Testimonials from PEV Owners

Electrify Your Ride Series - Part 8

What current owners think of driving electricIn September, RMLD held a Ride and Drive event for customers interested in learning more about plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Those in attendance could test drive an assortment of makes and models as well as talk to current owners about their experience driving and owning a PEV. Many found the personal insight of current PEV owners to be valuable information, so we’ve compiled testimonials from PEV owners living in RMLD’s service area. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I'm in love with my van! It's perfect for my driving needs -- driving around town taking kids where they need to be. It is a hybrid, so I only get 30 miles electric but for the most part I am able to go about my entire day purely electric. I also love the way the van drives -- it's so responsive and driving electric is much more fun than gas. We really love our van - it was a great purchase!”

- Jenny, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Plus (PHEV+) Minivan  

“I love it! Having a Level 2 charger at home is wonderful. No trips to the gas station. Convenient. Less money. Win win win."

- Matt, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Sedan

 “I would highly recommend an EV to anyone looking for a new vehicle. The technology has fully arrived. My vehicle has a 310-mile range and a fully supported network of supercharger stations strategically placed around the US. My EV is perfect for my long (90 miles per day) commute and I never worry about making it home at the end of the day. I've traveled up to 300 miles away with no anxiety at all. Finally, I'm quite happy to be driving a no emission vehicle. It's our responsibility to take care of our planet and every little bit helps.”

- Jim, BEV Sedan

“Extremely smooth quiet ride. Very efficient: in two weeks of owning it, I still have a full tank of gas. It takes some time to get used to driving style, especially using regenerative braking.”

- Enzo, PHEV+ SUV

“In addition to feeling good about the "green" aspects of owning an electric car, a very practical benefit is the minimal maintenance required. No more stopping for gas, bringing the car in for oil changes, or dealing with the additional recommended maintenance that inevitably results from a visit to the shop.”

- Joyce and Paul, Two BEV Sedans  

“I would absolutely recommend a PEV! I have three kids and a 20-mile round trip daily commute. Everyone fits, the trunk has great capacity, and (so far) I have had no issues with “range anxiety.” My office park has a level 2 charger, which has been very convenient. I’m looking forward to no more oil changes or gas station stops!”

- Jessica, BEV Sedan

“I love being able to charge it at home. No more oil changes no more gas stations!!”

- Lynne, BEV Sedan

“Using an EV requires a bit more planning and awareness than a fuel vehicle because it takes longer to charge an EV battery than to fill a fuel tank: 100 miles of range for 1/2 hour of fast charging or 5-6 hours of Level 2 charging means that you have to plan ahead to ensure you have the necessary range. However, owning an EV is vastly more convenient. No oil changes. No cooling system to maintain. No exhaust system to replace. There is virtually no regular maintenance to do and the only regular wear items are tires and brake components.”

- Eric, BEV Sedan

Many thanks to our current PEV owners who have taken the time to share their experiences by completing RMLD surveys or participating in Ride and Drive events!

RMLD residential customers who are ready to electrify their ride have until October 31, 2018 to take advantage of our PEV pilot rebate program, which offers a $1,500 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new or used BEV, and a $1,000 rebate for the lease or purchase of a new PHEV+. RMLD also offers residential customers a rebate of 100% of equipment costs up to $500 for the home installation of a networked (or “smart”) AC level 2 charging station. For more information on these rebates, click here

This is the eighth in RMLD’s article series regarding PEVs. Be on the lookout for the final article in the coming weeks: Charging with RMLD’s Time-of-Use Rate. Click here to view the complete series of articles.