Yesterday, while scrolling through the Chevy Bolt Forum at ChevyBolt.org group I came across a post from JerryP that will no doubt be of interest to many Chevrolet Bolt EV owners. Jerry talked about the fact that many of his friends think he is exaggerating when he tells them he has no regrets whatsoever about his decision to purchase his Chevrolet Bolt EV. Here’s what Jerry had to say to his doubters:
“I get the distinct impression that my friends think I'm lying when I say I have no regrets. The only person who was skeptical but seemed quickly open to an EV was my sister, who stayed with me for two weeks and was driven around town a lot in my EUV.
I'm only disappointed in the charging infrastructure in Louisiana, but I have only ever charged at home anyway.
Whenever I see charging done on YouTube videos, it looks incredibly more involved and difficult than it needs to be, to the point that I wonder if some chargers are sabotaged. I want to plan on a decent road trip to New Orleans or maybe Hot Springs, but I would rather not inconvenience my wife at all. It looks like that supercharger adaptor is the safest bet”
Jerry’s post isn’t unusual by any means, as ever since the advent of Electric Vehicles, there has always been the ‘For EV vs Against EV’ debate, and Jerry’s post is evidence that this the debate is rumbling on, with no current signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Here’s what another happy Chevrolet Bolt EV owner ‘CraigM’ had to say in reply to Jerry’s post:
“I traded my 2012 Prius C for a 2021 Chevy Bolt Premier just before Thanksgiving and never looked back. My house is solar-powered, so it's a good feeling to charge my car with the sun. I'm on a town energy committee that has an EV show every year, and we get a great turnout of owners, dealers and the public. There will always be haters out there, but I find that the vast majority of people are interested in at least learning about them even if they aren't ready to buy one. The technology and charging infrastructure is getting better all the time, and I see more EVs on the road in conjunction with that”
In light of Jerry’s experience and the supportive post from Craig, let’s take a further in-depth look below from his own point of view, at some of the key issues he raised, and how he answered them in his post:
Debunking EV myths: Why do people think EV owners should regret their purchase?
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) today feels like navigating a landscape filled with skepticism and curiosity. No matter how much Jerry praised his EV ownership experience, there were still skeptics eager to challenge him, and expecting him to admit his regrets. Friends and acquaintances seemed to suspect that Jerry was stretching the truth when he said he had no regrets, however Jerry’s own reality tells a different story.
The only person who genuinely seemed open to the EV concept was Jerry’s sister. She recently stayed with him for two weeks and spent ample time being driven around town in his Chevrolet Bolt EV, and although she was also Initially skeptical, she quickly appreciated the seamless driving experience, whisper-quiet ride, and instant torque that make city driving effortless. It's moments like these that remind many EV owners why driving an EV continues to be the right choice for their lifestyle.
The Charging Conundrum: Reality vs. Perception
One of the most frequently cited concerns about EV ownership is charging infrastructure, or the perceived lack thereof. And as he lives in Louisiana, Jerry acknowledged that the charging network isn't as extensive as he would ideally prefer. However, this hasn't posed a significant challenge for jerry since he primarily charges at home.
Despite Jerry’s satisfaction with his vehicle, his friends and others seem to remain fixated on viewing public charging as a nightmare. They’ve likely watched one too many YouTube videos showcasing frustrating experiences with malfunctioning chargers, long queues, and confusing payment systems. Admittedly, those videos often make charging appear more complicated and unreliable than it truly is. Sometimes, it even seems like these issues are exaggerated to cast doubt on the EV movement.
The reality? For daily driving, home charging is more than enough. Plugging in overnight ensures a full battery every morning, much like charging a smartphone. The convenience is unbeatable.
While home charging is affordable and convenient, public charging can sometimes be surprisingly expensive. In fact, charging an EV at certain public stations could cost significantly more than fueling a traditional gas-powered car. For a deeper dive into this issue, read this analysis on how charging an electric vehicle in public can cost triple what fueling a gas guzzler does. Understanding these cost disparities is crucial for planning long road trips or relying on public chargers.
For those looking to optimize their EV charging habits and cut costs, there are practical strategies to help minimize expenses. Check out this detailed guide on 5 Ways to Minimize Charging Costs for the Chevy Bolt EV and Other Electric Vehicles. It offers actionable tips to make EV ownership even more affordable and convenient.
Planning for Road Trips: Challenges and Solutions
While home charging meets my everyday needs, the thought of taking a long road trip does bring some concerns. Jerry explained that he has been considering a trip to destinations like New Orleans or Hot Springs, but charging availability and reliability worries linger.
The key to a successful EV road trip is meticulous planning. Apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner simplify the process by mapping out charging stops with real-time data on charger availability, user reviews, and estimated charging times.
To further ease his range anxiety, Jerry is considering investing in a Tesla Supercharger adapter. Tesla's charging network is known for its reliability and ease of use, offering peace of mind that other public charging networks often lack. While it requires an additional upfront cost, the long-term benefits of tapping into Tesla's vast infrastructure are undeniable.
The Persistent Myths and How to Address Them
Despite EVs being widely available, several misconceptions persist, fueling skepticism among non-owners. Here are some of the most common myths out there currently:
- "EVs Are Not Reliable in Extreme Weather"
Modern battery management systems have significantly improved performance across various climates. Jerry said his EV handles Louisiana's hot and humid conditions effortlessly, and cold-weather EV owners report positive experiences with appropriate battery preconditioning techniques. - "The Battery Will Need Replacing in a Few Years"
Thanks to advancements in battery technology, modern EVs come with warranties covering 8-10 years or more. Jerry mentioned that his EVs battery health remains strong with minimal degradation after years of use. - "Charging Takes Too Long"
Public fast charging may not match the speed of a gas station fill-up, but with proper planning, it becomes a non-issue. Charging while shopping, dining, or staying overnight at hotels makes the process seamless. - "EVs Are More Expensive"
While the upfront cost of an EV may be higher, long-term savings on fuel, maintenance, and government incentives make them cost-effective over time. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and lower fueling costs all contribute to substantial savings.
Living with an EV: The Pros Far Outweigh the Cons
The benefits of EV ownership continue to outweigh minor inconveniences. Here are a few highlights of Jerry’s experience:
- Smooth and Quiet Ride: The near-instant torque and whisper-quiet cabin make driving his EV effortless and enjoyable.
- Lower Operating Costs: Jerry stated his electricity bill is a fraction of what he used to spend on gas, and routine maintenance is minimal.
- Environmental Impact: Contributing to a cleaner environment adds satisfaction to the ownership experience.
- Technology and Features: Modern EVs offer cutting-edge technology, from regenerative braking to advanced driver assistance systems that enhance driving safety and efficiency.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV, in particular, stands out as a compelling option for anyone considering an electric vehicle. Its affordability, practicality, and impressive range make it a smart choice for both first-time EV buyers and seasoned electric car enthusiasts. Additionally, its advanced technology and spacious interior deliver excellent value for the price. For a detailed analysis of why the Bolt EV is such a great car to buy, check out this article on what makes the Chevrolet Bolt EV a better car to buy.
Advice for Potential EV Owners Facing Skepticism
If you're considering an EV but like Jerry are facing skepticism from friends and family, here are a few tips:
- Let Them Experience It Firsthand: Just like Jerry’s sister, allow them to ride in your EV and experience the difference firsthand.
- Educate with Facts: Dispel myths with real-world data and personal experiences.
- Focus on Your Needs: Remind them that what works for you may not work for everyone, and vice versa.
- Show the Cost Benefits: Share your savings on fuel and maintenance to highlight the long-term financial benefits.
Conclusion: No Regrets, Just Smiles
Despite ongoing skepticism and occasional challenges, Jerry said he had no regrets about his EV ownership. Whether it's the smooth drive, the cost savings, or the joy of contributing to a greener future, his EV continues to deliver an exceptional experience.
While some will always remain doubtful, the best response is to lead by example and demonstrate that electric vehicles are not just viable, but a significant improvement over traditional gas-powered cars.
If you're contemplating an EV purchase, take the plunge. You might find yourself wondering why you didn't switch sooner, and enjoying the same satisfaction as Jerry with his EV.
It’s also important to acknowledge that owning an EV doesn’t necessarily mean completely moving away from gas-powered vehicles. In fact, many EV owners still choose to buy gas cars, whether for long road trips, towing needs, or as secondary vehicles. This highlights that EV ownership isn’t about abandoning traditional cars altogether but rather finding the right balance that suits individual lifestyles. To learn more, read this insightful article on how many EV owners still buy gas-powered cars after owning an EV.
Join the Conversation:
- Have you faced EV skepticism from friends and family?
- How did you respond?
Why not share your thoughts in the comments below?
David Black specializes in vehicle technology in his writing. David's focus at Torque News is mainly in electric vehicles and you can follow him on X and on LinkedIn for tips and suggestions
Image from Chevrolet official website: https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/lineup