Chapter 1: Transitioning to Electric Vehicles

About a year and a half ago, I made the shift to driving an electric vehicle (EV). While I won’t disclose the specific make or model, this article focuses on my experiences using the EV as both a daily commuter and a weekend family car. To provide a realistic perspective, I’ll mention the approximate cost; the EV I purchased was close to the average price for new vehicles, which, according to Kelley Blue Book, was about $38,747 in January 2020. I was able to take advantage of a minor tax credit, as I signed my contract in December 2019, just before the significant reductions in federal tax credits for that vehicle model.

Prior to my transition, I drove a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser. This vehicle had served me well, boasting reliability even at 18 years old and nearly 200,000 miles. Regular oil changes and annual fluid checks kept it in great shape, and it provided safety for my family through various accidents without any structural damage. The high safety ratings and low insurance costs made it an economical choice, especially considering it was rust-free despite being driven on salted roads in Europe during winter.

Despite my fondness for the Land Cruiser, I ultimately decided to part ways with it because of its fuel inefficiency and significant carbon emissions—averaging just 13 miles per gallon. My daily commute of around 30–35 miles often involved stop-and-go traffic, which proved especially inefficient for a gas-powered vehicle.

Section 1.1: The Charging Experience

So, what has my experience been like transitioning from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to an EV?

Charging the EV is straightforward; it can be charged using a standard 120V outlet with the factory kit. This setup allows for a charge rate of approximately five miles per hour. If desired, hiring an electrician to install a 240V/30A outlet in the garage could significantly increase this rate. It’s important to note that this five miles per hour rate assumes no other devices are drawing power from the same circuit. Occasionally, if I’ve plugged in another device during charging, the circuit breaker may trip, or the charging speed can decrease.

To illustrate the charging differences, the following chart compares the charging rates of the two outlets:

Though the 240V outlet charges faster, my family has found the 120V outlet sufficient, as we limit our driving to essential trips and rarely travel unnecessarily.

Section 1.2: Financial Savings

But how much money have we saved by switching to an EV? According to a calculator I accessed at ChargEVC, our electric bill increased by about $60–70 monthly after purchasing the EV. In contrast, the fuel costs for the Land Cruiser were around $250–300 monthly, leading to an estimated annual savings of approximately $2,775 on fuel.

While these savings are significant, they can vary based on the efficiency of the ICE vehicle being replaced. For example, if an ICE sedan were replaced with an EV, the savings might be less pronounced.

Free Charging Opportunities

Many shopping locations, like grocery stores and malls, offer free charging stations. By planning our shopping trips during low-traffic hours on weekends, we maximize our chances of finding a free charging station, which typically charges at around 10 to 12 miles per hour. This arrangement allows us to enjoy free electricity for part of our trips.

Other Benefits of EV Ownership

In some states, single-occupancy EVs can utilize High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during rush hour, which has reduced my commute time by about 10 minutes. Instead of spending 50 minutes commuting each way, I now take around 40 minutes. The shift from a gas-guzzling SUV to an EV with access to HOV lanes has significantly lowered my carbon footprint.

Maintenance has also been minimal; aside from needing tire rotations soon, I haven't required any other service since EVs don’t need oil changes or fluid replacements. Additionally, regenerative braking means I rarely use the brakes, further extending the service intervals.

Overall Experience

My journey with the EV has been overwhelmingly positive, and I wholeheartedly endorse electric vehicles. They operate quietly and accelerate rapidly due to their instant torque, making freeway merges safer.

Living in Hawaii, where temperatures are consistently mild, I haven’t encountered issues with the battery's performance related to extreme weather. Since we live on an island, our travel distances are limited, which allows the 120V charger to meet our needs.

Having a garage has made charging convenient, as the EV infrastructure is not as developed in Hawaii compared to mainland areas. I can’t recall the last time I filled up on gas, which is a liberating feeling. Instead of stopping at a gas station, I simply plug in the EV when I get home, and it’s fully charged by morning.

Although my insurance costs have risen, this was anticipated given the switch from an old vehicle to a new one. However, the savings on fuel have more than compensated for this increase.

While I can't speak to future maintenance costs for the battery or other components since I’ve only owned the EV for 1.5 years, my decision to transition was rooted in a desire to reduce my carbon footprint and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

In conclusion, I am pleased with my choice and have no regrets.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article reflects my personal experience and is not intended as financial advice or an endorsement to purchase an EV. I encourage readers to conduct their own research regarding the cost of ownership.

Chapter 2: Perspectives on Electric Vehicles

The first video discusses the challenges and potential setbacks of electric vehicles as they strive to dominate the future of transportation.

The second video offers insights from a person who initially believed in the electric vehicle revolution but has since reconsidered their stance, highlighting the complexity of this transition.