When leasing makes sense
- Incentive pass-through — lessors may apply commercial clean-vehicle credits as lower monthly payments even when the purchase credit is complex for your tax situation.
- Technology turnover — if you want to swap into a longer-range or faster-charging model in 3 years, leasing limits depreciation risk.
- Business use — consult your accountant; leasing may simplify expensing.
Watch mileage caps (often 10k–15k/year) and wear charges. Excess mileage can erase lease savings.
When buying makes sense
- Long ownership horizon — keeping a car 7–10 years amortizes purchase cost and lets you benefit from low operating costs per mile.
- Tax credit eligibility — if you clearly qualify for the full federal (and state) purchase credit, buying can be substantially cheaper than lease payments reflect.
- Low depreciation models — some volume EVs hold value well; buying and selling later may beat lease economics.
Compare the numbers
Get an out-the-door quote for both paths on the same trim. Include incentives, money factor vs APR, and expected electricity vs fuel savings. Use our table to compare starting MSRP and $/mile of range across models before you negotiate.