Here's what happens when your Tesla Roadster (or any EV) reaches the end of battery life
Tesla recently lowered the price of some models.
Never looked at prices on a Tesla, always heard $100K+. Looks like the Model 3 RWD basic model is less than $40K and currently has a $7,500 tax credit. I did have to laugh at the "30-Day Premium Connectivity Trial" and the $6K for enhanced auto pilot or $12K for self driving. Ouch. But I wouldn't count that as part of the price.
And be careful of the tax credit, that will probably go away at some point.
The performance version is more like $50K, and the Model S is $80K+.
With an estimated 272 range, it could almost work. Assuming that number is accurate.
Seems like all cars and trucks are stupid expensive. Dealers are charging thousands of dollars over list price. And some tojota dealers are charging 60,000$ for a RAG 4 small station wagon that lists for $44,000. They call it a 'market adjustment'.
No argument there, car prices are getting out of hand.
I do find it interesting that at the same time ICE cars are getting more expensive, Tesla models are getting less expensive. But that's a conversation for a different board.
Either way, no idea what I would do if I needed to buy another car.
Didn't feel bad before. Just pointing out the flaw in the missing initial purchase price of the vehicle.
Your example of a Model S is roughly $80K to buy, compared to a Challenger R/T at say $42K. With those numbers, your savings of $6,600 for replacing a battery instead of buying fuel has become a loss of $31,400. So purchase price can have a significant impact.
Certainly the Model 3 option changes the math, but you referenced a Model S. And a Model 3 Performance makes the math a wash.
Don't forget to add in the cost of the "subscriptions" what ever model Tesla you buy carries with it.
And you still ignored the potential that in 12 years when your battery won't hold a charge, there may not be a battery to replace it with. That's what started this whole thread, people with Tesla Roadsters not being able to buy a new battery. But I am sure there will be knock off batteries available, much like the glut of less than adequate laptop batteries that are no better if not worse than the worn out ones they replace. That sounds like a fun fix.