A few questions about electric cars

[Photonfanatic]

Off topic but I heard that thing is coming back. It had a limited run, but I read somewhere its coming back. I really want an electric car, but I want it to suit my needs. Tesla said that luxury sedan was only going to be $50K, which I can see myself affording one day.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I could find a replacement transmission for $300 and perhaps $3-400 more to install it at a local garage,

But the same applies to replacement batteries for EVs/hybrids. You could shell out $3000 or whatever for a new Insight/Prius battery, or you can get one from a wreck for about $400-500. Does anyone actually buy a NEW transmission or engine when those suffer catastrophic failure?

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But the same applies to replacement batteries for EVs/hybrids. You could shell out $3000 or whatever for a new Insight/Prius battery, or you can get one from a wreck for about $400-500. Does anyone actually buy a NEW transmission or engine when those suffer catastrophic failure?

This was for a used transmission, an automatic of course, manual transmissions tend to be much cheaper and easier to replace because they don't wear out as easily and a single speed gear box is going to last even longer because it's not shifting and it's not taking the impact from the engine vibrations.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Photonfanatic

I really want an electric car, but I want it to suit my needs. Tesla said that luxury sedan was only going to be $50K, which I can see myself affording one day.

This sounds hypocritical. You want to save money by having an electric car, but are willing to shell out $50k for a luxury one?

There is likely a luxury petrol car that satisfies your wants now for under $50k.

I too look forward to electric car ownership, but it has to make economic sense.

[Ryland]

If we all want to make economic sense by buying the cheapest car we can then shouldn't we all be driving Geo Metro's or the Tata Nano? but no, people still feel the need to buy thing that cost more then what they really need, for example my boss bought a Saab as a way to save gas, while he could have gotten a car that got better mileage and cost less at the same time, but it's saving him gas, getting over twice the mileage of his other vehicle.
While the Tesla S is going to be an expensive car there are going to be a ton of people who are more then willing to buy it even if they are given a cheaper option because that cheaper option will most likely perform or feel like a cheaper option.

[redpoint5]

Good point Ryland, I shouldn't be so quick to criticize. Individuals make purchasing decisions for a variety of reasons, and rationality may have little to do with it.

The last selling point that got me in my current ride was the delightfully smooth 6-speed gearbox. Rational? Not really.

[Photonfanatic]

Well for me, part of it is getting to say "Oh cool I own an electric car!" Which I've always wanted. Then, if you can tack on the fact that it does cost far less to "fuel" the thing, and I get luxury, AND I get to feel like I'm making less of an environmental impact, then its a win/win/win.