This summer my 2002 Chev Astro van turned over 350,000km. I’ve put 270K of those on it myself after buying it used in 2013 – for $7.500.
But what would someone like me know about the economics of driving?
Some electric car owners, especially those with earlier models, have been shocked to find out how much it costs to replace their batteries.
“I don’t understand why they make the battery so expensive when you have to change it,” Scarborough resident Phyllis Lau said, who owns a 2018 KIA Soul all-electric vehicle.
Lau’s electric SUV came with a warranty for the battery that covers 160,000 km, or eight years, whichever comes first.
The family said this year their vehicle clocked in more than 170,000 kilometres, which put them outside the warranty period when the battery failed.
When the vehicle wouldn’t work, Lau took it to her local dealership and was told it needed a battery replacement. With the new battery, labour and taxes, she said it would cost about $23,000.
Cute paperweight you got there.