Originally Posted by Newbsauce

300 MPG vs 25 mpg (93 miata or average commuter). 15k miles a year. I took out maintenance/car payment interest/ depreciation as factors. I am assuming an outright purchase @ 27k for the electric car. The normal buyer probably will have an interest rate associate with the purchase.
Total Costs

Ugly car: 50 gallons of gas ($200/year @ $4 gal)
Y1 = 27200 (car + gas)
Y2 = 27400 (etc.)

93 Miata: 600 gallons of gas a year ($2,400/year @ $4 gal)
Year 1 = 5400 (3k car+ 2400 gas)
Y2= 7800
....
y10= 27000
Y11= 29400

In summary, you would need to own/drive the electric car over 10 years to make it cost efficient. Once passed the 10 year threshold you will realize a savings of 2,200 a year.

Originally Posted by Hybrid AWD

You would get a tax break also I believe. I guess you have to look at it this way:

Buy an old full gasoline car, or a new hybrid with a warranty that gets the same if not better gas mileage. I hate it when the comparison of a 1985 honda vs. a 2008 hybrid is compared. Apples and oranges in my opinion. Gas dependant, almost gas independant.