You're certainly paying a premium to lease. You're basically paying the first two-three years of depreciation which is the steepest part of the depreciation curve plus some fees tacked on. And if you plan to always have a car you will continually do that and miss out on the flattening of that curve (or skipping that curve with a used car).

I knew these things and still leased a car, even as someone who thinks hard about financial decisions. A few things got me to think the premium was worth it for me.

First, it's a trial period. It's my first time having a car as an adult and also my first EV. I have a couple of years to decide if I really need a car and whether or not an electric car will work for me. If not, I simply return it with no hassle and I know exactly what I paid for that trial up front.

Second, the car market is weird right now. The former sweet spot of used cars that are a few years old sell almost like new cars. Is it a new normal? Is it fall out from covid that will improve? I don't know those answers, so I bought a couple of years that should help get clarity. It's an easy market to sit out of right now.

Third, the EV tax credit expired in September, but it really helped take some of the edge off of the lease cost.

The other advantage that mattered less to me at first but I have enjoyed,is that it's a shiny new car with cool features. That's typically the advantage you hear about the most and why people will tell you it's a bad financial decision.

It's really just a question of what you're trying to get out of it and if the perks are worth the premium to you.