery life law:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/09/08/by-law-electric-car-batteries-must-last-120-000-miles-or-the-r/

What a crock! This law is for nothing more than the protection of Oil Companies. It artificially raises the technology bar on electrics higher than existing standards for conventional cars.

Why are not car manufactures also required by law to warrant the gas engine, transmission, etc. for the life of the vehicle as well?

However, it might only apply to all-electrics and not hybrids:


FTA: Commenter Rgseidl tracked down the law (http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/recall06/ssm.pdf) (link is to pdf) and found it's actually 150,000 miles not 120,000. Also, commenter Chris M. points out the law may not apply to the Volt because technically a series hybrid may not be an electric car.

[Miracleman89]

I think you can thank the big three and the oil industry for that law. It is the only way to supress new technology and avoid going under. They keep the consumer down and they make the money. This is definately something I will be write congress about! Thanks for this enlighting piece of information!