[afriedma]

... if I pull the trigger on a 2019 Bolt LT. I leased a '12 Nissan Leaf for 3.5 years, and have leased a '16 Kia Soul EV for the last 3 years. I decided to lease because I was concerned about battery degradation, rapid technology advancement, and the attendant rapid vehicle value decline. I've been happy with both those vehicles, as well as the leasing decision. On both occasions, we got good lease deals on cars that were near the beginning of their offering.


I'm now ready for a longer-range EV, and had expected that there would be more choices by the time the Soul lease expired (yesterday actually, but Kia allowed us to extend the lease period for up to 6 more months). Right now, the Bolt is really one of the only long-range options available at a reasonable price. Hyundai, Kia and Nissan claim to have long-range cars coming, but so far, nothing in Washington State.

 

[cwerdna]

Hyundai, Kia and Nissan claim to have long-range cars coming, but so far, nothing in Washington State.

For Nissan, they claim the 62 kWh e+ Leaf will be available Spring 2019.

So, that should mean between March 20 and June 21st. My guess is it will be available on or shortly after April 1st, when tax credit on GM vehicles becomes $3750. Nissan has a awhile to go before they hit phaseout and start having their tax credit amount go down.

I can't speak to Niro EV and Kona EV but judging by Hyundai/Kia's track record w/the Ioniq EV in the US, I wouldn't hold your breath for it given that you're not in CA.

 

[Nook]

You could easily go to CA and get the vehicle you want there and drive/haul it back.
I looked into hauling and got quotes that was effectively $1/mile.
I'm not sure that you'll get much availability difference between now and 6 months. There's also good reason NOT to take a vehicle in its first (or last) model year, the former because the mfg hasn't really figured it out yet and the latter because the lower quality parts ship as good.
I am happy with my Bolt and I perceive that most others are too.
With leasing, you're giving up the $7500, assuming you're eligible, so buying now (with the rebate), and selling in 3 years may be cheaper than lease payments. Here (MN) used Bolts are going for more than new minus the credit - I can't say that will be the case in 3 years, but purchasing instead of leasing might be better than you thought.

 

[psyflyjohn]

I question the wisdom of going out of state to purchase an electric car. That would leave you with no dealer support - an important aspect of a car buying decision.

 

[marshallinwas]

Kia has stated that they plan to sell the Niro and new Soul EVs in Washington state. I wouldn't expect to see them discounted anytime soon. I've seen the Hyundai Kona EV is selling for over MSRP at some dealers. The Niro is suppose to ship anytime between now until the end of spring.



So it really boils down to price, performance and comfort. So it's up to you to choose the one that meets your needs.


I don't think there will be any problem servicing any of the Kia EVs in the Seattle area.

 

[redpoint5]

You loose warranty support if you take a car out of state?

 

[discodanman45]

Your only options in Washington for 2019 are the Bolt, Model 3, and a used Model S if you want a long range EV. I would say a used Tesla Model S is a better deal than a Model 3. I have seen them as low as $31,000 and they come with a two year warranty. The problem is all the new EV's will be in the CARB ZEV states at first and many of the EV's you are reading about won't even be nationally available. So if you don't live in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont good luck in getting a Kona EV.

 

[Coastal_Cruiser]

With leasing, you're giving up the $7500, assuming you're eligible

Keep in mind that Chevy is passing back part of the tax credit they receive to the lessee. At least in some states. In California they are currently passing back $3750 of the $7500 potential.

 

[cwerdna]

It is for me. Leased my first '13 Leaf SV w/both packages for 2 years. Bought a used '13 Leaf (built 5/2013) to replace it in July 2015. I still have it but will be selling it soon, when I find some time.


Bought a '19 Bolt Premier a few weeks ago. I plan for it to be my only car. There are no ICEVs in my household now, after having sold my Prius (my former "range extender").

 

[hatchy]

Keep in mind that Chevy is passing back part of the tax credit they receive to the lessee.

Exactly.. if you're not seeing this reflected in the numbers go to another dealer. I can only speak for CA but if you do it right its like leasing a 19k car. Try that with BMW Jaugar or Telsa...

Just type "charge!!! lease" in the google or duckduckgo.

 

[Coastal_Cruiser]

Exactly.. if you're not seeing this reflected in the numbers go to another dealer.

Also to add this.... the sales manager at my local CA dealer inferred that Chevy is making its decision as whether to pass back a portion of the tax credit, not on a dealer by dealer basis, but on a state by state basis. He suggested that if a state is offering a sizable rebate on EVs, then Chevy may not pass back any of the Fed tax credit it receives.

As a sidebar for those looking to purchase or lease a Bolt in California... the typical amount I've seen quoted for the CA EV rebate is $2500 for a pure EV. However, if your income is low enough, that number can go up. For example I am semi-retired so my income appears low. On that basis I qualified for $4500 from the state when I leased my Bolt last month. Just an FYI.

 

[marshallinwas]

There are plenty of BWW i3s on the lot today in Seattle.

 

[NY-Rob]

^ and for good reason

 

[cwerdna]

As a sidebar for those looking to purchase or lease a Bolt in California... the typical amount I've seen quoted for the CA EV rebate is $2500 for a pure EV. However, if your income is low enough, that number can go up. For example I am semi-retired so my income appears low. On that basis I qualified for $4500 from the state when I leased my Bolt last month. Just an FYI.

Yes, but if your income is too high, you're eligible for none. I'm in the (way) too high boat.

More details on the income limit and increased CVRP based on low income at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/income-eligibility.

Amounts by vehicle at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/eligible-vehicles.

 

[GregBrew]

Yes, but if your income is too high, you're eligible for none. I'm in the (way) too high boat.

More details on the income limit and increased CVRP based on low income at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/income-eligibility.

Amounts by vehicle at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/eligible-vehicles.

Yup. Also in CA, above a certain income level, you can get the rebate *or* the car-pool decals...but not both. That one almost got me. (A hazard of aggressive Roth conversions.)