"Free" electric car - which would you choose?
 

I'm still trying to verify the details, bit it looks like I qualify for a $4k rebate for purchasing OR leasing a new EV. Either the Chevy Spark or Fiat 500e are my main options. A 3 year lease on either car comes to roughly $4k!

I can't think of any reason NOT to do this. So which would you choose?

I thought it would be about:

China's free, self-driving cars set to outsmart Tesla | afr.com

China's LeEco unveils all-electric concept car with sights set on industry leaders | Reuters

Wherein the plan is to give you the car for free, in exchange for making money on 'content'. IOW selling your innermost secrets to advertisers, or the gummint or anyone else.

Is it a manufacturer's rebate or a Federal tax rebate? I ask because to take advantage of the latter, you have to pay taxes.

Neither actually, it's a California funded thing but neither a manufacturer or federal rebate. Heres a link: https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng

Insurance?

If you use your mileage allowance, I'm sure you'll come out well ahead. Most EVs won't make it to the nearest grocery store, where I live, so anything less than a Tesla would be of limited use.

I'm 5 miles from work. 80+ miles will be plenty.

Fiat 500E Reviews - Fiat 500E Price, Photos, and Specs - Car and Driver
Chevrolet Spark EV Reviews - Chevrolet Spark EV Price, Photos, and Specs - Car and Driver

As far as power goes, i say the Spark wins, faster, TONS OF TORQUE (140-hp, 327 lb-ft) vs [111 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque]), slightly lighter and more efficient.

However the 500e has 87 miles of range with larger 24kwh battery (EPA city/highway driving: 122/108 mpge), and though slightly better city, the Spark has lower range at 82 miles with smaller 21kwh battery (can be as low as 19kwh) (EPA city/highway driving: 128/109 mpge).

Spark has slow level 2 charging at 3.3kw which sucks, 500e has 6.6kw level 2 which is twice as fast. But Spark has the option for dc fast charging which is 80% full in 20 minutes. From what I know level 2 charging is the most common use, and dc fast charging is really rare, but you'd have to research that in your area.

I think the Fiat wins the style department.

Depends what you like. Personally i'd go with the 500e.

Thanks, that's really helpful. I read that despite the figures, the fiat is actually faster off the line. That's not a deal breaker by any means, but I certainly would like a more spirited car!

I was assuming the Spark would be a better choice if it had the fast DC charging, but I don't think that's really going to be beneficial based on my location.

Leaning towards the Fiat.

https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/information-fiscal-year-2015-16-income-limit-changes

The old numbers range from $900 for an electric motorcycle to $5000 for anything with a fuel cell. So naturally I wonder if the motorcycle goes to $2400 and the Tesla to $4000?

So you apply to a state agency and they underwrite your purchase. Is this the helicopter money I've been hearing about?

I would choose the Chevy Spark, because it has a better backseat (and 4 doors) and Chevy is more serious about EV's than is Fiat.

A set off oem tires for the Spark cost $80 less.

Tires will be the biggest remaining expense, if you use regen instead of the brakes.

Personally, I like the Fiat. I like Jason Torchinsky, too; here's his review:

Fiat 500e Electric: The Jalopnik Review

He concludes the car is improved over the gas version by the added weight in the back giving more neutral handling. But he misses the Abarth exhaust note.

The drivetrain is by Bosch, Ward's 10 Best Engines 2014: Fiat 500e

So Fiat's eating $14K, CA is kicking in $4K; what's not to like? What will the IRS do?

Lease, and lease again in two years. Eventually the technology will stabilize.