cheaper to operate than an electric car?

[ME_Andy]

Now that I think about it, a 5.5-year payback period is pretty good. I guess a leaf is a good investment for us.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by ME_Andy

We are about to trade my wife's 2012 sonic (32 mpg) for a 2015 leaf.

How much for the 2015 Leaf? Some new, leftover 2016's are offering $4,000 instant rebate in addition to the $7,500 federal rufund.

[sendler]

And unless I'm rading it wrong, the $1800 down/ $199 lease deal is even better. With an $8,700 buy out at the end, you can lease for 3/ 36,000 and if you like it, you can end up owning a new $30,000 sticker Leaf S24 for $18,000 plus tax.
.
2016 LEAF S trim Lease
36 Months - $199/Month - $1,999 initial payment.

Excludes taxes, title, and license. $1,999 initial payment required at consummation. (Includes $1,800 consumer down payment, $199 first month payment.) (INCLUDES $11,625 manufacturer's rebate applied to $199/Month lease. Offer valid only when financed through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation.) Subject to residency restrictions.

2016 LEAF S trim Lease model 17016 subject to availability to well-qualified lessees through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation. $29,875 MSRP incl. destination charge. Net capitalized cost of $15,521 includes a $595 non-refundable acquisition fee. Dealer contribution may affect actual price set by dealer. Monthly payments total $7,164 At lease end, purchase for $8,365, plus purchase option fee up to $300 (except KS & WI), plus tax, or pay excess wear & use plus $0.15 per mile for mileage over 12,000 miles per year. Lessee is responsible for maintenance and repairs. A disposition fee is due at termination of lease term. No security deposit required. Must take delivery from new dealer stock. See participating dealer for details. Offer ends 12/05/2016.

[Joggernot]

Here's what one person paid: So I Bought an Electric Car…

[ME_Andy]

The best deal we could find on a new leaf was a group buy... getting the sl with the 100-mile battery for $17k. Didn't look at leasing.

The 2015 was $10k, s trim, only has 14000 miles. The thing to realize about the tax credit is, most people won't be able to use the whole $7500.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by ME_Andy

most people won't be able to use the whole $7500.

Why is this?

[ME_Andy]

You need to owe at least that much in tax

[sendler]

That is a big gotcha. Another reason to get a good deal on a lease, and then buy out at the end.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by vskid3

using the Insight's battery as an example of battery wear is going to the extreme (also NiMH vs Lithium).

Well, I'd like to point to my actual experience with my Tesla Roadster, but I don't have one :-) I did show an example of lithium battery degradation in a laptop, in about the lightest possible duty cycle.

And I do have about 195K miles on that Insight battery, in pretty heavy use. I live in the mountains and climbs of 2000-4000 vertical feet at 6% grade or better are a frequent experience.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Joggernot

Here's what one person paid: So I Bought an Electric Car…

Interesting article, but I had to wonder a bit about a few things. Not least about someone concerned about money who buys new(ish) cars, or thinks an 'economy' car gets around 35 mpg. Then there's the whole thing about living in Colorado but never getting out of the city. Oh, and when you do go 'camping', sleeping in your car and leaving the climate control running...