Frustration with the auto industry!

[benjh1028]

I've been patiently waiting for the two vehicles I want - Lotus Emira and Ford F150 Lightning - for several years now. So yesterday I get an email from Ford saying "congratulations, time to order your F150 Lightning!". Lucky me. Since I put a deposit down on the Ford, the price has increased $14k, AND the $7,500 federal tax credit has disappeared. So, what was supposed to be a $65k truck (including tax credit) when I placed the deposit, is now $86k. I want to support the transition to EVs, but the financials just don't justify it.

I can accept the bugs/quirks that come with being an early adopter, but the changes in costs and the ever increasing waiting times have really frustrated me.

That's all my bitching for the day.

 

[Magma]

Great video below. Can I ask why you want to support the EV transition?

 

[benjh1028]

Great video below. Can I ask why you want to support the EV transition?

I've been involved in sustainability for over 20-years, and my day job includes private equity investing in the energy transition space. No, I'm not one of those green extremists and believe fossil fuels still play an important role (hence "transition") and still invest in hydrocarbon energy companies. My opinion is that the European energy market is a mess because they let an angry Swedish teen and a Russian dictator set their energy agenda....... I digress.

Additionally, I need a truck and the operational costs would be less with an electric vehicle - if they were priced competitively with the ICE versions. Other plusses include huge torque and instant acceleration. But doesn't make sense given the massive net price increase.

 

[Magma]

Great response @benjh1028 !!