Photo caption: At the Climate Caretakers Electric Vehicle (EV) event a panel of EV owners spoke of the benefits and issues with owning electric vehicles. The panel from left to right included Linda Webb, Camille Rowe, Bruce Webb, Bill Jenks, Christy Damon, Alan Damon, Chuck Hayward from ReVision Energy, Phil Rowe, and Christenia Alden-Kinne. (photo credit: Roger Marchand)
On a recent Saturday morning, a group of enthusiastic electric vehicle owners and curious citizens met to discuss this new transportation option. The Electric Vehicle Showcase featured a display of eight different EV models. Owners shared their experiences with the cars, fielded questions from the audience, and led a lively discussion focused on the benefits and challenges of the technology. Following the dialogue, attendees examined the cars while a few took test rides.
Owners reported that their strongest motivation for getting an EV was to reduce carbon pollution, but they also cited lower maintenance and operational costs. A common observation from owners was “this is the best car I’ve ever owned,” “great fun to drive,” “smooth and quiet operation” and “superior acceleration.”
Several owners compared the EV to “a computer on wheels,” reflecting the need to acquire new skills for a new technology. Other comments focused on the need to use cell phones to plan trips and locate charging stations along the trip routes.
Range anxiety (fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station) was a common concern. Owners cited the ever-increasing range of the latest EV models (exceeding 300 miles), as well as the benefits of installing charging stations at home to keep the car fully charged. Also noted was the rapid buildout of the public charging infrastructure and lowered charging times as the technology becomes more available and robust.
Owners concluded that technology is rapidly changing and improving along with the charging infrastructure. As advancements are made in EV technology, there was wide speculation that they will eventually supplant gas-powered cars. Clearly, an EV is not for everyone, but the owners were enthusiastic about their experiences and predicted future growth as the technology improves and the market embraces and adjusts to EV ownership.
In conclusion, EVs are great fun to drive and save on operational costs, while helping our environment.