What is an electric vehicle?
Why is it that if one does not understand a thing, it must be a bad thing, therefore one must speak against it?
We read stories on a daily basis about what an electric car is and what an electric car isn’t and what an electric car should be. It really is not that difficult. It is simply this: an electric car is a car that uses a battery and electric motor for propulsion instead of gasoline and an internal combustion engine. Yes… it really is that simple. Will it go 350 miles before “refilling”? No. When was the last time that you drove 350 miles before refilling?
Our contention is that many that speak against electric cars have something other than being a proponent of electric cars on their agenda. They are trying to sell advertising on their web site, or they are trying to attract readers, or they are just angry and need something to be angry about. And none of those reasons make any sense to speak out against electric cars.
The Nissan LEAF may only go 75 miles per day. It may go over 100 per day. It really depends on any number of driving conditions, including speed, terrain, temperature and quite possibly your astrological sign. So let’s say it goes “only” 75 miles per day. Every day. 365 days per year. 75 miles per day times 365 days per year equates to… (sorry for the delay. I had to pull out my calculator) 27,375 miles per year. The average driver in the United States drives significantly less than that amount. “But what about those days that I need to go 350 miles?” we hear you saying. Go rent a car that will do what you need to do and use it for that period of time. Remember, your energy bill will decline significantly on an ongoing basis (over $200 per month for gasoline vs. less than $50 per month for electricity). We think that this is a reasonable tradeoff. When you want to hit a nail – use a hammer. Wrenches work pretty well on nuts and bolts. Use the right tool for the job, and you may find yourself to be amazingly happy. It really is that simple.
Great article Ernie. My neighbor was asking me about our LEAF. As is typical he asked how far it would go. I said, “about 100 miles and you charge it over night”. He said, “I don’t know if I could live with only 100 range”. I said, “well you know they’re coming out with a version that will go 700 miles per week!” “Now that I would be interested in”, he responded. I meant it as a joke.
BTW, I’ve noticed Forbes offers the most clueless reviews of the LEAF and EVs in general. There was a video review where the journalist said the LEAF has “no soul” and also stated it had no “bass note”. Forbes articles have utter disdain for EVs.
Indy – I literally laughed out loud at your neighbor’s comment! The issue is that people don’t think about their driving. Once they do, the light bulb will go on. Thanks for the laugh.