it feels weird that it’s just… not really covered unless you shell out even more
Man, I hear you. The first time I read the fine print on EV battery coverage, I had to double-check I wasn’t buying a used hoverboard. I’ve seen a couple folks come in with batteries dying just after warranty—talk about timing, right? Most ended up wishing they’d skipped the extra coverage, since the cost didn’t quite add up unless you’re super unlucky. If your budget’s tight, I’d say don’t let the “what if”s stress you out too much. Most batteries hang in there longer than you’d think.
Honestly, I had the same reaction when I picked up my Taycan. The dealer walked me through the battery warranty, and I remember thinking, “Wait, that’s it?” Here’s what I did: first, I checked the manufacturer’s coverage—usually 8 years or so, but it’s limited. Then, I called my insurance to see if they’d cover a sudden battery failure (they didn’t). In the end, I skipped the extra coverage. My logic? These batteries are built to last, and I’d rather put that money aside just in case. Haven’t regretted it yet... knock on wood.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally sold on the “these batteries are built to last” idea. Maybe it’s my bias from wrenching on old cars, but I’ve seen enough “should last a lifetime” parts fail at the worst possible moment. Sure, EV batteries are engineered well, but they’re still tech-heavy and expensive to replace if something goes sideways outside warranty.
I actually went for the extra coverage on my Mach-E, even though it felt like buying an extended warranty on a fridge—probably unnecessary, but if it goes, I’m not out five figures overnight. Maybe it’s just peace of mind, but I’d rather pay a bit more up front than gamble on a repair that could cost more than my first classic Mustang.
Not saying your approach is wrong—just that sometimes the old “set aside a repair fund” trick doesn’t pan out if you get unlucky. Guess it comes down to how much risk you’re comfortable with...
I get the logic behind extra coverage, but I kinda lean the other way. If you look at battery failure rates, they're actually super low—like, way less than engines in old ICE cars.
True, but if you set aside what you'd pay for the warranty and invest it, odds are you'll come out ahead unless you're really unlucky. I guess it depends on how much you trust the stats vs. your own luck.“sometimes the old ‘set aside a repair fund’ trick doesn’t pan out if you get unlucky.”
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—battery failures are rare, and statistically you’re probably fine skipping the extra coverage. But for me, it’s not just about the odds. The cost of a battery replacement is so high that even a small risk feels worth insuring against, especially since insurance usually won’t cover mechanical failure unless it’s accident-related. I’d rather pay a little more for peace of mind than gamble on being in the lucky majority. Maybe I’m just risk-averse, but I’ve seen enough weird failures over the years to be cautious.
