10,000 KMs for $7
I've been driving internal combustion engine (ICE) sports cars since the day I received my driver's license, over 16 years ago, my last car was a 2016 Nismo 370Z. For the past six years, my excuse for not switching to an electric vehicle (EV) was that I didn't have anywhere to plug it in. After founding a company that is destined to accelerate the adoption of EVs, I felt it was necessary to lead by example, even without a place to plug in at home.
So how do I feel now, after having a Nissan Leaf for almost 12,000 KMs? Let's just say; I won't be going back to ICE sports cars ever again.
From the moment you sit in an EV, it's obvious that there's something familiar, yet very different about them. As soon as you step on the accelerator, it becomes apparent how unique these vehicles are in comparison to any petrol-powered car on the road. The acceleration is instantaneous and so smooth that it is shocking. Due to the battery placement, the center of gravity is much lower, and the weight is evenly distributed, so the handling feels solid yet nimble, a great combination.
One of the biggest things I've noticed, and believe a lot of people will benefit from, aside from the pure pleasure of silence and smooth as silk driving is the massive savings on fuel. For the first 10,000 kilometers (km) of owning our Nissan Leaf, we had no home charging access (living in a high rise). As a result, we relied almost entirely on the public charging network. I thought it would be a unique opportunity to experience living off of publicly accessible charging stations. Let's just say; it wasn't without its challenges (mainly substantial wait times at fast charging stations, and a lack of locations nearby destinations); however, we ended up spending a total of $7.00 powering the Leaf for its first 10,000 km's. In my previous car, with premium fuel, this would've cost over $1,100.
Based on my experience coupled with the observed results in cities like Copenhagen, I feel strongly that free charging and free parking are powerful incentives to help dramatically promote massive EV adoption. Combining these incentives with ReCharged's EV awareness platform, we have been able to create a potent strategy for breaking down barriers surrounding EV adoption.
Although I fully believe that EVs will dominate the auto industry within my lifetime, whether we take these steps or not, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that this happens rapidly. Living in an affluent part of the world with inexpensive, plentiful, clean energy, British Columbia can lead by example in shifting to 100% emission-free personal transportation.
The team at ReCharged is here to help accelerate the adoption of clean personal transportation. Let us know if you are interested in becoming a location host.
