Are PHEV more expensive to run than gas powered cars?

7 messages, Last post on Mar 05, 2008 at 12:07 PM

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#6 of 7 Re: Are PHEV more expensive to run than gas powered cars? [larsb] by tpe Mar 05, 2008 (9:45 am)
Replying to: larsb (Mar 05, 2008 7:23 am) You're right, buying a car is almost never a good financial investment. However if you are going to buy a car and compare all the costs of the models you are considering one will be the least bad investment. Making it a relatively good investment. The Volt will have no other car that it can be directly compared to but it will still be possible to come up with a ballpark figure for the price premium based upon other vehicles with similar utility and performance. My guess is that this will be over $5k, maybe closer to $10k. However I also believe that there will be tax credits worth around $3k. We'll see. Regardless if GM can deliver this vehicle at the end of 2010, which is their target, I think it will have tremendous initial success. Replies to this message: larsb (Mar 05, 2008 12:07 pm)
#7 of 7 Re: Are PHEV more expensive to run than gas powered cars? [tpe] by larsb Mar 05, 2008 (12:07 pm)
Replying to: tpe (Mar 05, 2008 9:45 am) I think the only thing you can successfully compare it to would be other EVs or PHEVs for sale at the same time. No other hybrid or diesel car will give you what an EV/PHEV will give you. It's a whole different class of vehicle. Comparing it to any other type of propulsion would be sheer speculation. It's not a premium at all - it's an "plug-in electric option." And, you cannot put a monetary value on the thrill and the emotion of being an "early adopter." Those owners of the first few hundred available Volts or MiEVs will be temporary superstars at home, at work, and in their social circle. That's an added benefit that most people enjoy.

#6 of 7: Re: Are PHEV more expensive to run than gas powered cars? [larsb] by tpe; Mar 05, 2008 (9:45 am)

Replying to: larsb (Mar 05, 2008 7:23 am)

You're right, buying a car is almost never a good financial investment. However if you are going to buy a car and compare all the costs of the models you are considering one will be the least bad investment. Making it a relatively good investment.

The Volt will have no other car that it can be directly compared to but it will still be possible to come up with a ballpark figure for the price premium based upon other vehicles with similar utility and performance. My guess is that this will be over $5k, maybe closer to $10k. However I also believe that there will be tax credits worth around $3k. We'll see. Regardless if GM can deliver this vehicle at the end of 2010, which is their target, I think it will have tremendous initial success.

larsb (Mar 05, 2008 12:07 pm)

#7 of 7: Re: Are PHEV more expensive to run than gas powered cars? [tpe] by larsb; Mar 05, 2008 (12:07 pm)

Replying to: tpe (Mar 05, 2008 9:45 am)

I think the only thing you can successfully compare it to would be other EVs or PHEVs for sale at the same time. No other hybrid or diesel car will give you what an EV/PHEV will give you. It's a whole different class of vehicle. Comparing it to any other type of propulsion would be sheer speculation.

It's not a premium at all - it's an "plug-in electric option."

And, you cannot put a monetary value on the thrill and the emotion of being an "early adopter." Those owners of the first few hundred available Volts or MiEVs will be temporary superstars at home, at work, and in their social circle. That's an added benefit that most people enjoy.