The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast is live: Listen here.
Is An Electric Vehicle Right For You?

Is An Electric Vehicle Right For You?

Gas prices are through the roof and we’re feeling the pinch at the gas station. Is now the right time to invest in an electric vehicle?

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Automobiles leave a big footprint. Extracting petroleum products from the earth and shipping them around the planet is both energy-intensive and damaging (let’s not forget about oil spills!). There’s also the tailpipe emissions problem: vehicles in the US are responsible for a whopping one-third of all air pollution in the country.

The rollout of new electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids is good news if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional combustion engine, and that’s because these models provide energy-efficient transportation while lowering/eliminating tailpipe emissions, diminishing noise, and reducing operating costs.

On today’s show my guest and I outline 5 considerations you need to know about before purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. Jon Linkov is the Deputy Autos Editor at Consumer Reports and he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge as both a tester of cars and an owner of an electric vehicle to our conversation.

Here’s a preview:

[2:30] The major differences as well as the minor intricacies that distinguish hybrids and plug-in hybrids from electric vehicles

[9:00] The price problem: Weighing sticker prices with federal and state rebates and gasoline costs

[13:00] Everything you need to know about the $7500 US Federal Tax Incentive on (some) electric vehicles

[17:30] Should we be concerned about running out of charge? All-things charging, charging stations, at-home charger installation, and the average driving ranges of top EV models

[22:00] Do EVs and hybrids need more frequent — and more expensive — maintenance? (Hint: the answer is no.)

[24:00] Jon’s thoughts on whether alternate technologies are actually fun to drive

 

Resources mentioned and Further Reading:

 

 

Powered by RedCircle

 

Gas prices are through the roof and we're feeling the pinch at the gas station. Is now the right time to invest in an electric vehicle? On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: 5 things to consider before buying your next car, including price, charging concerns, and maintenance costs.

Comments are closed.

Listen to the Podcast

The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast
Latest podcast:

How Many Jeans Do You Own?

Denim jeans were once the preferred trouser for cowboys in the American west; some decades later, they became a symbol of rebellion for non-conformist teens. These days jeans are all about comfort and casual style, and the average American woman owns 7 pairs. And yet blue jeans also happen to have one of fashion's biggest environmental footprints. On today's show Sarene Alsharif reveals the harsh realities associated with jeans production; she also shares practical strategies for transforming this wardrobe staple into a sustainable solution.   Here's a preview: [7:00]  Stone-washed with actual stones? Dyed with carcinogenic dyes? Uncovering your favorite pair's dirty little enviro-secrets  [13:00] Want some stretch? Revisiting our desire for synthetic fibers in our denim  [23:00] The trend cycle = smoke and mirrors [27:00] It's a marriage not a fling (and other tried-and-true sustainable fashion tips) [31:00] Stephanie's nihilist thoughts: What happens when collective action matters, and yet the collective isn't doing its part?   Resources mentioned: How To Save The World With A Pair Of Jeans (via YouTube) Tad More Tailoring Atomic Habits (by James Clear) The Comfort Crisis Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self (February's Book Club pick!)   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! **If you're a financial supporter over on Apple Podcasts and want to join Book Club, please email me and let me know! For privacy reasons, Apple won't share your contact info with me. Just email me and I'll happily add you!** Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe

My Story

Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

Want to know more? Read my story.

Sustainable minimalism for home, head + heart.

Join our community of eco-conscious women on a collective journey towards sustainable simplicity.

Join us!