Most EV battery chemistries like being kept between 20 and 80% SOC, which means you are left with 120 usable miles. The extra capacity allows either for days when you can’t charge or a day when you need to drive a bit more. It is also needed for some headway when the battery does get degraded, cold days etc.
But you are right, the battery pack cost is still too high for a 10k, 200 mile car.
Most EV battery chemistries like being kept between 20 and 80% SOC, which means you are left with 120 usable miles. The extra capacity allows either for days when you can’t charge or a day when you need to drive a bit more. It is also needed for some headway when the battery does get degraded, cold days etc.
But you are right, the battery pack cost is still too high for a 10k, 200 mile car.