411
Cars are like horses: people will soon realise EVs are just better, claims VW boss
(www.autoexpress.co.uk)
this post was submitted on 05 Jun 2026
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That's what I think. EVs aren't functionally equivalent to ICE cars yet - most of them can't go as far between fillups, and they take longer to fill up. Those are steadily improving. But the cost benefits are there. Back in 2013 when I bought my Leaf I went from spending $1800/year on gas to $300/year on electricity, and in 12 years my only maintenance costs were windshield wiper blades and a set of tires - which I would have needed with a gas car. But no oil changes, tuneups, no filters, belts or hoses, no spark plugs. No radiator problems, starter problems, pump replacements. I mean it's almost like not having a car at all, except you have a car.
My only gripe with EVs is repairability, and the inevitable enshittification of their software, and all the issue that spun from it, like ads and what not. Heck we can't even have a decent "open source" friendly phone, let alone EV. This will become a major issue unless well regulated and I hope the EU steps up. I wish we can have a mechanical, open-source EV.
Don't worry, they enshittify software in cars that have an ICE under the hood too.
The difference is (as long as its not self-driving) EVs are stupidly simple devices. They have less technology than smart phones. It would be great to have regulation to force standardization and open-source firmware, but genuinely we already have plenty of software and controllers capable of fully handling any EV, VESC being the most popular example of this.
And yes that controller both handles electric aircraft and RC cars. Because EVs don't really differ from the model scale to the extremely large scale.
I had my 2013 Leaf for 12 years and nothing got enshittified, if that's any comfort.
I think the problems tend to be overplayed. For most people the BEV is as good as the ICE vehicle. They have a range in excess of 300km with most above 400km, further for city driving. Charging is at night so it is only those longer trips where charging is more inconvenient. I’ve modified my hasty lifestyle a bit to actually enjoy a coffee while charging on those few trips to the big smoke.
Default assumptions of home ownership
Sadly you do need somewhere to plug it in.
I tried to get my job to setup outlets. I just wanted a 120V regular plug. Anything helps when your car is just sitting there. They said no. I told a Doc who had just bought an EV they won't even tap in to the existing light wiring to add 120V. 3 months later 12 spots with level 2 charging. Since i work 12hr shifts, I try to space my days so I can charge up for free and won't need a charge for a day or 2 depending on how much I drive.
I also carry an extension cord and park near an outlet on those rare occasions I eat out. No one cares. Maybe management, but its " I'm sorry.i didn't know I couldn't do that." Act embarrassed pay for my meal and quickly leave. It's like siphoning gas out of company vehicles. Fuck em.
That sounds like a success story. Wait til you hear about your battery died one week after the warranty expired ... Fun times
Is your usual source for things pulling them out of your arse?
He saved more money than the battery replacement will cost.
By the time a battery pack will die (outside of warranty), you will have paid for on an ICE car (according to manufacturer recommendations and warranty):
35 oil changes
At least 2x drive belt
At least 2x transmission fluid replacement
At least 2x full vehicle brakepad/rotor sets
At least 7 fuel filters
At least 1 fuel pump
At least 1 alternator
At least 2x timing belt
At least 2x water pumps
Assuming you have the capability to do all that yourself, and the tools, that's still more than the difference in cost for purchase price of the ev vs ice vehicle.
Add in the fact electricity will always be cheaper than the same amount of fuel, and you easily save more than enough for the next battery pack that'll last another 8 years or 175k miles.
I'll say $2700 on the oil changes. Two accessory drive belts are like $30. $160 for a couple drain and fills, with pan gasket and filter, for my transmission. $240 for front pads and rotors, twice. For posterity I'll add $300 for complete rebuild of the rear brakes (drums, shoes, springs, tensioners, cable, bell cranks, cylinders). I'm at almost 190k miles with no fuel issues so I question that fuel filter figure, but $105 for 7 filters. $110 for the pump I've yet to need. Could be cheaper but I go with Denso since they make most of the OE stuff. $125 for the alternator (also yet to need). $400 for two AISIN timing belt/water pump kits, because they should be done at the same interval. Napkin math, erring toward our current gas prices rather than the cheaper past, $33,250 on that 190k miles. I bought used for $10,000, so I'm not even on the hook for all 190k, but we'll say I'm all in for $47,420, still running strong and owner serviceable. All maintenance being done myself. Substantially increase the figure if you're paying a shop.
A used 2022 Leaf with 17k is gonna run me $15,000 (just lazily searching for "inexpensive reliable EVs" and seeing what pops up in my area). I'll have four years or 83k of warranty left on the battery. Middle of the road - $1,500 to have a charger installed at home. I'm estimating $7,000 in electricity based on driving habits and local rates (and assuming those rates won't increase). Add the low-ball figure of $7,500 for an out of warranty battery replacement, which I'm seeing will probably be needed (or at least wanted, due to degradation) by around 150k. $31,000 "all in."
$47,420 vs $31,000 for the same 190k miles.
The Leaf will also need pads/rotors and it has some of its own fluids that require changing. Mine needs plugs and coils, the occasional sensor, etc. Both need brake fluid flushes but no sense factoring that in for one and not the other. The difference isn't small, $16.4k is nothing to scoff at, but I'm also comparing operating and servicing my 22 year old Tundra against a 4 year old electric car. I bet the gap closes even more if I had something like an old Corolla with better mpg going toe to toe. Hell, that'd probably cut my gas expenditure nearly in half, nevermind potentially cheaper parts for a car vs a truck.
Not sure what my point is but that list compelled me to actually math it out. I'm keen for corrections or other insights. Maybe a Leaf was a poor choice, but I'm poor too and not buying new so I glanced at "affordable" used listings nearby and it's what I found. Even if I could buy new, given current offerings I can't say I'd want to, neither EV nor ICE. Micro transactions, rolling data mines, the erosion of ownership... Until things get better (wishful thinking), fuck the whole lot. I'm mid life and inching towards my cranky old man arc; the next generation can own nothing and be happy if they don't start resisting it.
Not sure I follow your intent of the post. Please allow Me to give some background. The battery has a good chance of dying early, even after the warranty period. Which makes the average cost of the car very expensive
Nah,
You're making shit up
Again