So last year we spent something like $70K for solar plus batteries. It's nice not being dependent on the grid, and not feeling bad for running appliances often. But it'll take a lot of not paying $300/month electrical bills to make up for that expense... We are starting to consider cars again. I really do like the idea of using locally-sourced sunshine to get around, rather than oil shipped in (on literal ships!) from 2500+ miles away. And, since we sort of get the sunshine for "free", it would save on gasoline expenditures. I'm still leaning toward PHEV, though Da Boss has floated the idea of a BEV. I think I've been hit with enough anti-EV propaganda to be worried about not having the on-board propulsion, though. The only PHEVs I can see on the market right now are the Prius and the RAV4. Their EV-only range is a bit over 40 miles, which should be enough for most days. The RAV is comfortable enough, since I've been driving the CR-V for a few years now. The Prius is more cramped, but looks better and is more efficient. (Slightly longer range from less battery, I believe!) But I did drive the CRX for so many years, and it had worse headroom than the Prius does.... With a price tag in the low-to-mid $30Ks for the Prius and about $10K more for the RAV, it'll take a lot of weekly-ish $50 fillups to cover that cost. I'm indecisive and torn at this point. Or heck, do I just wait for the 718 Cayman BEV that is rumored for next year? -SoD
Where are you? Hawaii? Time to update your profile? It would be a shame to miss this opportunity to go full EV. The BZ is comparably priced and possibly less than the RAV4 plug-in. You'll not only save on gas, but also in the oil changes and other maintenance not required in an EV. If you like something smaller, consider the C-HR EV. Ok, that's my "good deed" for the day. I would be happy to help you with EV questions/answers. I'll be energy independent in a couple of months and will be sending lots of "free" energy to my neighbors who are suffering from increasing utility costs, as well as gas prices. Well, they'll still be paying the electric company, but my contribution should help keep the costs down by offloading the power company.
Heh, never thought about my profile info. Location changed to "A Rock in the Middle of the Ocean". (Good guess on the rock!) I'll look again at the BEV offerings...
Hi Dave: As an owner of a RAV4 HEV and my mom owning a RAV4 Prime, the Prime is one hell of a vehicle. The new generation offers higher safety functionality and of course a newer model year but finding them for a deal could be tough. For a millennial, the Prius PHEV looks good but for us older folks, getting into and out of it will quickly become a hinderance. I have not looked at the bZ's depreciation values vs a RAV4 Prime but I would use KBB.com and compare a 2023 retail retail purchase of either the RAV4 Prime vs bZ. If the Prime's depreciation is lower than the bZ including future 3 years of fuel at $4.00 per gallon, I would use that as my own preference. Good Luck Wayne
