To EV, or not to EV? That is the question.
I’m proud to say that I’m walking the walk, and talking the talk. After driving my poor Saab into the ground, I bit the bullet and purchased a new car. My adorable Chevy Volt is a hybrid plug-in that gets 50+ miles per charge. By driving carefully, and following their suggestions, I was able to log 800 miles before I had to refill my gas tank.
The motor is set up so the engine recharges the battery when I coast, and when I push a little magic button on the steering wheel that slows the engine when I want to stop (which also saves wear and tear on the brakes). When I drive to the gym or the grocery store, I return home with more charge than when I left.
Plus, there’s an additional benefit. Miraculously, trying to drive on just the electric engine has cured my Lead Foot Syndrome (No, officer, I never speed.); since I ride with my windows open, it makes it easier to hear my music. Life is good, isn’t it?
I was looking at the Toyota Prius plug-in, but they only get about 20 miles per charge. The Ford Fusion had better mileage, but didn’t have enough trunk space to suit me. Here’s how the Volt charmed me. It has:
- the great electric range
- plenty of trunk space
- decent back seat room if you sit behind me and not my husband
- a telescopic steering wheel
- cloth seats (I try not to use leather products but the steering wheel has leather around the heater)
- a manual (not electric) seat adjustment (I wish the windows were manual)
- a beautiful blue color
What can I say? These are the things that matter to me. That, plus now my daughter is following my example and wants a plug-in for her next car.
If I don’t get an all-electric car, my next vehicle is going to be a hybrid plug-in SUV or hybrid plug-in pickup truck. They should have re-invented one by the time I’m done with this car. It’s been 14 years since I purchased my previous car. Let’s see how long this one lasts.
