Owners Should Know

Californians are buying electric vehicles (EVs) in record numbers these days. While this is potentially great news for the environment, the sudden wide-scale implementation of this technology could mean a higher risk of design and manufacturing defects compared to legacy models, potentially causing major headaches for consumers. If you bought a defective EV in California, it’s essential to understand your rights under the California Lemon Law.

CCA – TheLemonFirm proudly represents consumers in Lemon Law claims and can assist you in holding EV makers accountable for defects. Read on to learn crucial information on EV owners’ rights under the California Lemon Law and how we can help you recover fair compensation for your trouble. Read on to learn more.

Essential Elements of the California Lemon Law

Let’s start by breaking down the basic protections of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, popularly called the “Lemon Law.” This law is a shield for anyone who buys consumer goods in California, including cars. The Lemon Law automatically assumes every new car sold or leased in California comes with a promise that it will work correctly, fit its intended use, and match the quality of similar cars. If your car needs multiple repairs for the same serious problem, this law could help you get a refund or a new vehicle from the manufacturer.

Common Defects with Electric Vehicles

Many people buy EVs for their innovation and environmental benefits, but those innovations also mean that their kinks haven’t been worked out yet. According to a report from CBS News, EVs have 80 percent more problems than traditional gas-powered cars, with that number rising to 150 percent for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The biggest problems with EVs involve the battery and charging systems, which are crucial for the vehicle’s operation but have shown significant reliability issues. Additionally, the fit and finish of body panels and interior parts have been points of contention with some manufacturers, indicating a learning curve for assembling these innovative vehicles. PHEVs have even more potential problems due to their dual-engine systems that combine traditional and electric drivetrains, which introduces complexity and a greater number of things that can go wrong.

Contact Our California Lemon Law Attorneys Now

You don’t need to suffer through constant repairs if you bought a defective electric vehicle. CCA – TheLemonFirm can file a Lemon Law claim on your behalf and help you fight for fair compensation for the trouble you’ve gone through. We’ll handle all the legal work so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Electric vehicles have revolutionized the automobile industry, but there is also another side. With advancements and benefits to owners, they also have brought some challenges and issues. Polestar, a Sweden car maker, has been in the cold waters since the problems with Polestar 1 were reported. Later on, Polestar 2 and 3 also faced controversies. Thus, understanding the possible issues your EVs could have is very important. Let’s recap those issues and understand how to handle them.

Issues with Polestar 1

Polestar, owned by Volvo, is known for its innovative engineering and well-designed auto solutions. This hybrid sports car was first introduced in 2019. However, the company soon discontinued the model due to its increasingly low demand. Polestar 1 was said to be irrationally priced and over-engineered, subsequently not everyone liked the complicated functions. Some observed that the design was somewhat resembled Volvo S90, a comparatively low-cost car. 

Polestar 2 Recall

Polestar 2, recognized as the first all-electric car by Volvo, was also launched in 2019. This plug-in electric car is loaded with features that had to face lots of complaints from owners. Complaints including but not limited to software upgrades, 4G connection, and charging, leading to recalls. These issues raised questions about the vehicle’s architecture. As a result of not responding to the problem in a timely manner, a dubious stigma would follow.  In October 2020, they issued a recall for owners of Polestar 2 vehicles, affecting approximately 4,586 cars.

Possible Concerns with Polestar 3 

The 2024 Polestar 3 SUV is delayed due to software issues. The new offering from Polestar seems like a significant progression from their Polestar 2, but the price point could be a major hurdle in mass adoption. The charging infrastructure could also prove to be frustrating for some customers due to the lack of availability in some regions. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability of the vehicle’s supply chain, as the company touts it as a positive stride towards its “go green” mission. Electric cars like the Tesla Model Y and Genesis Electrified GV70 are among the main rivals of Polestar 3. The software glitches have already made the brand face loss of confidence, but this is not the only concern associated with Polestar 3. Another major concern is a wacky warranty. 

Polestar warranty Assurance 

Polestar offers warranties for the affected vehicles’ owners. Here’s a warranty package they offer for both Polestar 2 and 3.

• Vehicle Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects for a period of four years after delivery or up to 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
• Battery Warranty: The Company covers up battery issues for 8 years/100,000 miles. It also covers a drop in battery health.
• Corrosion Warranty: Repairs or replaces bodywork perforated by corrosion for the first 12 years after delivery.

The Polestar warranty is less comprehensive than other high-end electric vehicles, lasting only 4 years or 50,000 miles for manufacturing defects or faults. This sets it vulnerable to any possible defects and may cause problems for the owners. 

Handling Your EV Issues

If you own a Polestar and experience any software or hardware issues, it is crucial to respond promptly to prevent any severe consequences. In case the issues affect our routine driving experience, there are legal options available. If you want to know whether your model is affected by a current recall, you can check it from the company’s website. Simply visit the official Polestar website and search for your model using your VIN. You may contact the customer care department for further assistance. In more serious cases where strict legal action like a lawsuit is necessary, you must seek the help of professional attorneys.

Bottom Line

Major players like Polestar often neglect the serious issues a customer is going through. However, there exists a designated avenue to assert your rights as an owner. Reach out to the Lemon Firm for assistance in managing any predicaments with your hybrid or electric vehicle. At the Lemon Firm, our experienced attorneys specialize in navigating the intricacies of Lemon Laws and manufacturer defects. 

Contact us at (833) Lemon-firm to speak with a Lemon Law expert today.

By Brian T. Murray, Esq.

Determined to cut your carbon footprint in 2020?  Next year, virtually every major automaker will be offering new electric and hybrid vehicles (“EV”).  However, buyer beware. If you are thinking about purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle in the new year, there are some issues you must consider before making your purchase.  Even beyond the sticker shock associated with this new technology and range anxiety that comes with EVs, consumers may experience a wide variety of problems that were not necessarily issues with traditional, gas-powered vehicles.

In 2019, the Tesla Model 3 was the best-selling EV in America. In fact, last year Tesla sold over 10 times the number of EVs in the United States than the second best-selling manufacturer of EVs, General Motors.  However, EVs only account for 1% of the US automotive market. Therein lies the problem, because EVs account for such a small fraction of the vehicles on the road many technicians are not trained to repair EVs and your local mechanic may not be equipped to properly diagnose and repair your EV.  This means you could be forced to go directly to the dealership for even minor repairs and maintenance. This equates directly to higher repair costs. 

Additionally, with new technology comes new problems.  It is no secret that EVs have been subject to a host of electrical issues that can affect the car’s drivability and safety on the road. For instance, one of the most common complaints about EVs is unpredictable electrical consumption. EV owners often find themselves prematurely out of charge, leaving them potentially stranded.   

One of the biggest safety concerns with electric vehicles comes from the big batteries. Large batteries generate substantial heat, which can cause fires. EVs require regular coolant service to assure batteries don’t get hot enough to catch fire. Recently, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration commenced an investigation relating to battery fires in EV’s.  

EV owners must make sure to properly maintain their batteries. EV batteries can suffer from sitting in overly hot or cold temps for too long, getting completely drained, or charged too often. EV owners should consult their owner’s manuals to make sure their batteries are properly maintained.

Lastly, electric vehicles use regenerative braking to charge the batteries.  Brake discs and pads are pressed together with hydraulic fluid that is hygroscopic, meaning it likes to absorb water from the air and will corrode your brake system unless you flush it regularly.  The result is that EVs may need brake service more often. 

Still interested in purchasing an EV in 2020?  If so, Ford Motor Company is developing an electric version of the F-150 pickup and a crossover SUV based on the Mustang.  General Motors is also planning to release an electric truck, a crossover version of the Chevrolet Bolt, and an electric Cadillac. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are also planning new EV lineups. 

If you do decide to purchase an EV and you experience persistent problems under the warranty period, rest assured that many states, including California, have strong consumer protection laws to safeguard your rights.  In California, your vehicle can qualify under the Lemon Law whether it runs or gas or electricity. If your EV hasn’t lived up to expectations or has spent too much time in the shop, we invite you to call us for a free consultation with a lemon law expert: (833) LEMON-FIRM. 

CCA services consumers throughout the State of California and persons that purchased their vehicles in California, only