AUTO

Why I’m Finally Ready to Switch From Gas to an EV

November 30, 2024

Switch to an EV for lower costs.
Home charging saves up to $2,000 yearly.
EV incentives make switching even more affordable.

For the past 2 years, I’ve been watching the electric vehicle (EV) boom from the sidelines. You’d think someone working in EV news and events, who’s spent countless hours driving, writing about, and obsessing over these cars, would have made the switch long ago. But here’s the truth: I haven’t. Not yet.

Why? It came down to a few key issues: price, range anxiety, and a lack of charging infrastructure. Oh, and the fact that my current car, a 2023 Nissan Rogue, is still under lease.

But as that lease comes to an end, I’ve started looking more seriously, and for the first time, I’m thinking, maybe now is the time.

Affordability Is Changing Everything

When I started leasing cars nearly a decade ago, EVs felt out of reach. They were too expensive for what I needed. Back then, they were easily $10,000 more than a comparable gas car. Today, that difference has all but disappeared.

Take this holiday season, for example. Automakers are practically begging people to buy. Ford is offering 0% financing for 72 months on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, with up to $5,000 in rebates.

They’re even throwing in a free Level 2 charger with installation, which is a big deal when you live in a condo like me. And Toyota? Similar offers for the bZ4X, including 0% financing and a $2,500 rebate.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good deal, and December to February, when my leases tend to expire, is prime time for scoring them. That has me thinking seriously about pulling the trigger, especially since Nissan often offers loyalty discounts that sweeten the pot.

Image showcasing Toyota vZ4X CCS at Electrify Expo — _{Electrify Expo attendees checking out the Toyota bZ4X features.}

Driving the Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan Left Me Speechless

At Electrify Expo, I spent a few hours driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Honestly, I didn’t want to give it back. This thing had nearly 300 miles of range, hit 0 to 60 in about three seconds, and was so quiet I sometimes forgot it was on.

I remember a Ford rep telling me, “Step on it.” No other words were needed. The car spoke for itself. It was fast, smooth, and, dare I say, exciting.

Electrify Expo San Francisco test ride demo Porsche Taycan — _{Porsche Taycan test drive at Electrify Expo.}

Then there was the Porsche Taycan. I don’t even have the words to describe how incredible that car felt. It’s in another universe of luxury, priced around $150K, which is way out of my budget, but it was a reminder of just how advanced EVs have become. The Taycan felt like it was part of me, responding instantly to every input. If I could win the lottery tomorrow, I’d own one in a heartbeat. There’ll be signs.

Home Charging Saves Money and Time

When I think about switching to an EV, home charging is what excites me the most. Filling up at home? That’s a whole new level of convenience. It’s as easy as plugging in my phone at night. I already know my condo’s parking spot is EV-ready, so the installation of a Level 2 charger wouldn’t be a problem.

But what about road trips or longer drives? That’s where apps like Chargeway come in. It’s been a lifesaver for me when I’ve needed to find nearby charging stations. With its easy-to-understand interface and color-coded plug system, Chargeway eliminates the guesswork of finding the right charger for your EV.

Chargeway Plus EV Charging App North America Launch - Tesla Model Y — _{Source: Chargeway}

It even helps plan routes, so I never have to worry about running out of power.

Yes, my electric bill would go up, probably by $50-$75 a month, but that’s nothing compared to the $75 I’m dropping every time I fill up at the pump (regular, unleaded). Over a year, the math is simple: I’d save over $2,000, and that’s just on fuel.

Combine the convenience of home charging with apps like Chargeway, and range anxiety fades away.

Lease or Buy an EV is a Tough Call

This decision has me torn. Leasing is familiar territory for me, and it’s hard to ignore how affordable EV leases have become. Just a few years ago, leasing an EV meant paying a steep premium. Now, the deals are enticing, especially when you consider automakers’ incentives and the possibility of upgrading as the tech evolves.

That said, the idea of buying a used EV has crossed my mind. With so many leases ending in the next couple of years, the market will be flooded with affordable options. J.D. Power says 2026 will be the best time to snag a used EV. But honestly, I don’t know if I want to wait that long. My Rogue won’t last forever (CVT transmission), and I’m itching to make the switch sooner.

Why Now Feels Right

The stars are aligning. Prices are dropping, incentives are everywhere, and the technology has reached a point where it just makes sense. But I’ll admit, there’s still some hesitation.

The political debates around EVs have always made me uncomfortable. It’s frustrating to see something so practical turned into a red-versus-blue issue. That’s why I appreciate events like Electrify Expo. They strip away the politics and give people the chance to experience EVs for what they are. Incredible machines that make life better.

Am I ready to switch to an EV? I think so. The Mustang Mach-E felt like a step into the future, and I’m ready to take it. I do, however, really like the look and feel of the Nissan ARIYA. But we’re all unsure of Nissan’s future at this moment.

If you’re unsure, test drive an EV. You might fall in love faster than you expect.