“2. How long do the batteries last before needing to be replaced?”
My friend who owned a 2014 Model S was still getting 80% charge when he traded it in on a new model last year. Replacement would be in the $5,000 to $7,000 range. Don’t fall for the “$22,000” story that’s floating around, that is in Finland and must be from taxes.
Others might quibble with your cost number
https://www.currentautomotive.com/how-much-does-a-tesla-model-3-battery-replacement-cost/
Did your friend tell you how long it took to recharge after he drove on a long trip? In other words, take a 1000 mile trip. 4 stops for charges would take how long for each charge? I can’t get a straight answer from anyone. Maybe electrics would be OK for ‘around town’, but long trips would still be better with gasoline.
Here is what I have found out from one article:
Which Really Costs More: Charging an EV or Filling Up Your Tank With Gas? https://finance.yahoo.com/news/really-costs-more-charging-ev-232722262.html
20 hours for a slow charge from a level 1 charger that costs $600? Does that sound reasonable?