"Batteries need to be replaced every 3-6 years depending on use, so figure $9000/yr battery cost for this machine, not including the $1000 or so fees for dispos

"Batteries need to be replaced every 3-6 years depending on use, so figure $9000/yr battery cost for this machine, not including the $1000 or so fees for disposing of the toxic waste (lithium batteries are not accepted at the dump)." Batteries are going to be way more cheaper when you give the old battery, in fact as technology improves, they even can give you money if you replace the battery( when nano materials improve, you need way less lithium and other raw materials that will be more expensive as demand grows up). "which are a serious toxic waste disposal problem." You will be stupid if you throw them away "at the dump": (Those people extract lithium, watch the tendency) http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:SQM http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:SQM http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:FMC http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:FMC Recycling batteries is very easy to do, compared to extracting it from the earth.