Quote:
Originally Posted by herbvdh
|
Sorry, I own a Toyota Hybrid and was told time and again that the time to recover the additional cost would be 5 years. That may be correct, but I bought early to promote the technology and others are now benefiting from lower prices for a comparably equipped car.
The $35,000 smart calculations work out as follows (this assumes a high gas cost, doesn't consider the cost of charging, but it also doesn't include maintenance or battery replacement):
Assume 15,000 miles per year, cost of gas $7 (predicted in 2010), mileage 35MPG.
Result is 429 gallons of gas consumed per year
Annual cost of gas would be $3,003
Cost of Electric Car Approx $35,000
Cost of Gas Car Approx 15,500
Amount to be recovered $19,500
Years to recover 6.5 Years (11.4 years @ $4 gallon)
Again there are factors not considered, including destination charges, taxes and other fees, maintenance and insurance.
Actually, I think most of the extra expenses, if put into the equation, would probably balance out.
So, basically it will take 6.5 years to break even. Better than most greening which comes in at 12 years.
If you buy electric at these prices, you do it to be first on the block or are planning on long term. Now, if you include installing a solar home electric system and really go green, then you deserve to be respected and honored.;)