Why are electric cars so expensive?

I'm considering buying a Nissan Leaf. There's an attractive offer on at the moment. Are they good value? Why are they so expensive? Surely there are fewer components.

Asked on 19 August 2017 by Nigel Kirton

Answered by Honest John
The cost is in the very expensive batteries. Better to buy the car at a lower price and to lease the battery. Then, when it starts to lose capacity, Nissan has to replace it.
Similar questions
Thinking about buying a small electric car for my wife. She does mainly local trips, shopping, visiting friends, absolute maximum 70 - 80 miles in a day. I know new electric cars are expensive and suffer...
We currently have a Honda Jazz CVT. My my wife, who has limited mobility, really likes it. However, we feel that with the type of motoring that we do, journeys up to about 25 miles from home, that an electric...
I've recently seen you advise using Shell V- Power because it improves performance and mpg. We don't have a Shell garage here, but we do have a Tesco station which sells their premium brand, Momentum,...
Related models
An affordable mainstream electric car, practical and well-equipped, range extended to 155 miles with optional 30kWh battery from September 2015.