Can You File a Lemon Law Claim for a Faulty Electric Vehicle in California?

What Are the Differences Between an HEV, PHEV, and EV?

In California, the future of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles got a little encouragement when Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order stating that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California must be zero-emission vehicles by the year 2035. Here we are in 2024, and electric vehicles are more popular than ever, even becoming something of a status symbol.

But with new technology comes new problems. Before we continue with the discussion of lemon law and how it applies to zero-emission motor vehicles, we must first familiarize ourselves with the different categories of these automobiles.

An electric vehicle (EV) operates solely on a rechargeable battery and its electric motor. There is no engine, and it does not rely on gasoline in any way. Popular electric cars include the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3.

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has a gasoline-fueled engine like a classic motor vehicle, but this engine also works in conjunction with an electric motor to help reduce fuel consumption.

Hybrids get significantly better gas mileage in city environments than cars that rely exclusively upon gasoline. However, they are not designed to be driven on electric power alone. Popular examples of hybrid electric vehicles include the Ford Fusion and the Toyota Prius.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a gas-powered hybrid vehicle with a larger battery than most HEVs. This type of motor vehicle is powered by its battery, and then its gas engine takes over when the battery runs out. Popular PHEVs include the BMW 330E and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

Do You Own a Defective Electric Vehicle?

All types of cars, whether they’re gas-powered, electric, or hybrid, are susceptible to some manner of defects. There are so many moving parts that there is always a chance of something going wrong. In California, a defect does not need to make the vehicle dangerous for the vehicle to be considered a lemon. Defects covered under California lemon law are those that negatively impact the vehicle’s functionality, value, and safety.

If you have taken your electric car to get repairs and repair attempts have been unsuccessful, your car may be considered a defective vehicle. The car manufacturer or car dealership must be provided with a ‘reasonable number’ of repair attempts before it can be considered a lemon.

What Are Common Electric Car Defects?

Electric cars have most of the same issues that classic gas-powered motor vehicles must contend with, plus all new potential defects.

Common electric vehicle defects include:

• Defective power equipment.
• Defective seals.
• Electric vehicles have been known to erupt in fire.
• Faulty navigation systems.
• Malfunctioning climate systems.
• Overheating equipment.
• Paint and trim problems.
• Poorly manufactured electric batteries.
• The brakes are not working correctly.
• The car has a short range, suggesting a short battery life.
• The electric car is making strange noises.
• The electric vehicle takes too long to charge.
• The high-tech software keeps glitching.
• There is an alarming burning smell.
• Unexplained shaking and pulling.

Does California Lemon Law Protect Owners of Electric Vehicles?

The Lemon Law of California is a combination of the Tanner Consumer Protection Act and the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Together, these acts cover all consumer goods sold under manufacturer warranties in the state, including vehicles.

Yes, California lemon law applies to electric vehicles as well as gas-powered vehicles.

In the eyes of California lemon law, there is no difference between electric cars, diesel-powered vehicles, and traditional gas-powered cars. If your issues are covered by the original manufacturer warranty and the warranty is still effective, you must provide the dealership or car manufacturers with a reasonable number of repair attempts before the car can be declared a lemon.

Once your car is officially a lemon, you may seek compensation for your troubles or a replacement vehicle.

How to Prove Your Electric Vehicle is a Lemon?

It can be difficult to prove a lemon law case against many electric vehicle brands, particularly Tesla.

Tesla has been a frequent target from lemon law attorneys across the country. There are reports that the car company is demanding non-disclosure agreements from customers to keep them silent about vehicle defects. There have also been reports of Tesla blacklisting customers for asserting their rights under California lemon law.

If you believe you have purchased a lemon electric vehicle, you must retain professional legal counsel when seeking a buyback option or a replacement vehicle. Failure to retain legal representation could result in a difficult uphill battle for you in pursuit of a satisfactory outcome to your lemon law case.

Can Lemon Law Lawyers Help Maximize Your Compensation?

Lemon law lawyers are uniquely qualified to handle cases involving lemon vehicles and help clients reach a satisfactory conclusion to their ordeals. As your attorneys, our highly skilled legal team will begin by gathering the necessary legal evidence to support your lemon law claim and defend your legal rights. In addition to seeking the lemon law replacement or reimbursement, your lawyers can also seek a settlement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if your vehicle defects caused personal injury.

Our law firm has years of experience representing clients in complex lemon law cases. We serve clients across the state of California and would be proud to represent your legal interests as you seek to bring your case to a happy conclusion. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our California law firm to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Lemon Law Attorneys Today

Ibrahim Law Firm, APC, has extensive experience representing all types of lemon cases in California. This experience extends to helping clients with the troubles of an electric car lemon case. If you believe your electric vehicle is a lemon, please contact our law firm for help determining your eligibility for lemon law protections.

With our legal assistance, we feel confident that we can help you recover reimbursement for your purchase or a replacement vehicle.

Schedule your free case evaluation today by contacting us at 626-600-0890.