Took a interesting test drive 2 days ago and probably drove at least 15 miles, freeway and suburbia and got some surprising results. Took it up to 65 on the freeway and the rest of the way I followed the speed limits. Was frantically searching for regeneration signs while driving but could see none. The salesman and I dicussed this point but he was not very knowledgable, but a nice guy. Before we started out, I asked what the charge was right now? 82 miles. The test included a large hill, which also includes, downhill. I drove the car as I do the PIP, (conservatively) at speed limits. When we pulled back into the lot the range showed 89 miles. I was astounded, I did not baby the go-pedal. The car looks good, but, cost. $50K.
With rebates and such I read you could get in one for $15,000 off $48,500 making it about $33,500. $7,500 federal and $7,500 for Toyota's 60 month 0% financing.
Model S has federal and state rebates. Not sure what they are. It's worth looking at it. The Honda Fit EV can only be leased in Cali for $389 down and $389 per month x 36
Going Tesla, one has to wait for it on a list still, or are they shipping immediately now? I only mentioned the $15k off because you said $50K for a Rav4EV and one can be had for quite a bit less than $50k right now for anyone interested reading the thread.
Tesla released financials this week. The average factory worker is working 70 hours a week. They cannot sustain that so they are hiring. They expect to fill the back log of orders this year. It could be a 6 month wait for a new car. Takes a 5K deposit to order. The RAV is a good car but the price point is high. Rebates make it worth it though. It is a RAV though.
I'd like to have a regular liftback and then an EV for daily driving but insurance costs here make is so senseless. Plus with a wife who doesn't drive, I really just don't need a second vehicle. It all comes down to the price with these EV cars, unfortunately. Even with Tesla making more I wouldn't buy a car that is not mainstream yet with a network of readily available dealerships, service departments etc. Just me and how I feel. I drove the Rav4 EV for a better part of an afternoon and for someone who needs space (more than a leaf can offer for only $20k in 2013) and wants an EV it cannot be beat for around $34k after rebates.
With $10,000 from Toyota, $7500 from the Feds and $2500 from our state, at least in CA it ends up at a little under 30K with one caveat: ya gotta plug in it. It would make a perfect household car for those who are non-commuters or do not have long commutes. And, it's really little more than a regular Rav4 top end model with less "luxuries" but one plus: no gas needed. It's a win-win for the RIGHT buyers.
It has excellent acceleration 0-60 in under 7 seconds. It has many Tesla components at a Toyota price. Range is about 100 miles. Best to have a 240 volt outlet in the garage. Electric prices are much more stable than gas.
Is the federal and state incentive taken off at the point of sale or I have to wait for my tax returns?
Test drove one today. The drive is much more refined than most Toyota. This think is Lexus like in insulation. Minimal windshield noise on freeway, and wheel well is so insulated that most road bumps are hardly heard.
