If you are on the lookout for a new set of electric wheels, you have probably been met with frustration and low inventory. But we urge you to keep the faith, as EVs are well worth the wait. Not convinced yet? Continue reading to see what EV owners think of their cars.
Drive
When we asked EV owners what their favorite things are about their cars, almost all mentioned the drive. Often described as “smooth”, “quiet”, and “comfortable”, many owners report that they will never go back to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. As a bonus, they have not traded any comfort for their electric car. Many owners enjoy the zippy acceleration and find them fun to drive!
"I love how my EV drives! It's so smooth; the pick-up is great; it handled great in the snow! It feels like a luxurious car even though it's not really."
- Sue A, Chevy Bolt EUV
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"I haven't had to trade off comfort for EV. We have heated seats and a heated steering wheel. It drives great. It's a really comfy, spacious car.”
- Sue A, Chevy Bolt EUV
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"I would never want to drive an ICE again, not even as a loaner or rental car."
- Glen A., Kia Niro EV
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Charging
Charging is often one of the first topics many prospective EV drivers ask about – because it’s a different way of “fueling” a car. There are different plug types, different levels of charging, and different apps! (Learn more about all that here.) While charging takes some getting used to, it does come with lower “fuel” prices. Electricity prices are both cheaper and less volatile compared to gas prices. In fact, it costs less to run a car on a mile of electricity than it does on gas. See what our EV Ambassadors said when asked what they love about refueling with electricity instead of gas.
"How infrequently I have to gas up, charging at a free charging station :-) "
- Pia K., Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
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"Hard to pick just one thing, but probably that my house is my fueling station. I plug in and charge at night, so I start every day with a full charge. It's so much more convenient than going to a gas station."
- Kenneth P., Chevy Bolt
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Kenneth P., Chevy Bolt charging at home
Lack of Maintenance
Oil changes are a thing of the past for battery electric vehicles (BEV) owners; brake pad replacements are needed less frequently, too. Because EVs have far fewer moving parts, EV owners save time and money on maintenance costs. (Plug-in hybrid vehicles incur some of the same maintenance costs as gas-powered cars.) Regardless of the model, EV owners continue to emphasize the simple, hassle-free life their vehicles provide.
"We haven't taken the car to the mechanic once in the year we've owned it. There's practically nothing to maintain! Maybe 20 moving parts in the drivetrain vs. 200+ moving parts in the drivetrain of a gas-powered car."
- Kenneth P., Chevy Bolt
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"Time saving. I charge at home. I don't have to change oil... I prefer a simple life and EV's provide that."
- Erick A., Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
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“Many favorite things, never having to buy gas again is really awesome, essentially zero maintenance (no oil changes, no exhaust system, hardly ever use brakes), amazing acceleration and zero engine noise.”
- Glen A., Kia Niro EV
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Availability of Charging Stations
For the adventurous driver who wishes to bring their car across state lines, you are in luck. Charging stations are popping up all around the country on highways, near hotels, and even within campgrounds! With President Biden’s Build Back Better program, we hope to see even more accessible charging infrastructure implemented across the country. We already know that Massachusetts is receiving $63 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations and the state has announced that 300 new DCFC stations are to be installed! Click this link to see if one will be installed near you!
Charging infrastructure continues to grow every year. The federal government is not the only entity providing funding; many utility companies are leading the way in charging infrastructure.
Apps and websites like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and A Better Route Planner show charging stations in your area and make it easy for drivers to map out their routes to include charging stops along the way. Even if you’re planning on staying local, the ability to charge your car from home, at work, or while shopping sounds like a dream come true amongst rising gas prices and busy lifestyles.
Road trips aren’t a problem for EVs, just ask Erick and Glen!
“Many favorite things, never having to buy gas again is really awesome, essentially zero maintenance (no oil changes, no exhaust system, hardly ever use brakes), amazing acceleration and zero engine noise.”
- Glen A., Kia Niro EV
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"Up to Maine. Simple. Find a charging station near the hotel and charge overnight. More and more charge stations are happening, which makes long drives easier and easier."
- Erick A., Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
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"Free charging in Greenfield, free charging at campgrounds through the RV connections, discovering that EVs are so much better than ICE cars there is no comparison. I would never want to drive an ICE again, not even as a loaner or rental car."
- Glen A., Kia Niro EV
Read more about Glen’s EV experience here!
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Glen A., Kia Niro EV
Environmental Benefits
The number one reason members of the Drive Green community make the switch to EVs is environmental concerns. Not only do electric vehicles come with federal incentives and state rebates (available in MA and soon RI), but they aid us in the transition to a clean energy future. Many EV owners enjoy knowing their cars are not directly contributing to air pollution (via tailpipe emissions) and are passionate about moving towards a carbon-free future.
See why Pia and Amy made the switch:
"Reducing my pollution, taking advantage of the MA incentive, affordability, and reliability."
- Pia K., Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
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"Not only is it better for the environment but it's much more cost-effective in the long run."
- Amy B., Tesla Model X
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Amy B., Tesla Model X
Time and time again, our Drive Green members continue to show us why electric vehicles are so great. Whether the smooth drive, low maintenance, or saying goodbye to gas station trips call you to an EV, owners report finding new reasons to love their vehicle with every ride. And with the effects of climate change being felt across the globe, BEVs and PHEVs will speed the transition to a carbon-free future and you can help by making the switch!
If you'd like to submit your own testimonial, please do so here!
"I love how my EV drives! It's so smooth; the pick-up is great; it handled great in the snow! It feels like a luxurious car even though it's not really."
- Sue A, Chevy Bolt EUV
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