Do you own an electric vehicle (EV) and wonder how the latest lemon law updates may affect you?
Even if you’re not having problems with your EV, it’s good to find out how the laws protect you should issues develop. You’ll be glad to learn that most lemon laws cover EVs in many of the same ways that they cover other vehicles. Manufacturers must fix, replace, or refund serious flaws that affect safety, value, or use, no matter what kind of car you buy—gas, electric, or hybrid. That’s reassuring. Even with that, it’s important to understand the differences between an EV’s warranty and the one you get with a non-electric vehicle. Plus, there’s a separate EV battery warranty. These differences, in addition to recent and ongoing legal updates, can make for confusion if you need to file a claim.
2025 is promising to be a year where big changes in lemon laws will affect some vehicle owners. Learn the details and find out why Allen Stewart P.C.’s attorneys offer you the best opportunity to pursue your claim.
Traditional and EV Warranty Comparison
We are all familiar with the two main types of coverage found on your typical vehicle: the essential powertrain warranty and the more comprehensive “bumper-to-bumper” protection. Manufacturers vary in specifics, but generally, bumper-to-bumper coverage lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, while a powertrain warranty typically offers longer protection, often five years or 60,000 miles.
How Are EVs
Electric vehicles come with coverage for most components, but their warranties are structured differently due to their unique powertrains. Electric vehicle (EV) warranties typically cover the electric motor, power inverter, and other components unique to EVs rather than an engine. Excluding the battery, powertrain and comprehensive warranties for electric vehicles (EVs) usually range from three to ten years. The manufacturer and the type of coverage determine the duration of the warranty.
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Battery Warranties and Lemon Law
The most significant difference in warranty coverage with electric vehicles is the separate battery warranty. Manufacturers typically provide 8-10 year or 100,000+ mile coverage specifically for the battery pack, which is mandated by federal law. California mandates a warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The battery is the most expensive component in an EV, and a battery warranty includes various subpoints that add specifics to exactly what is covered.
How EV Battery Warranties Work
Battery warranties usually guarantee against capacity degradation, typically promising the battery will maintain 70-80% of its original capacity within the warranty period. If capacity falls below this threshold during the warranty period, manufacturers will repair or replace the battery pack. This coverage is crucial since battery replacement can cost $4,000-$20,000 (labor costs can add to this figure). The cost depends on size, make, model and additional factors.
General process for Seeking EV Lemon Law Protection
State Lemon Laws and EVs
When it comes to electric vehicles, state lemon laws can get tricky. Up to a few years ago, these consumer protection laws usually applied to gasoline-powered vehicles that had mechanical defects. They have over the years expanded coverage to vehicles of every powertrain type, including electric vehicles. It’s important to note some differences in how EVs can be treated under the law and also be aware that laws are constantly changing to keep up with the technology.
Qualifying EV Issues
Most state lemon laws kick in when a vehicle has a substantial defect that impacts its safety, value, or use. States are still adapting their laws to address EV-specific issues. Problems with the charging system, drivability-affecting software errors, or long-term battery issues are all examples of what can go wrong with electric vehicles. The catch? The laws are in flux right now. That’s where expert lemon law attorneys can help you. They stay on top of the latest changes to state laws.
Manufacturer Response Time
Just like with traditional vehicles under most state lemon laws, manufacturers get a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix EV problems. However, with EVs, diagnosing issues often requires specialized expertise, and repairs might take longer due to parts availability or the need for software updates. While some minor issues can be fixed with over-the-air updates, many repairs still require EV owners to bring their vehicles in to the shop.
Details To Note
Lemon law claims typically have strict time limits, so it’s important to document all issues and repair attempts from day one.
Lemon laws are confusing. Read our guide to the lemon law complaint process.
For example, in 2025, California’s lemon laws are changing, and one of the restrictions is a new timeframe for filing claims, one year after the warranty expires or six years after buying the vehicle. The new law also imposes many other claim deadline restrictions and no protection for used car owners. These and other changes starting in 2025 (including even more potential updates to the law in California) are best reviewed by an experienced California lemon law attorney, such as our lawyers at Allen Stewart, P.C. We offer the expertise you need to get your claim pursued effectively and aggressively in California under the new laws.
If you’ve purchased an EV, it can pay to be prepared in case of future issues. You can help protect your rights by:
- Keeping track of battery charge levels beginning on day one
- Maintaining accurate records of all service requests and related issues
- Submitting formal complaints in writing
If you’re experiencing recurring problems with your EV, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact Allen Stewart, P.C. for a free consultation. We are also expert Texas lemon law attorneys and practice law in multiple states. We are well acquainted with the new 2025 lemon law updates nationwide and are continuously monitoring upcoming changes that can affect consumers.
Trust Allen Stewart, P.C. for Expert Lemon Law Representation
Given the complexity of both EV technology and lemon laws, working with experienced legal professionals to pursue your claim is recommended. Allen Stewart, P.C. has won lemon law cases for hundreds of clients in multiple states. We offer expert knowledge of updated lemon laws with respect to EVs. Allen Stewart, P.C. is licensed to practice law in Texas, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Arizona. We understand the unique challenges that EV cases pose and how to effectively advocate for owners dealing with persistent vehicle problems.
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Another benefit to working with Allen Stewart, P.C. is our deep familiarity with the “federal lemon law,” known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. We can often use this federal law to help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you are having issues with your EV, don’t wait, as there are strict timeframes for pursuing claims, and each state’s laws differ. The team at Allen Stewart, P.C. can assist in determining the viability of your claim, then provide expert representation to pursue compensation. Contact Allen Stewart, P.C. today by calling 866-440-2460 or contact us online.