In my first blog, I shared what it was like entering the low-carbon fuels industry with more curiosity than expertise. I associated cleaner transportation primarily with electric vehicles, which is somewhat ironic, considering I was already driving one. Since then, a few people have asked why I chose an EV in the first place.
Looking back, my answer probably isn't what most people expect.
I'd love to say reducing my environmental impact was the driving force behind my decision. Environmental stewardship has always been important to me, but when it came to this particular purchase, practicality came first.
At the time, I was driving an Audi A5 that required premium fuel. Living in Southern California, I loved taking road trips, but rising gas prices made every drive feel more expensive than enjoyable. I was spending well over $300 a month on gas. By switching to an EV, my charging costs dropped to roughly $50 a month. Combined with a rebate from my local electric company for purchasing a used EV, the financial case became hard to ignore.
There was another factor that influenced my decision just as much.
Anyone who knows me knows my dogs are a huge part of my life. I rescue senior dogs, help with foster transports, and almost always have a dog riding with me. One feature that stood out to me was Tesla's Dog Mode. It keeps the vehicle locked, maintains a safe cabin temperature, and displays a message on the screen letting anyone passing by know the dogs are safe. For someone who frequently transports rescue animals and occasionally needs to make a quick stop, that peace of mind mattered.
Like many first-time EV owners, I also had concerns about charging,(I believe the term is range anxiety). I live in an apartment, so home charging wasn't an option, and I wondered if I would constantly be searching for chargers or worrying about running out of battery.
That concern disappeared quickly.
Throughout Southern California, and even on cross-country road trips, I found charging to be far easier than I expected. I've driven between California and New York twice in this vehicle, and even through remote stretches of the desert, finding a charger has rarely been an issue. The only tradeoff is allowing an extra hour or two during a full day of driving.
Ironically, that's become one of my favorite parts.
Before owning an EV, I assumed charging would feel like wasted time. Instead, it's become an opportunity to slow down. I'll answer emails, listen to a podcast, grab a coffee, or simply stretch my legs before getting back on the road. Those breaks have made long trips more enjoyable than trying to drive tank to tank with as few stops as possible.
I've also appreciated the lower maintenance. Not having to think about routine oil changes and many of the maintenance items I was used to has made ownership refreshingly simple. The vehicle's safety features have also given me added confidence behind the wheel.
Working at LCFC has added another perspective I didn't have before. I still enjoy driving an EV, but I now better understand that reducing transportation emissions isn't about a single technology. It's about a range of solutions that each play an important role.
For me, an EV has been the right choice. Just as my first blog was about approaching a new industry with curiosity, this experience has reminded me that keeping an open mind often leads to the most rewarding discoveries.