Why I Drive an Electric Car
Exploring the Iroquois Point Lighthouse, Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
My Journey to an Electric Drive
My first experience with an electric vehicle came about in 1989, a co-worker owned a yellow, mid-70s Citicar. This odd-looking wedge-shaped vehicle did not go very far or very fast between charging, but he successfully used this for daily commuting.
About 15 years later, I found a book detailing how to convert a Porsche 914 to electric. This project priced out close to $40K in 2004 dollars and only provided 60 miles range (on flat ground, not in the hilly city where I live). While owning an electric Porsche would be the cheese, not a two-seater with those expensive limitations.
I watched the Nissan Leaf evolution, but my sales job required more daily miles than the car could give, thus I bided my time until technology caught up with reality.
I had already performed my research; my car needed over 250 miles of range and could fast charge up to 250KW to reduce my time at the “pump”. The 2022 KIA EV6 exceeds these requirements, acceptable range and first in class charging speeds.
Now a modern car offered the range and comfort everyday drivers expect.
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My EV Evolution
2022 KIA EV6 GT-Line
The decision came pretty quick; the local Kia salesman contacted me about 7AM stating they have a KIA EV6 available and by 10AM we were signing the papers. Now came the question, what have I gotten myself into?
I drove the 36 miles home with my eyes glued to the battery gauge, convinced I would not make it. Over the next few months that obsession faded and I started to trust the car’s reported distance to empty.
Luckily, I look at life as a puzzle - how to fit the pieces to create the end result I want and expect. This approach easily dovetailed into charging, range management and eventually EV road trips.
Time to figure out how to drive electric.
The EV Driving Experience
Now, I am not a gear head, I do not think about horsepower and the time it takes to go from 0 to 60. I look for a comfortable, reliable vehicle to drive until the wheels fall off.
My first car was a 1972 Volkswagen Bug, so my bar is pretty low. But the electric car features have made me realize what I have been missing.
The cabin is quiet, and the lack of engine noise creates a calm, comfortable environment.
Acceleration is smooth, quiet and quicker than that Dodge Hellcat I smoked on US Highway 50. I can understand why people miss the roar of a powerful engine and the day EV makers add this option, well that will attract lots of people.
I can only imagine our bad manners when the majority of cars are EVs, then everyone will be darting for that traffic gap and racing away from stop lights. Disaster in the making.
Regenerative braking slows the car without using the foot brake, I am looking forward to 200K miles before needing new brakes. In 93K miles I have only changed tires and windshield wipers, no money spent on normal car maintenance.
There has to be a reason Ford Motor Company CEO, Jim Farley, does not want to stop driving the Chinese built Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan.
Amp’d Advice: Remember, an electric car is just a car powered by electricity. The more you drive and practice charging the faster the experience becomes the norm.
Confidence in EV Charging
Recharging in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Canada
Money savings immediately started upon home charger installation.
I had been driving my 2012 Toyota Prius 100 to 150 miles per day and sticking to similar miles, my $120 per month gas bill disappeared while my home electric bill increased $35 per month. Taking just over 16 months to break even on the charger installation cost.
A few day trips to St. Louis and Kansas City increased my range confidence and my public charger confidence.
After nine months ownership, I had daytrips figured out and we took our first out of state EV road trip, an 800-mile round trip weekend to Bentonville, Arkansas.
In 2022 and 2023 the hardest part of EV road tripping was finding public charging, not to mention reliable public charging. We developed a method of mapping out public charging stations, not wanting to fully rely on a GPS app to run my road trip.
Using this method, we have driven to Southern Texas, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Colorado multiple times; every trip became easier with the roll out of new charging stations.
During our 2025 6,285-mile 3-week drive to Oregon and California, we never found public charging a concern.
The best life change came from slowing down, enjoying the trip and no longer focusing on miles driven per day. I now embrace taking a break (or three) to charge the car and enjoy arriving refreshed and ready for the evening activities.
Amp’d Advice: Look for Level 2 chargers at public destinations like museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and sports venues. These spots offer a convenient way to add charge while you enjoy the activities. Read more about charging here.
Birds Eye Review: Why Now Is the Time to Go Electric
Sunset during a 2023 EV Road Trip to Big Bend National Park, Texas
My EV transition happened fast and has not disappointed.
I would consider my 2022 KIA EV6 a third generation EV providing the range, comfort and charging speeds necessary for modern living.
Owning an electric vehicle has changed the way I drive by enjoying the drive, not being obsessed with “getting there”.
Local driving means never thinking about gas stations. I just plug in at night, and I am ready for the next day.
Cross Country driving has become routine, I know I will stop every 90 to 100 minutes and stretch for 10 to 20 minutes, before the adventure continues.
I reach my destination refreshed and ready for the local activities.
If you’re considering making the switch, now is the perfect time. Modern electric vehicles directly compete with traditional gas vehicles. Explore your options, take a test drive, and experience the difference for yourself.
An expansive, growing public charging network provides the freedom to travel the country and enjoy a carefree experience along the Great American Electric Highway.
An avid runner, John’s fascination with electric vehicles began the day he left a 1970s Citicar in the dust.
Since then, he’s worked to educate readers that EVs are simply cars powered by an alternative energy source.
His favorite way to experience it? Road-tripping along the Great American Electric Highway, where the miles turn into opportunities to visit family, reconnect with friends, and soak in the country’s scenic beauty.
When John isn’t writing about EV adventures, running in new places, or exploring new destinations, you’ll probably find him catching a well-earned nap before the next journey begins.
EV Basics
EV Charging
Essential Items
EV Road Trip Planning
My electric car surprised me. I thought it would be a compromise, but instead it became the car I look forward to driving every day—more responsive, calmer, and more enjoyable than my old gas vehicles.