3 ms·

> A $40k Tesla is on equal footing with a $25k ICE car in terms of TCO so I’m not sure why you think they are still expensive. They have come down a lot. In t

> A $40k Tesla is on equal footing with a $25k ICE car in terms of TCO so I’m not sure why you think they are still expensive. They have come down a lot. In the American market. In Canada, a Model 3 now costs the same as a Model S did at launch. Other manufacturers have worked out ways to soften the price increase due to currency fluctuations. Every so often I run numbers on electric cars for my use, but I'm never able to get a break-even point that isn't measured in decades.

natch 7y ago
What is the cost going to be if the permafrost releases all its methane? Pretty high.
- Marsymars 7y ago
  I'd absolutely support a carbon tax to capture such externalities (which would increase the purchase and fuel costs for all cars, but proportionally less so for electrics), but I don't have the personal luxury of spending the additional money for electric car - I'd just drive my ICE car less.
  - natch 7y ago
    If enough people think like you the carbon tax is going to be an everything tax (sea walls, relocations of populations, etc.) which is going to cost a lot more than a Tesla price differential.
    - Marsymars 7y ago
      Well... no, a carbon tax can/should be sufficiently high to cover those externalities. I'd support that. I'd probably wouldn't be able to afford a car at all anymore, which would be much more environmentally friendly than an electric car.
      - natch 7y ago
        >I'd probably wouldn't be able to afford a car at all anymore If you have purchased a Tesla before that point, others will be paying you for rides in your self-driving car as part of a ride-hailing fleet. Just a thought, might not pan out, as with any investment. It's not so much about what you support... the tax will come down from above with or without your support. It's more about what investments are you willing to make personally, because that part is really up to you. There are risks, to be sure, but in the meantime it's a fun, safe car that doesn't cost as much as people think.
        Marsymars 7y ago
        I'm willing (and have already) stopped eating meat, among other things. I can't afford an electric car. I'd be more willing and able to invest in a lifestyle that doesn't involve owning a car.

natch 7y ago

What is the cost going to be if the permafrost releases all its methane? Pretty high.

Marsymars 7y ago
I'd absolutely support a carbon tax to capture such externalities (which would increase the purchase and fuel costs for all cars, but proportionally less so for electrics), but I don't have the personal luxury of spending the additional money for electric car - I'd just drive my ICE car less.
- natch 7y ago
  If enough people think like you the carbon tax is going to be an everything tax (sea walls, relocations of populations, etc.) which is going to cost a lot more than a Tesla price differential.
  - Marsymars 7y ago
    Well... no, a carbon tax can/should be sufficiently high to cover those externalities. I'd support that. I'd probably wouldn't be able to afford a car at all anymore, which would be much more environmentally friendly than an electric car.
    - natch 7y ago
      >I'd probably wouldn't be able to afford a car at all anymore If you have purchased a Tesla before that point, others will be paying you for rides in your self-driving car as part of a ride-hailing fleet. Just a thought, might not pan out, as with any investment. It's not so much about what you support... the tax will come down from above with or without your support. It's more about what investments are you willing to make personally, because that part is really up to you. There are risks, to be sure, but in the meantime it's a fun, safe car that doesn't cost as much as people think.
      - Marsymars 7y ago
        I'm willing (and have already) stopped eating meat, among other things. I can't afford an electric car. I'd be more willing and able to invest in a lifestyle that doesn't involve owning a car.