[sbierwagen]

The Model S is much, much, much simpler than a gasoline car.

  - No engine.
  - No fuel system.
  - No alternator, starter, or belts.
  - No oil.
  - Single speed transmission! No shifting, 
    no transmission fluid.
  - No fuel system.
  - Lower brake wear, thanks to regen braking.

The downside is that the battery costs ~$10,000 and has to be replaced every 8 years.

[Jabbles]

I imagine that in 8 years' time an equivalent battery will cost must less.