VOLUME 2 - ISSUE 13: June 17, 2024

Hey there, it's Thanasi Chalkiadakis, your friendly automotive content creator. I'm a car fanatic with over 4 years of experience in automotive reviews and in-depth videos on my YouTube channel @MoneyShift. Today’s topic? Electric vehicles.

If you're considering joining the ranks of electric vehicle ownership, you've picked a great time to do it! Modern EVs are comfortable, packed with tech, and their cost of ownership is lower than their internal combustion engine counterparts (and that doesn’t even touch on the environmental benefits). But, here's the tough question… should you buy or lease an EV? As someone passionate about cars who loves staying up-to-date on the latest trends, I'm here to tell you that leasing an EV is the way to go.

First, let's talk about depreciation. 

EVs depreciate like stones! Depreciation is when the price of a vehicle goes down year over year as it gets ‘used up.’ Some cars with perceived long lives depreciate minimally; for example, the Toyota 4Runner. Many rightly believe they'll run forever, leading to very low annual decreases in value. It's not uncommon to see the price of used 4Runners rival that of new ones. However, if you buy an EV and decide to sell it just a few years later, you'll likely take a significant hit on the resale value. Take the super popular Tesla Model 3 RWD, the base model. If you purchased that car new, you were paying roughly $45,000 in total. Just 2 years and 28,000 miles later, that Model 3 is now worth $25,000. So, while an SUV like the 4Runner might only lose $1-2,000 in value, the Tesla dropped sharply in comparison. Depreciation is expected, but a $20,000 reduction on a recently purchased car is tough. However, if you lease, you can avoid this financial strain and simply return the vehicle when the lease ends, no hassle, no stress.

Next, technology in the EV world moves at lightning speed. 

Just five years ago, 250 miles of range and one-hour charging times were the norm. Year by year, spurred by high demand, cars continued to evolve. Competition ensured that what was standard for range, charging speed, and features in 2020 became old news by 2024. This is evident in the wide variety of electric vehicles on the road today. We now see cars with over 400 miles of range and charging times cut in half. Leasing allows you to take advantage of these advancements without being stuck with an outdated model.

Finally, let's talk pricing.

Thanks to federal and local incentives, leasing an EV can be cheaper than buying a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla! You can drive a brand-new, cutting-edge EV for pennies on the dollar. This part can be a little confusing, so let’s break it down. EVs qualify for federal and state tax savings applied at the point of sale. If you purchase instead of lease, the car must largely be assembled in the USA to qualify for these incentives, limiting the options available. However, there’s a loophole: leasing. When you lease, federal and state tax incentives can apply, giving you a broader range of options. Whether it's a $200 per month lease on a $50,000 Lexus EV or a $45,000 Tesla Model 3 for $299, these options wouldn’t be available without the leasing loophole.

With leasing, you can enjoy the latest and greatest EV technology without breaking the bank. Plus, with the constant influx of new models and innovations, and software updates you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Want a sleek and sporty EV like the Tesla Model 3? Or perhaps a family-friendly SUV like the Kia EV9? Whatever your heart desires, there's an EV out there for you.

And let's not forget about the environmental benefits. With zero tailpipe emissions and a significantly lower carbon footprint due to efficient energy use, EVs are the perfect choice for those looking to reduce their impact on the planet.

So, what are you waiting for? Now is a great time to drive an EV! With plenty of options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect vehicle to fit your lifestyle. And with leasing, you can enjoy the benefits of EV ownership without the long-term commitment. So, go ahead and take the plunge – your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

You can find Thanasi creating car related content on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

SHOPPING

Clothing

Réalisation Par - Carrie Dress

Fanci Club - Savannah Lace Up Corset

L’Academie - White Silk Pants (FYI — sizes restock sporadically)

ME + EM - Slub Jersey Halterneck Maxi Dress

Coperni - Emoji metal-embellished cotton tank top

Shoes

Mango - Leather Sandal with Knitted Flower Heel

New Balance - 2002R Bryant Giles What Now? (Unisex)

Accessories & Bags 

Pared - Square Sunglasses

Kiaura Eyewear - Noguchi

NEOUS - Black Corvus Saddle Bag

FOOD

EUROPE

Barcelona, ES - Bloome by Sasha

USA

Los Angeles, CA - White Elephant

Los Angeles, CA - Seoulmates

Los Angeles, CA - Loose Leaf Boba

Los Angeles, CA - Catch Steak

Recommendations I’ll Share 

AUSTRALIA

Sydney, New South Wales, AUS - Bar Lucia

USA

Washington,DC - Ellē

READING

Books

Real Americans by Rachel Khong 

I devoured this book and could have read it in a day but I have a job. Three different perspectives but collectively one of the same as the protagonists are related. It involves science, family, and a story of wanting better for the next generation no matter the costs. There is also a touch of people with regrets and wondering what if they had chosen a different path to take instead of the one they currently walk.

Articles

NBC News - Who Tried to Steal Graceland

Los Angeles Times - News Analysis: ‘Bad Boys’ proves Black and Latino audiences could save Hollywood — if it lets them

Hollywood Reporter - Hollywood Forfeits Up to $30B Every Year Because of Racial Inequity

New York Times Magazine - Is That Drink Worth It to You

New York Times - Supreme Court’s Leisurely Pace Will Produce Pileup of Late June Rulings

FYI in case you didn’t know use archive.org if you need help reading 🙂 

FUN

Going Out

EUROPE

Barcelona, ES - Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals

London, ENG - BST Hyde Park

USA

Los Angeles, CA - Jazz at LACMA

Los Angeles, CA - Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival

Washington, DC - Broccoli City Festival

New York City, NY - Shakespeare in the Parks

Staying In

Movies 

In Good Hands 2 (Netflix) - Sequel to In Good Hands. It’s a peak into the life of Can and Firat, now that they know each other. I can’t say more otherwise will spoil the first movie. Both movies remind me of movies in 2000s where people are living their lives and how they overcome obstacles etc  — FYI movie is in Turkish

TV

Lovely Runner (Viki) - This is a fantasy romance where a woman goes back in time 15 years to save someone she admires for what he said to her at the lowest point in her life, after his life tragically ends. They wind up falling in love while she is time traveling in both the past and present — FYI series is in Korean

Geek Girl (Netflix) - Cute and fluffy teen show about a geeky girl who is scouted and becomes a model while overcoming her anxiety and finding her self worth.

Gilded Age (HBO/Max) - I feel remiss that I haven’t mentioned this show yet. It’s a great show that takes place during the Gilded Age in New York City. Although prominent families like the Vanderbilts are not directly mentioned; they are inspiration for the characters narratives in the show. If you enjoy Bridgerton or Downton Abbey this is for you.

Tokyo Vice (HBO/Max) - Really enjoyed this show although I hesitated for awhile before watching. It’s an interesting look at the underworld/floating world involving the interconnectedness between Tokyo law enforcement, yakuza, a major newspaper and host/hostess club. BTW the American characters you want to punch in the face until like the last two episodes of the series.  — FYI series in Japanese most of the time