About the time the Yugo came it at $3995. That too might have made more of an impact had the country manufacturing it not imploded. They had a 4 door hatchback model ready to go at the time everything fell apart.
I agree with you that the strategy is similar. Just look at all the free...
It depends on the cost of electricity where you live if you are charging at home. Public access chargers vary greatly, some being free, some being free for an hour or two, some having crazy expensive costs either by kWh or time. You can look on PlugShare app in your area to get a feel for it...