No doubt battery costs have to be factored into long term costs of an electric vehicle. The leaf battery is about 5000 bucks so if it needs to be replaced after 10 years it would add 500 dollars to the annual operating costs. Having said that the required range of most EV users is still in the 20 to 40 mile range so more than likely the battery would not have to be replaced even with the 20 percent degradation expected after 10 years.
Brakes, it depends on the EV I suppose but most of the braking is done by regenerative braking on most if not all EV's. Ev maintenance is less and thats documented. Hoses, belts. air filters, fuel filters, oil filers, various oils, PCV valves etc etc. Typically the EV driver tops up his washer fluid once or twice a year and that is it. I have a hepa air filter for the cab that should be changed every couple years but that has nothing to do with it being an EV. I don't think people should use blanket statements when talking either EV or ICE vehicles. The EV is very good at what it does when used as a commuter. If you only have one vehicle and you need to regularly travel long distances, then the EV, at least right now is not the right vehicle for you. Our EV was 18000 plus tax and yes there were some incentives in there. But thats the way it is, from the point of view of my wallet that makes it a very economical alternative to the ICE equivalent FOR MY SITUATION. Maybe not the next person but for us its awesome. There is also the fun factor, its simply hard to beat the EV driving experience...at least for me...and everybody that has got behind the wheel of our little EV convertible. Of course, every is different. Bottom line, its not an ICE vehicle and doesn't do what they do, it is very good though at what it was designed to do.
JMHO
