Car in Bay Area

Sep 20, 2019 33 Comments

Is it cheaper to own an electric car in bay area? Taking model 3 as an example, its initial price is huge but with free supercharging I don't need to pay anything for fuel. Gas prices over $4 makes it difficult to own a gasoline car even though initial investment might be low.

Wanted to hear thoughts from people who own cars in bay area.

Tc 150K

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TOP 33 Comments
  • Oath
    Atinlay2

    Go to company page Oath

    Atinlay2
    You want a Tesla, but at are worried about gas vs electric prices? You can’t afford it then.

    What’s with the tagged companies??
    Sep 20, 2019 1
  • OP: 150k TC in the Bay Area is buy-a-used-Corolla money. Be careful you don't overspend.
    Sep 20, 2019 1
  • Apple
    Niagra

    Go to company page Apple

    PRE
    Apple
    Niagra
    I spent a lot of time on this subject. You will need to consider your lifestyle , how much and where you drive. Add 1+ hr to charge your Tesla at supercharger. The cheapest that I know is to own something like a Toyota Corolla hybrid especially if you drive a lot - the gas mileage is best and it’s a decent but cheap car. If your work provides free charging and there are free stalls to charge when you arrive to work, you can count that in but if you like to go outdoors - you may get range anxiety up in the mountains.
    Sep 20, 2019 3
    • New
      Jtrq83

      New

      Jtrq83
      Plug In hybrid is even better.
      Sep 20, 2019
    • Apple
      Niagra

      Go to company page Apple

      PRE
      Apple
      Niagra
      Plug in hybrids have limited miles they go on EV mode only. Eg new Subaru Crosstrek is only 17 mi EV range which is not that good. Still looking for my perfect ride.
      Sep 21, 2019
  • NIO / Eng
    lostninja

    Go to company page NIO Eng

    PRE
    Western Digital
    lostninja
    I have been leasing electric cars since 2013. I am on my second one but never had a Tesla. I think it’s worth it only in 2 cases: if you have a second a car in the house, possibly a gas car AND you have chargers at work. I have been doing calculations on leasing/owning Tesla for couple of years and TBH, according to me the high price kind of offsets the savings you are about to have. Specially it’s a big no no if you don’t have a charger at home.

    For example, right now I have a Chevy Bolt EV, which I got for 0 down, 36 months lease, 12k miles/year from Roseville for <$265/month. I got $2500 cash back from CA and $500 from PG&E. I have free chargers at work and I never had to charge at home. I live in Fremont and work in San Jose. I can go for a drive to SF and come back in any random day without any range anxiety.
    Sep 20, 2019 5
    • NIO / Eng
      lostninja

      Go to company page NIO Eng

      PRE
      Western Digital
      lostninja
      Uh, I see what you mean. Never got into an accident with my EVs before so had no idea about it lol
      Sep 20, 2019
    • Oath
      Atinlay2

      Go to company page Oath

      Atinlay2
      The fender-bender series is eye opening. I came across it while looking for reviews, it was enough to change my mind. Maybe in a few years when the fit and finish is better, and parts are more available.
      Sep 20, 2019
  • Verizon / Eng
    8BitGuy

    Go to company page Verizon Eng

    8BitGuy
    You will go to charging station every other day? 1.6L car is much cheaper to maintain than a fancy electric. Buy a Honda Civic or Corolla. With that TC you won't look good driving a Tesla.
    Sep 20, 2019 0