Gandalf is too Woke.

More likely, Sons of Odin tattoos.

"Tesla was/is a liberal thing. No conservatives were buying any teslas."

Don't be a --------.

Anyone who likes a fast car can like a Tesla. For a lot of purchases that's as much a reason as saving money on gas.

A Tesla Model S io expensive that compared to a Camry you'll never save money on gas.

Tech bros love Tesla and big trucks too.

"but 17 seems to be okay?"

You have Aged Out to be one of those Formerly Knowledgeable People, who has succumbed to the Myth Of Non-Violence in your lust for an Orderly Society.

You believe the lie that the only legitimate means to effect change in society is through peaceful protest, working through the proper channels, with all the proper permits issued by the very State they are protesting.

Wait till you find out what your heroes the Founding Fathers blew up!

"Pretty sure they are a contender for trade about the time it's due for a battery replacement."

And the ICE analogue of that is the ol' Timing Belt.

"Many vehicles survive a timing belt break without a bent valve."

Battery failures also don't bend a valve! :)

"Buying an EV for cost benefits is a False Economy fallacy."

Pretty sure it depends on the EV... and the price of gas and electricity, and of course the handouts!