EV terms, in plain English
Drive-away vs list price
The advertised price isn’t always the amount you’ll actually pay. Make sure you’re comparing EVs on the same basis.
A manufacturer’s list price — sometimes shown as Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price (MRLP) — is the price of the vehicle before some on-road costs are added.
Drive-away pricing is much closer to the number that matters: what it should cost to register the car and drive it away.
Depending on the vehicle and where you live, the difference can include registration, compulsory insurance, stamp duty and other on-road charges.
Optional paint, accessories and dealer-added items can increase the final price further, while manufacturer or dealer promotions can reduce it.
Why it matters: a $59,990 EV isn’t necessarily cheaper than a competitor advertised at $61,990 if one price is before on-road costs and the other is drive-away.
Where possible, ShortlistEV uses indicative drive-away pricing to give you a more realistic comparison. Always confirm the final price before purchasing.
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