Summary
- InsideEVs published an article about a dad, Craig Benzine, discussing the pros and cons of owning an electric vehicle
- Craig’s family has had a positive experience with their 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 over the past three years
- They have home charging with solar panels, minimal maintenance, and enjoy the quietness and instant torque of the car
- The biggest issue they face is the need for more charging stations, which can add hours to longer road trips
- Despite some inconveniences, Craig and his wife do not regret purchasing an electric vehicle and plan to continue driving one in the future
Article
Living the Electric Life: A Realistic Perspective
In a recent video, YouTube musician and comedian Craig Benzine, also known as WheezyWaiter, shared his family’s experience with owning a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle for three years. While it’s easy to get caught up in technical debates about EVs, the reality of daily life with an electric car is quite different. Craig’s wife sums up their view by saying she likes having an electric vehicle almost 100% of the time, highlighting the benefits that have made the EV lifestyle work for them.
The Benefits of Home Charging and Minimal Maintenance
One of the key factors that has made owning an electric vehicle feasible for Craig’s family is the ability to charge at home using solar panels. While this may not be an option for everyone, the upfront cost of installation is relatively affordable, ranging from $200 to $1,000. In terms of maintenance, they’ve only needed to replace wiper fluid and rotate tires, showcasing the simplicity and convenience of owning an EV. Additionally, they appreciate the quiet ride and instant torque that the ID.4 offers.
The Challenge of Limited Charging Infrastructure
Despite their positive experience with electric vehicle ownership, Craig and his wife acknowledge the need for more charging stations. They note that if there were as many fast chargers as gas stations, the convenience of owning an EV would be even greater. While the fast-charging network in America is growing rapidly, there is still a need for a shift in mindset regarding charging habits. It’s essential to plug in whenever possible, even if it means using ordinary wall outlets.
Embracing the Unexpected Adventures of Road Trips
While longer trips can present challenges due to the need for frequent charging stops, Craig and his family have embraced the unexpected adventures that come with electric vehicle road trips. Discovering new towns and restaurants while recharging has added a sense of adventure to their travels that they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. Despite the occasional inconvenience, they’ve found the overall convenience of owning an electric car to be positive.
Looking Towards the Future of Electric Transportation
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, Craig and his family have no regrets about their decision to go electric. They are committed to driving electric vehicles in the future and are optimistic about the ongoing improvements in charging infrastructure. While they acknowledge that there are still challenges to overcome, such as the need for more fast chargers, they believe that the convenience and reliability of electric cars will only continue to improve over time.
Conclusion: The Realistic Perspective on Electric Vehicle Ownership
In summary, Craig Benzine’s candid overview of his family’s experience with owning an electric vehicle provides valuable insights into the practicalities and benefits of living the electric life. While there are challenges, such as the need for more charging infrastructure, the overall convenience, environmental impact, and unexpected adventures make the switch to electric vehicles worthwhile for many families. As the electric vehicle market continues to expand and charging infrastructure improves, the future looks bright for those considering making the transition to electric transportation.
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