3 ms·

> When do we some competition for affordable electrics that will really make a dent in air pollution? The Bolt is ~$27k, the Nissan Leaf is 28. The Hyundai Ko

> When do we some competition for affordable electrics that will really make a dent in air pollution? The Bolt is ~$27k, the Nissan Leaf is 28. The Hyundai Kona is $34k Federal rebates push that down to around $20-21k for the Bolt/Leaf, and $26k for the Hyundai. The average cost of a new car in the US is twice as much - $48k.

spaceguillotine 3y ago
if you have a short commute a used Leaf with 70mi of range is around $6k-7k, i know a few that bought some with really degraded batteries for $4k but still get them on their 20mi round trip daily commute and its cheaper than gas. i'm on year 7 with a used Leaf and still have 90% battery capacity at 78k miles. It paid for itself in gas savings alone in 2 years was spending $300/mo on Gas for commuting, no one knew what used electric cars were when i got it and there was no Model 3 for sale yet so $11k for the car. All i want is a ability to replace the battery without a long wait and to up the range. I'd even spend $7k to do so.
- mikestew 3y ago
  i know a few that bought some with really degraded batteries for $4k but still get them on their 20mi round trip daily commute and its cheaper than gas. After 12 years with our OG pre-ordered Leaf, we did exactly that: sold it for (IIRC) $3.5K to spouse's co-worker to drive the short drive to work. Battery was at 9 of 12 bars, but that's all the buyer needed. All i want is an ability to replace the battery without a long wait and to up the range. I'd even spend $7k to do so. Before they were even taking orders, Nissan did a dog-and-pony show for the Leaf, which we attended. The implication was that by the time the battery needed replacement, the prices will have dropped and batteries would be readily available. Sadly, neither of those things came to pass. Before we sold it, I was looking to replace the battery. Best I could tell, it would be neither easy nor reasonably-priced. Yes, you know a guy who does them; everybody "knows" a guy. And none of "the guys" are close to Seattle, can get it done in a week, or can even readily source the parts. Easier to go buy a new car.
nradov 3y ago
Those prices aren't real. Most local dealers still have little inventory, and what they do have are higher trim models at significantly higher prices. Many also tack on additional dealer mark-ups and are unwilling to negotiate. For those concerned about safety, neither the Bolt or Leaf are an IIHS Top Safety Pick. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks#award-winners https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks#award-winners

spaceguillotine 3y ago

if you have a short commute a used Leaf with 70mi of range is around $6k-7k, i know a few that bought some with really degraded batteries for $4k but still get them on their 20mi round trip daily commute and its cheaper than gas. i'm on year 7 with a used Leaf and still have 90% battery capacity at 78k miles. It paid for itself in gas savings alone in 2 years was spending $300/mo on Gas for commuting, no one knew what used electric cars were when i got it and there was no Model 3 for sale yet so $11k for the car. All i want is a ability to replace the battery without a long wait and to up the range. I'd even spend $7k to do so.

mikestew 3y ago
i know a few that bought some with really degraded batteries for $4k but still get them on their 20mi round trip daily commute and its cheaper than gas. After 12 years with our OG pre-ordered Leaf, we did exactly that: sold it for (IIRC) $3.5K to spouse's co-worker to drive the short drive to work. Battery was at 9 of 12 bars, but that's all the buyer needed. All i want is an ability to replace the battery without a long wait and to up the range. I'd even spend $7k to do so. Before they were even taking orders, Nissan did a dog-and-pony show for the Leaf, which we attended. The implication was that by the time the battery needed replacement, the prices will have dropped and batteries would be readily available. Sadly, neither of those things came to pass. Before we sold it, I was looking to replace the battery. Best I could tell, it would be neither easy nor reasonably-priced. Yes, you know a guy who does them; everybody "knows" a guy. And none of "the guys" are close to Seattle, can get it done in a week, or can even readily source the parts. Easier to go buy a new car.

nradov 3y ago

Those prices aren't real. Most local dealers still have little inventory, and what they do have are higher trim models at significantly higher prices. Many also tack on additional dealer mark-ups and are unwilling to negotiate. For those concerned about safety, neither the Bolt or Leaf are an IIHS Top Safety Pick. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks#award-winners https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks#award-winners