The Heavy-Duty Workhorse: Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 Review Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Vocheseleon earns from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For truck and SUV owners, the "holy grail" of tires is one that can haul a heavy load on Tuesday, survive a gravel worksite on Thursday, and provide a whisper-quiet highway ride for the family road trip on Saturday. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S (and its upgraded successor, the MS2 ) is the industry standard for this exact balance. Why This Specific Spec Matters: LT265/75R16 In the automotive world, the numbers on the sidewall tell the real story. The model we’re discussing today is a Load Range E (10-ply) tire. Here’s why that’s a "value-add" for your rig: Maximum Payload: With a load index of 123/120 , each tire can support up to 3,415 lbs . If you are towing a boat or hauling a camper, you need this reinfo...
Is an EV Truly More Cost-Effective in the Long Run? A Complete Breakdown
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming mainstream, but the big question remains: Are they genuinely cheaper to own over time?
The honest answer: it depends on how you drive, where you live, and how you charge.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
1. Higher Upfront Costs — But Falling Fast
EVs usually cost more than petrol or diesel cars at purchase.
This is mostly due to battery costs and new technology.
However, prices are dropping, and more affordable EVs are entering the market each year.
Depending on your country, you may also benefit from:
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Tax rebates
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Import duty reductions
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Government incentives
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Lower registration fees
These can significantly narrow the price gap.
2. Fuel Costs: Electricity vs. Petrol
This is where EVs usually shine.
A typical EV consumes 15–20 kWh per 100 km, which means:
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Home charging = very cheap per km
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Public DC fast charging = costlier but still competitive
In many regions, EV drivers save 40–70% on fuel compared to petrol/diesel.
Exception:
If you rely heavily on public fast chargers, savings may be much lower.
3. Maintenance: EVs Need Far Less
EVs have fewer moving parts and fewer things that can go wrong.
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No oil changes
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No spark plugs
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No fuel filters
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Reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking
This results in 30–50% lower maintenance costs over the car’s lifetime.
4. Battery Longevity & Replacement Costs
Modern EV batteries are designed to last 8–15 years, and most come with an 8-year warranty.
Battery degradation is slow — around 1–3% per year under normal use.
Do batteries need replacing?
Rarely.
It’s increasingly uncommon for an owner to pay for a full battery replacement.
5. Resale Value: Getting Stronger Every Year
EV resale values are rising because:
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Battery technology is improving
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Buyers trust EV longevity more
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Used EV markets are expanding
That said, resale value still depends on:
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Brand reputation
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Battery health
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Warranty status
6. Your Driving Habits Matter Most
Here’s the biggest factor many people overlook:
EVs save more money long-term if you:
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Drive 10,000–20,000+ km/year
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Mostly charge at home
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Have affordable electricity
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Keep your vehicle for several years
EVs may NOT be cost-effective if you:
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Drive under 8,000 km/year
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Depend on public fast chargers
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Plan to sell within 2–3 years
The more you drive, the greater the savings.
7. Long-Term Ownership: The EV Advantage
Over 5–10 years, EVs typically deliver:
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Lower fuel spending
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Reduced maintenance
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Higher reliability
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Fewer mechanical failures
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Lower environmental impact
Even with higher purchase prices, the total cost of ownership (TCO) often favors EVs.
Final Verdict: Is an EV Truly More Cost-Effective?
Yes — for most drivers who:
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Cover moderate to high annual mileage
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Can charge at home
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Keep their cars for years
No — if you:
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Rarely drive
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Only use public fast chargers
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Swap cars frequently
Ultimately, EVs can save you money, but the savings depend heavily on your lifestyle.
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