Why owning an Electric Vehicle was my choice.
My electric car has served me well for eight years now and saved me a ton of money. I drive an all-electric 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. You need to take the following into consideration before you take the plunge and purchase any electric vehicle for yourself:
1. How much driving will I do?
2. Where will I drive?
3. Do I have affordable access to a gas / diesel / or hybrid vehicle in addition to my proposed electric car?
4. Do I plan to install an at-home charger?
5. Is a dealership having electric-trained technicians near my home?
In April of 2017, I was retired and living in a large metropolitan city in California. My thinking at the time was that I would likely own a second gasoline powered vehicle (truck) for hauling large items or taking long-distance trips. Renting a gas-powered vehicle always seemed an available option as well. I anticipated trips to destinations beyond 100-125 miles from home would total less than 5% of my driving miles.
It's now April of 2025 – eight years of Bolt ownership have been completed, and the vehicle’s styling remains contemporary. It is the quickest, nimblest, and most enjoyable car to drive I have ever owned. I qualified at the time for a $7,500 exemption on my taxes. I now live in Indiana, and we own a gasoline powered Honda used for extended trips. The Bolt has recorded more than 119,000 miles and has a remaining full parts and labor warranty for the electric motor of about four years or 70,000 miles left. The original eight year / 120,000-mile warranty was honored upon recall when the car recorded 70,000 miles and a new complete electric motor was installed. This recall was instituted following consumer complaints of motor fires.
Over the years, the number of Chevrolet dealerships with electric car trained technicians has vastly increased. A dealer here in rural Indiana is six miles from my home. They honored their warranty at no cost. I just started driving on my third set of tires. I replaced my traditional 12v accessory battery once. I pay for tire rotations. That’s it for maintenance expense! I charge at home overnight and therefore avoid range anxiety. In colder winter months a charge will add @ 185 miles of range – in summer 230 -275 miles. When it comes to the cost of fuel, driving my electric is five times more economical than a car having a gasoline engine! It does not exhaust any pollutants from a tailpipe! It’s fun to drive! I love it!
Closing Note: Bolts were discontinued for the 2025 model year although Chevrolet offers other all-electric models. Honda has just issued several all-electric vehicles that look promising. Tesla’s are expensive and being targeted in protests against the Trump Administration and Elon Musk although Tesla models are highly rated. The nearest Tesla dealership here in Southern Indiana is three hours north in Indianapolis.