Do you like it?
There are basically three situations that in which I will get asked that question. Roughly once a month my husband will ask me that when he tries something new in the bedroom. I don’t know what websites he’s learning these things from but I’m usually pretty grateful for them, except for that one time. Who knew how hard it was to get salsa out of bedsheets? The second situation where I get asked that is when one of my girls “makes” me a present. These can range from Picasso-esque artwork, a decorated rock, a peanut (still in the shells) sandwich, or in one case a fresh paint job for my bearded collie. Who knew how hard it was to get paint out of dog hair?
The third situation is what we are here to talk about today.
Back when I was a hybrid girl
For six years I leased hybrid vehicles because I was too scared to go all electric. Yes, while not a perfect solution I believe that an electric vehicle is a giant eco-friendly step in the right direction, but I was terrified about all the what ifs.
- What if I ran out of juice?
- What if there’s no place to charge?
- What if my electric bill goes through my solar panel-covered roof?
Last year when the lease on my Hybrid was up, I asked the universe for a sign. Was it time to Pass the Gas and do the Electric Slide? I decided to go for a test drive and see how I felt. Aside from a golf cart I had never driven an electric vehicle (EV) so figured I need to check it out before pulling the trigger.
this is the actual penny at the dealership. this is not a re-enactment
Here’s what I can tell you, the ride was super smooth, the acceleration was positively absurd (the fastest vehicle I had ever been in) and the sleek interior were all positives. I wasn’t convinced, but I was starting to feel pretty good about it. After my test drive I decided to sit in the back seat. I have no idea what compelled me as I’m always the driver or, worst-case scenario, I’m the passenger when hubby takes over (I like falling asleep in the car – not while driving of course) so why did I care about the backseat? The last time I was in a back seat was “date night” years ago with my husband in the driveway while my kids were up late watching a movie. Back seats are usually pretty standard, how different could this one be?
As I slid into the faux leather backseat (this time with panties) something on the floor caught my eye. There sat a shiny penny looking up at me. That was my sign. It was my dad telling me to get the car I’ve always wanted (just for reference he passed away years ago, but I believe in “messages from beyond” so stay tuned for my article about meeting with a psychic). The car made me feel like I was part of a community who was trying to do the right thing and it felt good going even greener than I already was. It was the right time, the right car and the right sign. The something funny happened…somehow I became the unofficial (unpaid of course) spokesperson for electric vehicles, specifically Tesla. I really should get a marketing job with them because I get stopped everywhere. Parking lots, waiting in the car line at school and my favorite was the old guy at the red light honking at me to put my window down to ask the same question, “Do you like it?”.
Read on for my answer as well as the other four questions (not the Passover kind) I always get asked.
- Is it WAY more expensive than a gas car?
It depends. Are you driving a Maserati or a Mazda? My Tesla definitely is the most luxurious car I ever owned and feels it. So no – if I bought a similar type gas-powered car it would have been roughly the same amount. Now they’re coming out with more EV models so you have more choice and different prices.
- How low do you let your battery go?
It depends. I charge at home (usually I plug in 2-3 times per week at night so I get a rebate back from my electric company and cheaper rates – thanks T.O.U.) so if I’m driving local I really don’t like going below 30%. My dad used to always ask if I had enough gas in my car and I was taught under ½ tank to fill up. If I go below 30% I can almost hear my dad yelling at me.
- What does it do to your electric bill?
Honestly…it goes up. But you do have some control over how much. I charge it after 11pm so I get a rebate and cheaper rates. Another super important factor in the overall cost is I no longer pay for oil changes, tune ups or new brake pads (read the next question and you’ll understand why) so although you’re electric bill will go up you’re still saving money.
- What’s one thing no one told you about owning an EV?
Two words…regenerative braking. That’s ok, I had no idea what it was either. This is how Tesla describes it, “In a battery-powered electric vehicle, regenerative braking (also called regen) is the conversion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into chemical energy stored in the battery, where it can be used later to drive the vehicle. It is braking because it also serves to slow the vehicle. It is regenerative because the energy is recaptured in the battery where it can be used again.” In plain English, it’s like a golf cart. When you take your foot off the gas pedal it stops the car. This would have been fabulous to know before getting on the highway at rush hour. Who knew so many people would honk their horns at an abruptly stopped Tesla in the middle lane?
BONUS QUESTION:
- Any regrets?
HELL no, I only wish I had done it sooner, but timing is truly everything. I needed those hybrid years to prepare me for the EV plunge. It’s definitely different than driving a gas-powered car, but like anything else you get used to it. (Please don’t let my husband know I said that, I can’t do that thing with the salsa again).
And speaking of my taller half, when he’s ready for a new truck it’s gonna be electric (boogie, woogie, woogie).
So “Do I like it?” You bet your “gas” I do. I love it so much that I entered and WON a “I Love My EV” contest a few months ago. Check out the video below. (It’s only 4 minutes long and the woman singing is a hoot!)
So if you’re ready to dump the pump and hug the plug, know that not only do you have more options than ever before but also a growing community of eco-warriors like me who are leading the charge and leaving the gas stations in their rear view mirror.
And all it took was one penny in the right place.
