The idea of owning or leasing an electric vehicle intrigued us. After test-driving several models, we knew EVs could be fast, fun to drive, and economical. We also knew that GCEA had committed to a strategic goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030. Charging an EV at home would allow our family to do our part in supporting that goal while reducing our own contribution to climate change.
Still, we had questions. Would an EV handle the steep dirt road to our home during the winter? Would it give us the flexibility to make longer trips to Denver or around the Western Slope? How much range would we lose in cold weather? Would we need to install a Level 2 charger in our garage?
When our most reliable vehicle reached 300,000 miles and repair costs continued to climb, it was time to make a decision. After a year of research and weighing our options, the combination of federal and state incentives gave us the confidence to lease a Chevy Equinox EV for two years. We decided it was time to give an EV a try.
Within the first few weeks, we discovered that we didn’t need to install a Level 2 charger after all. Charging overnight with a standard household outlet has been more than sufficient for our daily driving around the valley. We also found that traveling beyond the valley was much easier than we expected. Public charging has been convenient, and over the past two years it has only become easier as more charging stations have been added throughout Colorado and across the country. Driving an EV has become our preferred way to travel over mountain passes. The instant torque provides confident acceleration on steep grades, and regenerative braking recharges the battery on the
descent while greatly reducing the need to use the brakes. Our all-wheel-drive Equinox has handled our steep, slick dirt roads every bit as well as — if not better than — our four-wheel-drive Dodge Ram during the winter.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the savings on fuel. The reduction in our transportation costs has been so significant that we recently leased a second EV — a Hyundai IONIQ 5. We are now a two-EV household.
One of the most important differences between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles is that EVs run on electricity, an energy carrier rather than a single fuel source. Electricity can be generated from a wide variety of energy sources, making it more adaptable to changing energy markets and helping provide greater long-term price stability than relying solely on gasoline. As the electric grid continues to incorporate more renewable energy, the electricity that powers an EV can become cleaner over the life of the vehicle.
Our lease on the Chevy Equinox expires this September, and one thing is certain — we’ll continue driving electric.
If you’ve been curious about owning an EV, consider giving one a try. You may discover what we did: EVs are fun, fast, practical, and a smart way to reduce both emissions and the impact of fluctuating gas prices.
By Darcie Perkins, District 3 Board Director
