Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working

Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by bdcravens on Thursday November 02, 2023 @09:32PM (#38123207)

I love mine, but both mine and my wife's are probably $15k pricier than an equivalent ICE option. We'll likely not break even on gas savings during the period of our ownership. People like she and I, and I suspect you, are already bought in. Others however, especially those who aren't really swayed by the saved emissions, have to do the cost/benefit analysis for themselves.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by kurthr on Friday November 03, 2023 @01:14AM (#38124803)

Yeah, if there hadn't been unlimited supercharging it wouldn't have made as much sense, but I figure I'd have used 500gal a year (15km/30mpg). That's about $2500/yr so pay off time is about 6-8 years. If you're paying 20c/kWh then it's well over 10 years.

However, the other experience I've seen is the near lack of required paid maintenance. That could easily come out to another $10k over 8-10yr, which would shorten the payoff. Of course that would hurt the dealers for the major Autos, and drive up their pricing.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by bdcravens on Friday November 03, 2023 @11:10AM (#38129965)

Yes, the maintenance is cheaper, but some automakers include maintenance for a period of time (I know the Toyotas I've owned included 2 years 24000 miles). I will say that $10k over 10 years seems expensive, though maintenance does tend to rise in time. Still, I'm guessing the cost is closer to $5k (assuming non-luxury brands)

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by 01100011 on Friday November 03, 2023 @03:02AM (#38125419)

I really liked my EV, but I had subsidized charging at work. We only have one ICE car now. Every so often I consider upgrading to an EV or hybrid, but why? I'd be spending quite a lot to save very little. Now, I'll admit, getting gas at someplace like Costco can be a pain, but I just can't justify an EV.

Also, my wife hated the EV. Sure, it was a Bolt so it wasn't that comfy, but she hated having to think about charging. She's fine dealing with gas. That right there kills it for us.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by maigret on Friday November 03, 2023 @03:16AM (#38125496)

You’re only “saving” with an ICE because CO2 is not appropriately priced. And there are other reasons to ditch petrol, like, what about our children future? Limiting the discussion to price is a limited way of thinking.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by 01100011 on Friday November 03, 2023 @03:42AM (#38125666)

No thanks. Those are problems for the world's rich to worry about. I have a budget and dependents to take care of. I'm not taking away from my dependents to change the time the earth becomes unlivable by 15 seconds.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by throwaway5959 on Friday November 03, 2023 @04:23PM (#38134506)

It’s wild to me that people with kids don’t care about how the planet will be for their children and grandchildren. I don’t even have kids of my own and I’m willing to alter my lifestyle to give future generations a better shot at having the same access to resources I have.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by agensaequivocum on Sunday November 05, 2023 @08:50AM (#38151095)

I have five kids and I am not in the slightest worried about the planet. It will be here and we will adapt if needed. I am much more worried about the elites stamping out our God given freedom and subjugating us to be told what to do by "experts" because we are just ignorant and don't know what's best for ourselves. No thank you.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by city41 on Friday November 03, 2023 @04:11AM (#38125839)

Money is a huge motivator. People will absolutely change their behavior to save money. It's also largely politically agnostic. Unless you're very wealthy, money impacts your life no matter how you feel about climate change or the environment.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by bdcravens on Friday November 03, 2023 @11:13AM (#38130012)

You're correct, but at least in the US, few share that concern when there isn't financial incentive.

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Re:Auto execs are coming clean: EVs aren't working by bdcravens on Friday November 03, 2023 @11:18AM (#38130108)

My wife shares similar environmental concerns with me, so I haven't had that issue, but I realize others don't have those same values. Of course, we also bought an EV that fits the style of car she's always had (small SUV - we got her an ID.4)

As for the fueling up, there's a huge gulf between those who own a home and those who don't in terms of EV experience - when you have a charger in your garage, you wake up every day with a "full tank".

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