According to Pew Research, roughly 40% of Americans say they are likely to “seriously consider” an electric vehicle (EV) the next time they purchase a car. EVs are becoming more popular and could possibly overtake internal combustion engine vehicles in the near future. The subject of EVs has not escaped the gravity pull of polarization: the same survey showed that the opinion of electric vehicles skews along the lines of political affiliation, age, and location (with urban residents favoring EVs more than suburban or rural residents).
We noticed a spike in EV ownership among QCAN members at a recent meeting, and decided to ask our EV owners a little about their experience owning and using their EVs.
Congrats on getting an EV! What did you get?
Joe: Subaru Solterra
Julie: Nissan Leaf
Mike and Cyndy: Mitsubishi Outlander
Sarah: Nissan Leaf
What made now the right time to get an EV?
All: The price came down.
Most respondents mentioned that the combination of government rebates and price drops from the dealers brought these cars into an affordable range. This speaks volumes about the importance of state and federal governments’ ability to quicken the adoption of eco-friendly transportation.
What were your concerns before making this purchase?
Several people mentioned charging anxiety, and some felt that it was with good reason. Sarah mentioned that she was concerned about charging on trips and found that it was tricky as she feared. However Joe finds that charging has been way easier than he feared; he didn’t even know the seller would send him home with a charger that plugs into a wall outlet.
Julie had a preconceived notion that EVs were prohibitively expensive but was thrilled that her family was able to purchase the Nissan Leaf for about $21k after rebates.
Have you had any issues?
Joe and Sarah have both found charging in New Hampshire challenging; New Hampshire has roughly half as many charging stations as neighboring Maine and Vermont, and less than a tenth as many as Massachusetts, according to the US Department of Energy. Sarah mentioned the Nissan Leaf’s charging port is less common than some other vehicles.
Did you have EV car charging systems set up at your home?
All EVs come with a standard 120v charger that can plug directly into a standard home outlet. It would take about 48 hours for Joe’s car to fully charge his car with this “level 1” charger. A couple of our respondents had a “level 2” charger installed at their home, which can charge an all electric vehicle from empty to 80% in 4-10 hours. This costs $3-5,000 including parts and labor.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
There was unanimous agreement that driving an EV is enjoyable. Joe remarked that he has never enjoyed driving before, but he loves driving his EV.
“The driving experience is definitely more enjoyable than a gas car,” wrote Julie. “The pickup is amazing even though it’s a budget car. It’s quiet and clean. I also didn’t realize how much of a psychological lift I would feel from driving an EV! In the past I would feel a heaviness in my heart when I drove because I knew I was contributing climate-damaging gasses with every mile. Now that I’m driving an EV powered by renewable energy, my conscience feels much lighter.”
Sarah mentioned the fantastic acceleration and low maintenance. In the first nine months of ownership she has only needed a tire rotation.
Final thoughts:
Joe: This is where we are heading, the technology is reliable… try one out if you are concerned.
Mike and Cyndy: A plug-in hybrid gives you more peace of mind as far as recharging limitations. There is a positive sense of not adding (or adding less) to the carbon burden while you drive.
Julie: Electric vehicles are fun, affordable, and feel great to drive. I think there is a big momentum towards EVs so it will get easier as there are more folks driving them and the technology continues to improve. Be the change!
Sarah: Go for it! You may be worried about charging on the road when you go on that once- or twice-yearly trip hundreds of miles from home, and that’s a legitimate concern. You can still get an EV! When you want to go on a long trip, consider trading vehicles with a friend or family member for the week, or just rent a car. Use your EV for everything else.
Complete QCAN’s EV owners’ survey here!
Useful links
Quincy Climate Action Network 