A study by University of California in Berkeley reveals that 64% of the chunk of electric vehicle sales in the near future will have the vehicle and the batteries being sold separately. The car and the battery that it will need will be treated as stand alone items.
The proponents of the research see a direct correlation between consumer acceptance of electric vehicle technology and batteries being sold separately.
At first look, consumer may be hesitant on buying a $15,000 battery pack with their vehicles. They might be thinking that the battery technology is not yet proven and it may have issues on longevity and durability. EV owners may also think that the car they purchased may not fit their need in the long run and will be a bit reluctant on getting the battery as part of the total cost.
Car manufacturers looked into the study and are following what it suggests. Nissan is not yet decided if it will include the battery with their LEAF and considers leasing the battery as another product. Other major car makers have long decided that leasing the battery is the right way to go.
Marketing wise, the cost of the vehicle with the battery also makes the price appear to be a lot lower. Car buyers do not see the rolled in cost if the $15K battery comes with the package. Most buyers see the monthly leasing battery fee as a more affordable option.
Experts expect a turn around in the attitude of consumers as soon as feedback with regard to battery and electric vehicle technology start to come in. When this time comes, consumers may want the battery to come with the total cost and they may see some other use for the car battery pack after it has served its purpose with their EVs.