Long-term cost savings

[Elise]

Taking into account battery degradation, if my goal is long-term cost savings, is choosing an electric vehicle such as i4 a wise decision compared to traditional combustion engine cars?

 

[Henry]

When factoring in potential battery degradation, I think opting for an electric vehicle for long-term cost savings can be a smart choice compared to traditional cars. The efficiency and lower maintenance costs of EVs may contribute to overall savings.

 

[Gotolondon]

Everybody has a different definition of long term. My idea of keeping a car long term may be five years. I did keep my NSX for 20 years, but that was a different animal altogether.
I have kept my i3 since 2016 because it has low miles and still drives like a new car. My wife loves the thing.
@Henry has a valid point to also consider. I have not had to take my i4 to the dealership since I picked it up. That is the first time that has ever happened. The first service interval for the i4 is at the two year mark - Crazy!
What you have also perhaps not taken to account is the way an electric vehicle performs. It is a vastly different experience than in an ICE. It is quieter, smoother, and a lot less stressful to drive than in an ICE. I can drive eight or nine hundred miles and not be tired or on edge when I arrive. This is mainly because I let the car do most of the work. - I have the Pro Driving option and I cannot recommend that option highly enough. It works beautifully in both city and highway driving.
I get in my car and it is like having free time to myself as it is almost relaxing and i crank the music. It does take a bit of getting used to, having the car drive by itself. But it works very well and the car is paying attention 100% of the time whereas when I am controlling it I am not.
Just some other things to consider.
For what is worth, having owned a few electric vehicles now, I can truly say that I do not want another ICE vehicle. They just aren't as good. When the prices are on a level playing field, I cannot see anyone choosing and ICE over an EV unless for nostalgia sake.

 

[Elise]

Thank you Guys. Your insights are truly enlightening. My concept of cost savings was too simplistic, primarily focusing on the escalating fuel costs, and I didn't consider all those impressive features that electric vehicles offer, as highlighted in your responses.

 

[FSmith]

Is that Pro Driving where it acts like cruise control but more?

 

[Henry]

Is that Pro Driving where it acts like cruise control but more?

Yes, Pro Driving is an advanced feature that goes beyond traditional cruise control. It includes additional capabilities for a more sophisticated driving experience.

 

[mz3boy]

I've owned three i3 since 2013 and bought the i4 august 2022 and now have 18,000 miles on it. we save $7500 in US Fed credit and on the first two i3's WA state didn't charge tax or license fees, so another $4000, add $4000 in gas each of the last ten years and hardly any maintenance AND that we would have spent $60,000 on new cars anyway. we are way ahead, like $50k over ten years.
I still have a Range Rover and F150 and a company truck that are all ICE, the wife drives the EV exclusively and loves them.

 

[Juan Cruz]

I've owned three i3 since 2013 and bought the i4 august 2022 and now have 18,000 miles on it. we save $7500 in US Fed credit and on the first two i3's WA state didn't charge tax or license fees, so another $4000, add $4000 in gas each of the last ten years and hardly any maintenance AND that we would have spent $60,000 on new cars anyway. we are way ahead, like $50k over ten years.
I still have a Range Rover and F150 and a company truck that are all ICE, the wife drives the EV exclusively and loves them.

Sounds like you've had a great experience with BMW EVs. Your savings over the years are impressive.