this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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We just got our Leaf this week, now just waiting on the rebate to be processed. The plan is to replace our older hybrid with a longer range EV in the next five years, once more of them show up second hand.
You're right about the uncertainty, I wouldn't be putting my name down on a waitlisted EV right now if my purchase was depending on receiving the rebate. I do think some form of RUC is fair for EVs, but yeah making it less attractive to own a low emission vehicle combined with removing the rebate at the same time seems short sighted.
For us (and possibly many others), our decision at this point in time probably hinges a lot on the Rebate. Neither of us have bought a new car before, so it feels like quite an investment to make that (along with a few other factors) we could only really justify with the lower price.
Also, how are you liking your new Leaf? I did do a bit of looking into it recently as a potential option.
If you don't mind me asking, did you go for the Long Range package?, and why or why not?
Oops I wasn't too clear, but we got an imported second hand 2018 40kwh Leaf. We were tossing up between going for a new car (MG4) and going second hand. Decided it wasn't worth it even with full rebate right now for something we were planning to use just around town and for my partner to go to work. Our actual plan was to go second hand and get solar installed, which would have cost less than the new car. The roof maintenance issues threw a spanner into the works so we're not doing solar for now.
I've never bought a new car either and this is actually the most expensive car I've ever bought. Accounting for the rebate and selling the old ICE car, the Leaf cost us around $18.5k. When there are a more extended range second hand EV's for sale will be when we trade up the old hybrid.
We like the car a lot, but I will say if we only had one car the Leaf wouldn't be my first choice due to the lack of active battery cooling and battery degradation. As it stands the range on it for around town use will last us a long time even with degradation. It was advertised as 89% SOH and it still shows the full 12 bars. I'm just waiting on my ODBII dongle to arrive so I can check and monitor battery health.
Hmm, I think I might be in a similar spot to you. We don't really drive a ton, which makes me think again about a full EV. Met up with a few mates over the weekend who drive Toyota Hybrids, and made me think again. But then I hear about the horrible wait times for new cars, and how that's causing the 2nd hand market for some of these cars to skyrocket, it doesn't seem too bright out there...
Would also like to get Solar Panels, but if I do get them, I really like the idea of getting batteries as well, which obviously makes it soo much more expensive.
Do you guys have a second car or this would be your only one? I would probably go hybrid if it was my only one, unless you’re going for a brand new EV. It’s nice the fact you don’t have to rely on gas prices or go anywhere to “fill up” if you can charge at home.
Solar battery will be great if you can afford the upfront cost. I think initially we won’t be but will make sure the install is expandable later on
We currently have two cars, so it would be replacing one of them. Honestly with how little we drive, buying a decent second hand hybrid might be the best (most cost effective) way forward.
Yeah, exactly what we were thinking for solar as well. Make sure that everything is compatible with batteries if we wish to do so in the future.
If you plan on using it for long trips I would say so. Only downside in my view is that hybrids still have all the same basic service costs as a normal car. Still needs oil and filter, spark plugs etc. if you can do basic servicing yourself you can save even more. I do all of ours for our hybrid.
Hmm good point re/ servicing. With your Leaf, whats the servicing look like? There must be some unique stuff that needs to be done for EV's?
Well we've only just got it, but from my understanding it's just brakes, brake fluids, tyres, maybe cabin air filter? I guess you could count wipers and wiper fluid? There is no combustion engine, fuel system or transmission. General things like checking over suspension, wheel alignment, CV boots etc. But this is the same as any normal car.
Brake pads wear slower on hybrids and EV's due to using regen braking (if you don't have a lead foot). Only reason I've replaced the pads and rotors on our hybrid was the dealer stuck real cheap ones on that cracked and were noisy. There was still a ton of pad life left. Was also a learning experience for me to do it myself. You can buy cheaper, but quality parts from places like RockAuto too.
I think it boils down to EV = less interacting components, less servicing requirements, Hybrid = same as a petrol car.
For sure EVs should (longer term) have to pay RUC, since they aren't paying for roads through petrol tax.
But it's another way we can make low emissions vehicles more attractive, and if we are gonna hit our emissions targets we are going to need to do that.