[ChuckMcM]

Well it's patented and Tesla doesn't own the patent. But that aside, you trade a different set of problems, specifically what happens if the pack that is put into your car is damaged and as a result of that damage catches fire when it is discharging? That isn't something that happens with gasoline.

I keep hoping flow batteries can overcome their issues as replacing depleted electrolyte with charged electrolyte is much more like 'refueling' in the current sense of the word.

[dboreham]

A patent on the idea that a battery in something that uses a battery can be replaced has to be the world's most preposterous patent.

[starspangled]

Contaminants in fuel can cause damage to cars. I don't know if retailers tend to carry insurance for this but typically they are responsible, although proving it may not be easy. I imagine the risk would be quite rare and fairly well handled with insurance.

What's patented? Seems like a ridiculous patent if it entirely covered all practical manner of swapping batteries to recharge an EV.

[jjallen]

Any gasoline can catch fire though, just like probably any battery can catch fire.

At some point we are going to have to stop comparing gas and electric cars.