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John K.
2019 CHEVROLET BOLT
Chesterfield, NH
“I test drove a Bolt over a winding hilly road, the highway and around town. It had great handling, was quick, very smooth, quiet and fun; I was sold.”
What’s your #1 tip or piece of advice for new or prospective EV owners?
Take a test drive, see for yourself, what better technology is like! I haven’t met an EV owner that would go back to an ICE vehicle.
buying an ev
What main factors & considerations went into your decision to buy an EV?
Doing what I can to minimize the impact of the climate crisis is a priority. Growing up, my Dad was in the auto industry so I have a deep appreciation for cars and an understanding of the industry. I recall him saying ‘don’t buy the 1st year of a new model, wait for the bugs to be ironed out’. I realized that EVs were becoming more available and several models were proving to be reliable options. After meeting a very persuasive Bolt owner at the Drive E event at Keene Ice in 2018, I researched the car and found GM had made several improvements over previous versions and owner feedback was positive.
What factors sold you on buying an EV? Why did you pick the specific make & model of EV that you did?
I value efficiency (EVs are three times more efficient) and enjoy driving a responsive car. I wanted a hatchback and prefer smaller cars so I test drove a Bolt over a winding hilly road, the highway and around town. It had great handling, was quick, very smooth, quiet and fun; I was sold.
driving & owning an ev
What is your favorite aspect of the EV driving experience?
One pedal driving is like down shifting with the bonus of charging the battery. The instant torque makes passing a safer experience, the centered weight distribution provides great handling and traction and the car is very smooth and quiet. It’s also easy to own, I do over 90% of my ‘fueling’ in my garage often for free from my PV system and the only maintenance expense was changing the cabin air filter in 2 ½ years.
In a few sentences, summarize your favorite EV memory or anecdote.
Gliding along a winding hilly road, the car is very sure footed, smooth and quiet. One pedal driving is like down shifting but without the clutch or shifter distraction.
What surprised you about owning an EV?
How much I enjoy driving it. Now when I drive an ICE vehicle, I notice how noisy and clunky it is. I’ve always kept cars for a long time, but there are so many exciting EV choices coming and folks ask when my car will be available as a used car, so I’m already thinking about my next EV.
What is the main downside or challenge of driving or owning an EV compared to an ICE vehicle? What tricks have you developed to adapt to that challenge?
For over a year I had range anxiety and focused on my miles available gauge. Internal combustion engines create a lot of heat which is an advantage in the winter to warm the cabin. The EV range is reduced on cold days especially when using the heater. It’s nice to preheat the car without having to open the garage door and by having it plugged in the range isn’t reduced. With heated seats and steering wheel, it’s also possible to extend the range by turning off the heater.
Charging an EV
Where do you charge your EV? Do you have an at-home charger?
For over 90%, I’m using the plug-in charge cord that came with the car in my garage. I’m holding out for the incentive my utility has promised and is available in other states to get an L2 (240 volt) charger. I can always go to the fast charger in Brattleboro or an L2 charger there or in Keene if I need a faster charge.
What are a few of your favorite charging resources you use?
There are free chargers in several places I travel to including a parking garage in Boston I use regularly. I rely on Chargepoint & Evgo when traveling.
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