EV Arbitrage: Selling my Mach E

[BadgerGreg]

Although I eventually decided to sell my Mach E, it wasn't just about the vehicle and its reliability (yes, I've been stranded twice with HVBJB issues, but I still love to drive this car). It is more about the market opportunities for EVs and my ability to take advantage of arbitrage (buying and selling assets in different markets to make money). I previously thought about upgrading to the GTPE, but the wait time and likely expiration of Ford's EV tax credit by early next year make that a little less appealing.

So, this leaves me with a unique opportunity for my MME. I'm 24,000 miles in, and the MME is in very good condition, other than a few rock chips on the leading edge. I have three offers (Carvana, Carmax, and Driveway) ranging from $50,000 to $56,500. Assuming I am able to close on the $56,500 offer in the next week, I will sell the MME for about $1,500 less than my out-the-door cost (including tax). Given that I got the $7,500 tax credit, I'm $6,000 ahead. Even after factoring in electricity (operating) costs, which work out to about $1,000 in home electricity and EA charges, I'm $5,000 ahead. In short, I was paid $0.21 a mile to drive this car during the last 13+ months. Not bad!

Next week, I'm taking delivery of an unclaimed BMW i4 M50 order. My local dealership only sells to local customers and is giving me MSRP; the sticker on that car is about $70,000. BMW hasn't come close to burning through their EV tax credit quantity, so I'll get another $7,500 tax credit. This is my alternative to the MME GTPE. It's a similarly-spec'd car for a similar price. What makes it ideal is that I can get the car now and get the tax credit.

I know this market won't last, but I'm loving the fact that I can get two new cars in two years, have zero cost in year one (in fact, make money), and get $15,000 in tax credits. Arbitrage, indeed.

I'm gonna hang out on this forum because my wife wants a Mach E; we'll probably order a 2023 later this year (still staying loyal to the brand, has her dad was a Ford engineer). However, I think we'll get her the Premium AWD (not the GT), because I want to beat her off the line

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[Electric Goat]

However, I think we'll get her the Premium AWD (not the GT), because I want to beat her off the line

BMW = Beat My Wife

oof ... now you won't be able to un-see that acronym every time you look at the badge on the car.

You're welcome.

 

[Petey]

I have one better for you....

I ordered a MME in Oct, and I knew I had to have a new car this month. The MME was delayed and delayed again, it is now scheduled to be built mid July and delivery I am guessing in Sept.

So in March I knew the MME would not arrive on time and I picked up an EV6, and have really been enjoying it. I have seen a car like mine with twice as many miles go for 10k over MSRP.

I could end up with two EV tax credits, get paid more than what I paid for the EV6 to sell it.... I could end up with a new MME for a net price around 25-30k less than retail. (State of CO has a 2500 rebate to boot)

 

[Cm12]

I have one better for you....

I ordered a MME in Oct, and I knew I had to have a new car this month. The MME was delayed and delayed again, it is now scheduled to be built mid July and delivery I am guessing in Sept.

So in March I knew the MME would not arrive on time and I picked up an EV6, and have really been enjoying it. I have seen a car like mine with twice as many miles go for 10k over MSRP.

I could end up with two EV tax credits, get paid more than what I paid for the EV6 to sell it.... I could end up with a new MME for a net price around 25-30k less than retail. (State of CO has a 2500 rebate to boot)

Go for it! That’s how I ended up with 2 Mach E’s, and I’m keeping the 2nd for the foreseeable future. Allowed me to finally pay off my private student loans!

 

[BadgerGreg]

As long as oil hangs out above $100/barrel and until battery and car production woes get ironed out, this party will go on for awhile. Ride the wave!

 

[JoeDimwit]

BMW = Beat My Wife

oof ... now you won't be able to un-see that acronym every time you look at the badge on the car.

You're welcome.

But, but, but… I don’t even know your wife.

 

[chrisGT]

Please come back with a full reviews of the i4 m50
I think it is a nice car if you don't carry people in the rear seat.

 

[Mach1E]

Sure it is. OP called it “EV arbitrage.”

Selling one EV for a profit while buying another at a discount. Sounds like arbitrage to me!

“Arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale of the same asset in different markets in order to profit from tiny differences in the asset's listed price.”

MSRP would be the listed price and the $7500 credit creates the arbitrage.

 

[voxel]

I think Nissan and then BMW will be next to hit 200K in early 2023 after Toyota and Ford this year.

BMW includes the electric MINI and all the I-Whatever electrics they have shipping now.

Enjoy the credits and high used resale values while they last.

 

[Straight2VHS]

Right there with you. I got a GTPE back in October paying MSRP before any price increases, got the tax credit, $2k from the state, and another $1,500 in a CA EV rebate at time of purchase. I'm about to get my early reservation Lightning Lariat in a few weeks and plan to sell that for close to $30k over what I'm paying with another tax credit coming into play. Yes, these are good times for people who can plan ahead a little anticipating the market. If you plan it out well, there is no reason why your final ride cannot be free in the end.

 

[generaltso]

I'm about to get my early reservation Lightning Lariat in a few weeks and plan to sell that for close to $30k over what I'm paying with another tax credit coming into play.

Did you ask your dealer if they’re going to make you sign the no resale clause that Ford is supporting?

 

[BigMach-E]

It's great that some can work this out like this. Being that I am single, with a single car at this time, and I could barely squeeze to get mine with 2250 off lot, and I had to finance, I can't do this sort of thing. I need a car to get to work. It might come out as a wash for having the car for a year, but I would be out of a car, and I got a good interest rate. I'm just going to keep paying this car off, keep it for the long haul. Plus, I went through the HVJBC/BECM fiasco, and the windshield reseal, I'll be damned if someone else will be getting my car when I got (hopefully) all the problems sorted out.

 

[MachTee]

I'm surprise BMW isn't close to running out of the tax credit. They've seen selling EVs and PHEVs for many years.

I tried to get a quote from Carvana earlier this week but it wouldn't give an offer, says I gotta create an account and some other steps need to be taken.

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