I don't think it's being green; it's gas prices.

We got a good lease deal last year and I am leaning towards a new lease when this one is up. I will say, I love having an EV!

Also consider when you hope for Chinese cars to come to the US, what kind of economy and values you are supporting with your money.


Here is a gift link to today's WaPo article about BYD's expansion into Brazil.

https://wapo.st/4bkKLLF

"In May, following one of the most complex and politically sensitive investigations in its history, Brazil’s Public Labor Ministry accused Brazil BYD Auto and two of its Chinese labor contractors, China Jinjiang Construction Brazil and Tecmonta Intelligent Equipment Brazil, of “trafficking” manual laborers into the country and subjecting them to “conditions analogous to slavery”"

"The Chinese companies involved in the project have denied the slavery allegations and deemed them culturally insensitive."

In other words, terrible labor conditions are normal. Low prices come from somewhere.

I find it ironic that people who care about being green do not care about Chinese labor conditions, global environmental consequences of mining and stockpiling rare earth minerals, national security risks, or the hollowing out of American blue collar jobs which drives adverse political and economic conditions at home.

Anonymous wrote:The US automaker is stalling bcs the Trump admin and automakers are stupid. The question really is when the US starts allowing Chinese EVs in (and to some extent what European models get sold here). Not sure that will change much in the next 3 years but I would expect more developments over the next 10. Of course who knows if we’ll be at war with China by then.

Tl:dr do whichever— if you find a great lease deal take it, if you find a car you like buy it.

You will need a pro-China administration with no concern for national security interests.

https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/advisories/2025/02/commerce-finalizes-connected-vehicle-prohibitions

Lease. Not relevant anymore but you could also get the tax credit if you were above the income cap if you leased vs buy.

Buy used. They depreciate really fast. I have a used Ford Mach E and love it.

Lease. Transient technology where failure of battery components is catastrophic.

I leased mine-if all goes well, I can buy it at the end of the lease. I had my last car for 14 years and was nervous about being locked into an EV for as long as I usually keep cars. (It has been great-no problems.)

Definitely lease.

Lease - EVs are the only car that I strongly advocate leasing. Or if you purchase, make sure you only have the vehicle while under warranty. There are way fewer parts than an ICE vehicle, but if something major needs fixing out of warranty, it is way more expensive.

The US automaker is stalling bcs the Trump admin and automakers are stupid. The question really is when the US starts allowing Chinese EVs in (and to some extent what European models get sold here). Not sure that will change much in the next 3 years but I would expect more developments over the next 10. Of course who knows if we’ll be at war with China by then.

Tl:dr do whichever— if you find a great lease deal take it, if you find a car you like buy it.

Anonymous wrote:I can't speak to renting an EV, but I have had a Bolt for six years and love it. The acceleration on the electric cars even the basic Chevy models, is so smooth.

I have a Level 2 charger at home (the previous owner of my house put it in) which makes it super convenient.

We have had our Bolt for a little over 5 years and also love it.

I can't speak to renting an EV, but I have had a Bolt for six years and love it. The acceleration on the electric cars even the basic Chevy models, is so smooth.

I have a Level 2 charger at home (the previous owner of my house put it in) which makes it super convenient.

Lease

We need a second car, and are looking to go the EV route. Wondering if we should buy outright, or lease for 2 years, knowing the technology changes pretty quickly. Anybody have guidance? Anybody have favorite EVs we should check out? We're looking at Kia and Hyundai, but open to others. This is a very new area for us.