As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, questions about their coverage under lemon laws are rising. If you’re an EV owner facing repeated issues, understanding your rights can make a difference in getting a fair outcome.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How lemon laws protect EVs, just as they do traditional vehicles.
- What types of common EV defects may qualify under lemon laws.
- The key repair requirements and steps needed to file a claim.
Are Electric Vehicles Covered Under Lemon Laws? If So, In Which States Are They Covered?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are covered under lemon laws in all states. Lemon laws don’t distinguish between electric vehicles and traditional gas-powered vehicles, meaning both are equally protected.
As EVs become more popular, many law firms, including ours, are handling an increasing number of EV-related lemon law cases. If an EV has repeated issues that can’t be resolved, lemon law ensures that the owner can seek a replacement, refund, or repair, just like with any other vehicle type.
What Types Of Defects Are Common In Electric Vehicles That Fall Under Lemon Law Protections?
Common defects in EVs that fall under lemon law protections include battery failure, range issues, and computer glitches. That said, not holding a charge or discharging too quickly is perhaps the most frequent battery failure-related issue.
Since EVs lack traditional transmissions, engine-related problems are typically less common than with traditional cars. Defects related to onboard technology, like malfunctioning software or control systems, are also decently common.
How Do Lemon Law Requirements For Electric Vehicles Differ From Those For Gasoline Vehicles?
Under the law, EVs and gasoline vehicles are treated equally. Both are subject to the same standards, including the number of repair attempts and total time out of service required to qualify as a “lemon.” This parity ensures that, regardless of the vehicle type, you have legal options when issues persist.
Alex Simanovsky of Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC in Georgia, has extensive experience helping clients navigate lemon law claims, including those involving electric vehicles. Having represented countless clients with persistent EV issues, Mr. Simanovsky understands the unique challenges these cases present and is adept at ensuring manufacturers are held accountable. With a deep understanding of lemon laws across states, he’s successfully guided clients to favorable outcomes, securing repairs, refunds, or replacements.
If your EV isn’t living up to expectations, reach out to Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC for reliable support.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required For Electric Vehicles Under Lemon Laws?
The number of repair attempts required for an electric vehicle to qualify as a “lemon” varies depending on the state. Generally, most states require three to four repair attempts for the same issue before the vehicle is eligible for lemon law protections. Some states also consider the total number of days the vehicle is out of service due to repairs.
To understand the specific requirements and protections in your state, it’s best to consult with an attorney experienced in lemon law. This will help you clarify the exact criteria needed to pursue a claim and give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
What Are Common Delays In Resolving Electric Vehicle Lemon Law Claims?
The time to resolve electric vehicle lemon law claims is generally the same as for gas-powered vehicles. This is because manufacturers’ legal departments and the law itself do not make distinctions between electric and gasoline vehicles.
Typically, claims are resolved within 90 to 120 days. However, if the case requires arbitration or litigation, the process can take longer. Delays may also occur if additional legal procedures are necessary, but the timeline for both types of vehicles is usually consistent.
Is it Difficult To Prove A Lemon Law Claim For A Defective Electric Vehicle?
While electric vehicles (EVs) present some unique technical issues, proving manufacturer liability for EV defects can be relatively straightforward. In our experience handling EV cases involving battery failures and charging problems, the streamlined design of EVs can actually make it easier to pinpoint liability.
EVs typically have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, focusing mainly on the electric engine, battery system, steering, and suspension. Because of this, there are simply fewer potential points of failure. Components like the AC, radio, and basic electronics are standard across all vehicle types, so they don’t add much complexity to the process of identifying core EV-specific issues.
This simplified structure helps us quickly identify defects and build a solid case against the manufacturer when battery and charging issues persist, allowing us to move forward confidently with a claim on your behalf.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on Electric Vehicles Lemon Law Claims, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (844) 88-LEMON or (844) 885-3666 today.
