Battery rental business opportunity

Hi,
I didn't find existing topic that covers this subject.
However The Renault suggest a new concept with "Zoe" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/mike-rutherford/9525189/Electric-cars-the-truth-about-the-cost-and-range.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The approach is battery rental; the saving in the pump is larger than the rental cost, But the most important thing not owning a battery create easy start I.e. You get the car for less then existing ICE car. plus when you want to sale the car it have a full guarantee, it is NOT yours.
I'm sure this concept can be duplicated smartly.
Gad Amit

Its not allowed in the US, but it would have been a great solution for Phoenix owners..

Herm said:

Its not allowed in the US, but it would have been a great solution for Phoenix owners..

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Really? Can not rent traction batteries? Not questioning your post, but could you expand on that a bit?

In the context of the vehicle not having a method of motovation at purchase, Herm is correct. But there is nothing i can think of that could stop Nissan installing a pitifully small battery as standard and leasing "extended range" packs as an aftermarket part. Thoughts anyone?

OP, I guess you haven't been following the Leaf for very long. Well before the Leaf was released, Nissan kept talking about the battery being available for lease (I believe only). You couldn't buy it if you wanted it.

That didn't happen. I've heard 2 stories. See http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=220356#p220356" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for 1. The other was that under that model, it wouldn't be eligible for the tax credits, the way they were set up here.

Hopefully you're also aware of http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/l-alliance-renault-nissan/pages/l-alliance-renault-nissan.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and Nissan's and Renault's ownership stakes in each other after Renault and Carlos Ghosn saved Nissan from near death in 99.

You can hear Ghosn briefly describe the battery lease in 2009 at http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10718" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; at 26:40.

mwalsh said:

In the context of the vehicle not having a method of motovation at purchase, Herm is correct. But there is nothing i can think of that could stop Nissan installing a pitifully small battery as standard and leasing "extended range" packs as an aftermarket part. Thoughts anyone?

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It works for the companies that sell printers so why not? It's more of a legal loophole than a practical matter. I don't think they thought of anything like this when they made the law that says they can't sell a car that doesn't run. Maybe they could sell the car with a 2-mile battery, and then buy it back as soon as the sale is complete. There are stranger arrangements out there.

OK, you rent the battery, but then you have to pay forever. Or as long as you'll own the car. Imagine you have an accident, and you can't drive for 2 months, you'll have to pay anyway. And when you'll want to sell the car, who will buy an used car that requires you to pay every month for renting the battery?

I understand it lowers the initial price, but that's the good part.

If i wrecked the car, why would i contjnue to pay rent on a battery i dont need?

Euther way its another viable option nixed due to an unfavorable political climate

You can just lease the whole car, instead.