Popular Vacuum Maker is Working on an Electric Car

What do vacuums and electric cars have in common?

Dyson is getting into the automobile manufacturing game.  The British vacuum-cleaner heavyweight is working on an electric sport utility vehicle that’s expected to compete with Tesla on the high-end market for pug in cars.  The company appears to be betting that new battery technology will help separate it from the pack.

Word got out two years ago that Dyson was investing $2.7 billion in developing a new electric car.  But details about the project remained sparse, until recently.

European publication Autocar uncovered patent filings showing that Dyson is working on a sport utility vehicle, something along the lines of the Tesla Model X.  Company founder James Dyson told the publication that the development team is also researching two solid-state batteries to potentially power the cars.

Solid-state technology is an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries that significantly reduces charging time.  Solid-state batteries use solid—rather than liquid—electrodes and electrolytes.  Several carmakers, including Tesla, Ford, Toyota, and Chinese automaker Enovate, are also working on projects to eventually bring sold-state batteries to their electric cars.

The Dyson cars will initially be manufactured in England, before the company shifts the project to Singapore.  The company has partnered with Michigan-based Sakti-3 to develop solid-state batteries.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Car Owners, Lessors

Dyson’s foray into car making comes as some of the biggest auto manufacturers are pouring a whole lot of money into electric vehicles.  But in rushing to get new cars to market, manufacturers often overlook the finer points of production.  Car makers recall millions of vehicles per year over defects and other issues that can raise safety hazards for drivers and everyone else on the road.

That’s where the California lemon law comes in.  The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act forces car manufacturers to make various repairs to vehicles while they are still under warranty. If the manufacturer is unable to properly repair the vehicle—or refuses to do so—it’s obligated to take the car back and reimburse the owner or lessor for the purchase price and other related costs, like financing and rental car charges.  The car maker can also offer to replace the vehicle, but it’s up to the owner or lessor to decide whether to take that option.

The number of repair attempts that the manufacturer has to make before the law kicks in depends on the circumstances.  The lemon law also requires the manufacturer to cover any legal fees that the owner or lessor incurs in enforcing his or her rights.

Speak With a California Lemon Lawyer

If you’re a California car owner or lessor with a defective vehicle, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney.  The California lemon law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state.  We work tirelessly to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.