Would You Buy a Pure Electric Car?
The decision to purchase a pure electric car today is influenced by a myriad of personal and practical factors. This journey will delve into the unique experiences of various individuals who have either embraced or have had to reconsider the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
From Gas to Green
My personal experience with electric vehicles began way back in 2019 when I acquired my first pure electric vehicle (EV) - a 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid. By 2020, my entire household transitioned to fully electric with my spouse acquiring a 2017 BMW i3 BEV. The transition has been seamless; we no longer miss collecting gas or making frequent trips to the gas station. We manage to cover 355 days of the year without needing to charge outside of our home. However, it's essential to recognize that EVs might not be the best fit for everyone. For instance, if you can't charge your car cheaply or freely at home or work, an EV might not be the ideal choice.
Opinions on Electric Cars
While some are enthusiastic about embracing the latest technology for their next vehicle, others have reservations. For instance, if you're operating a van as a mobile home, extensive travel, and the charging infrastructure is still not mature enough, diesel or bio-diesel might be a better option. Even so, for individuals with a house and a driveway to charge their cars and who use it for daily commuting, an EV is an enticing prospect. The convenience and environmental benefits make it a viable option, especially if one can charge them at work as a perk. The importance of having a robust charging network cannot be overstated.
My Journey with Leasing
It's been nearly a decade since I began exploring EV options, but as a series of vehicle leases turned out to be valuable learning experiences, I arrived at a decision that would change my automotive life. Initially, I leased six different EVs, each with varying battery capacities and features, to check out the technology and take advantage of incredible discounts and promotions. It wasn't until the sixth lease that I found myself with something truly meaningful.
I leased a 2018 LEAF with a 40 kWh battery pack, which provided a usable range with room to improve. Within 19 months of my 3-year lease, the dealer approached me with the option to upgrade to a new Plus model with a 62 kWh battery and over 200 miles of range under less-than-ideal conditions. This offer, combined with the same monthly payment, was too compelling to reject. I purchased the Plus with zero down payment for 23 months at $380 per month. Eventually, the decision to buy a Plus from my lease turned into a monthly payment that was a bit lower than initially expected.
By 2021, I was looking for a new opportunity to purchase an EV. By shopping different credit unions, I found a deal that involved a $2,500 down payment and a monthly payment of $421 for 36 months, with an interest rate of 1.99%, discounted. Yet, the concept of leasing remains a misunderstood notion, particularly among EV owners. Many potential buyers shy away from leases due to misconceptions about how they work. In reality, leasing can be a cost-effective way to access cutting-edge technology and receive perks, such as free charging or maintenance.
My journey with leasing vehicles for the past eleven years has given me insight into the benefits and challenges of renting EVs. This experience has shaped my perspective on the future of personal transportation, advocating for the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the importance of having a stable, reliable charging infrastructure.