Electric Avenue

 JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Today's topic came from two different sources. First, I was listening to a fascinating two-part story from the Search Engine podcast on the development and implementation of Waymo driverless vehicles, which are always electric cars. 

Secondly, I bought gas. Ouch! I'm filling up at the half-way mark, and in eight days, the super-discount cash-only station I go to went up by fifteen cents per gallon. I wonder if this will get buyers more interested in electric vehicles? I thought, as $26 disappeared into my tank in less than two minutes.

 

I've been intrigued for a long time, but before even considering going electric, I'd have to do some major upgrades to my 200+ year-old home. Currently, I have ONE electric outlet outside, and that's on the porch ceiling (I theorize the then-owners were thinking about Christmas lights, because that's about its only use.) In addition, Maine is one of the top five states in electricity rates; the financially sensible way to 'fuel' an electric vehicle would be to get solar panels on my house and barn roofs. 

To be honest,  I've never actually driven a car that doesn't have a combustion engine. I had the opportunity a few years ago when we went to Norfolk to celebrate my darling Veronique's graduation. The Enterprise at National Airport offered me a GM Blazer EV, but the thought of driving a relatively unfamiliar route AND having to figure out how to recharge the thing was just too intimidating. 

How about you, Reds? Do you have an electric vehicle, or have you driven one? What do you think about them, and do you have obstacles like mine when thinking about buying one?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  I have NO idea.  I was (gently) pushing to get a new car recently, and we looked at them, but everything the salesperson started to explain things, it seemed to open up a whole new world of difficult horribleness. We kept our old car. I still think we need a new one, but  if we get one, I think hybrid is the way to do. However they work...

DEBORAH CROMBIE: I did think about this when buying a new car last year--after seventeen years of driving my Honda.  But we weren't sure we were ready for all-electric, especially as things are so spread out in Texas. And the price tag on hybrids was just too high. Also, I was in love with the Mazda, and they are not yet making a hybrid. This may put them in a better position financially considering the current state of affairs and the damage done to the EV industry. Probably for the next car we will look at EVs.

LUCY BURDETTE: I am due for a new car and we will start shopping once back in Connecticut. I adore my Subaru Outback though it isn't flashy. It gets great mileage, drives well, is comfortable, and fits all of our stuff. (A lot!) 

However, John thinks that we should buy a hybrid and Subaru doesn't make an Outback version. He has a small electric vehicle, which he loves, though I'm not convinced. We will start the conversation this spring...

JENN McKINLAY: Youngest Hooligan just bought a used Tesla. I know there's a ban but as H2 pointed out it's used, so no billionaire made a profit off him. I was dubious but OMG! He has a long commute to the hospital and school and he was paying $70/week before the gas spike. Now he goes to a charging station where it takes 10-15 minutes and costs $8-12/week. And, real talk, it's one of the most comfortable cars I've ever ridden in--enough so that I'm considering an e-car for myself but my truck would have to die first. I love my Chevy Silverado. Not letting it go anytime soon.

RHYS BOWEN: For years now I've changed my car when the warranty expires.  Driving 800 miles between CA and AZ means I want no bad surprises. So an electric car has not been in consideration as I'd have to stop and charge it. But a hybrid... definitely my next car. I drive a Mercedes SUV and I love it, but it is horrible on gas. $100 fillup every time. So I'm looking at the Lexus NX SUV next time. I like being high up with good vision in my current car and easy access too.