Going Electric!

By Jaclyn M.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” -Jane Goodall

Stop and think for a second. What kind of difference do you want to make? We live in a world where billions of people are making a difference each day. But that doesn’t always mean a good difference. 

We also live in a world where the air we breathe is full of carbon dioxide and micro plastics because of pollution. And where there is so much plastic in the ocean (some scientists speculate the pollution covers an area the size of Texas) that is deadly to animals. 

Despite all the people in the world making a good difference, scientists are still telling us that the world, as we know it, will end if something doesn’t change now. Why is that? Because as great as those people are, we can’t fix the earth just by a small percentage of people making a big difference. We need everyone. Something as simple as supporting green products, bringing your own bag to the store and skipping the plastic one, or even buying your next car or lawn mower electric can make a difference. 

As Anne Marie Bonneau (a zero-waste chef, who has lived plastic-free since 2011) once said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

So how can YOU become one of those millions of people making a small impact? Let’s find out! 

Before we get started, I would like to mention that this article in particular, is going to focus on electric cars. But there are so many small and big ways to get involved! So definitely research more on that. A great source focused primarily on reducing plastic use is National Geographic “Kids VS. Plastic”. You can read more here https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/kids-vs-plastic

What are electric cars and what do they do?

You’ve probably heard the term “EV” right?

Well, EV is short for electric vehicle. Electric cars run by getting the battery charged, and do not produce anything while running. There are also more perks to having an electric car, but we will get to that later.

What’s so good about electric cars compared to traditional gasoline powered ones?

Given the process mentioned above, let’s break it down.

How does a gas car GET fuel?

By using gasoline which is gained by fracking into the earth, emitting fumes, destroying the environment, and depleting the earth of natural resources.

How does a gas car USE fuel?

By creating tiny explosions that send fumes out of the exhaust pipe, which affects air quality.

How does an electric car GET fuel?

By charging the battery, which while it does take some energy, it’s usually only a few watts worth.

How does an electric car USE fuel?

By quietly using the battery.

Does it make a bit more sense now? Although no car is perfect, on average, EVs use less fossil fuels and natural resources. Going electric also helps with air pollution.

Electric car FAQ

Q. Is charging inconvenient?

A. Not at all! You simply install a charger at your house and plug the car in. Imagine your car filling up a full tank, just by being parked in the garage. You never have to stop to fill up your car again, as you always leave your house on a full tank. And when you are on a trip, it’s still easy! But more on that later.

Q. But the battery is made using natural resources! What about that?

A. It is true that batteries are made using lithium and ions. However, you replace the battery roughly every 10 years, and they have started recycling the batteries, as well. Unlike gas cars, which use natural resources each time you fill up the tank.

Q. Can you take a road trip?

A. Yes! My family has gone from Georgia to Canada and back 3 times, and counting, in our Tesla! In fact, not only can you take a road trip, we actually prefer our Tesla for long car rides. If you are riding in a Tesla or another EV company that has contracted use of Tesla chargers, charging is a breeze. There are thousands of chargers, so there is guaranteed to be one in your route. And most are  located at restaurants and shops and such, places you would probably stop for restroom breaks, or food stops anyway. No more smelly gas stations!

Q. But EVs are so expensive! How can I afford one?

A. At first glance, EVs are pretty expensive. But once you do a bit more research and crunch the numbers, the price difference isn’t quite as bad as it seems. Firstly, you can save a lot by buying a used car. Then adding in tax rebates brings the price down a bit, too. Not to mention, even though the upfront price is a bit more, EVs are actually more cost effective long-term. On average, people spend about $2000 on gas yearly, whereas EV owners only spend about $670 a year to charge…and $0 if you are on solar!

Perks of driving an electric car

1. Silence. The battery is mostly silent except for a quiet hum, so no more loud engine noises! (However, if for some reason you actually like having a loud motor in your ear, some electric car companies produce cars that do make fake engine noise).

2. No more trips to the gas station! Your car will charge overnight while being parked in your garage or driveway. So you always leave home with a full tank!

3. Faster acceleration. Studies have shown that when compared to a Lamborghini, Teslas still beat the Lamborghini by a second!

4. Less maintenance. Since EVs don’t have a gas-powered engine, that means no more oil changes or emission checks!

5. Help combat climate change and save the earth!

Plus, a few bonus perks specific to Teslas.

6. The charging network. As mentioned prior, Tesla chargers are everywhere, making road trips easy.

7. Dog Mode. Teslas have an option called “Dog Mode” that keeps the A/C running while you run into the store for a minute, without using much energy. This mode also ensures that no matter the weather, your furry friend (or even groceries, coolers, etc) will stay nice and cool. It even displays a cute screen saying “my driver will be back soon. Don’t worry! the A/C is on and it is _ degrees” in case anyone sees your dog and gets worried.

8. Double trunk! Because the battery is under the car, you get a bonus space called the “frunk” in the front of your car for storing anything that doesn’t fit in the trunk.

9. Entertainment. The Tesla also features streaming, and an arcade to keep you entertained during rest stops. Just kick back and enjoy your movie, or play video games courtesy of the touch screen. You can even do “Careoke” (karaoke for the car) on long rides.

10. The App. Tesla also features a special app that you link to the car.  If someone else is driving the car, would you want to track their location or see what speed they are going (or even set a speed limit)? Want to lock or unlock it without looking for your key? Check the A/C to see if you left it on? You can do all of that and more with the mobile app!

11. Bioweapon mode. In the model X and model Y, you have the “Bio Weapon” mode. Driving through some smoke? Is the pollen bad? Fuming truck ahead of you? No problem! Simply put on Bio-Weapon and get hospital grade air.

12. Sentry cameras. Teslas have a total of 8 cameras and 12 sensors that provide a 360-view of your car’s surroundings. So you can use the app to check on your car from anywhere in the world!

So, as you can see, the benefits are tremendous. Even if you are not doing it for the earth, EVs are still a much nicer experience. Add in the fact that it saves fossil fuels on so many levels, who wouldn’t want an electric car?!