We're done with oil By Gene Rubin
Only a handful of years ago, I used to dream of an electric car that I could charge from solar panels. The car of my dreams was something like a converted VW Bug that would take me to the beach and back, maybe around town a bit. Gee … if that car could take me 20 miles or so, wow, that would really be great!
Only a few years later came the Model S. I bought one of the very first, and here I am two and a half years later with over 50,000 miles driven. I still chuckle to myself about my wishes for a 20-mile EV car. Were my dreams fulfilled? Oh yes, my dream came true, and to a level I could have never, ever imagined. I can go nearly anywhere I choose in the USA; at high speed, in full comfort, in full safety, and charge fast and for free.
I can’t tell you how many times I pinch myself to be sure I am actually awake and not back in that dream!
I’d really like to share with you why I made the decision, why I felt it was “my duty” to buy the Model S and to support Tesla’s efforts to electrify transport. I have travelled the world as an amateur anthropologist. I am keenly aware, and I have witnessed firsthand, the destruction that oil industry exploration and drilling do to people’s land, lives, and family. These are those peoples whose voices are seldom heard.
I then thought of all the wars fought over oil, the spills that have destroyed so much wildlife, global climate change, and the soon coming cancer death of a loved one who grew up next to an oil refinery. You see, I have been an environmentalist for years. I realized that as long as I buy gas to put in my car, I am ‘part of the problem’. I decided to stand for what I believe. I decided to be “part of the solution” and I chose the Model S as an EV that could take me the distances I need to travel. It is my only car. It is all the car I could ever need.
The buying and service experience that I have enjoyed with Tesla has been an absolute pleasure. A Model 3 for my son Michael, and one for my sweet Jayne. Oh yes, and Amelia, our wonderful 9-year-old? When she is 16, I assure you, she’ll be driving on electricity as well.
I have never heard of a war fought over electricity and I have never seen an “electric spill” in our oceans.
This family is done with oil.
Gene Rubin and his family are done with polluting cars in favor of the game-changing Tesla.
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Top ten things I love about driving my Tesla Model 3 by David Pollock of Moorpark
10. Instant pick up and go when needed.
9. Smooth acceleration (no shifting).
8. Ability to get huge discounts on electricity from 10pm to 7am.
7. Brakes that last way longer.
6. No tail pipes because no emissions.
5. No more oil changes.
4. One-pedal driving.
3. Software updates that keep improving functions and features.
2. Leaving the garage every morning with full range,
1. Never having to visit a gas station!
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Doggone magic of fate by Gregory Young, program manager of Clean Coalition
The desire to own a dog came long before my desire to own an electric vehicle (EV), but I never would have guessed that they both would be satisfied on exactly the same day. I mostly have the magic of fate to thank for that — but I can proudly say that research and persistence also played a large role.
While the time and effort put into finding the right dog has paid off tremendously in companionship and unconditional love, the time and effort put into leasing an EV has paid off in a net gain of $620.
I was shocked myself when I first started adding together the California grants and rebate funds that I could receive when purchasing or leasing an EV. I was also guided by the Community Environmental Council’s website, which helps you understand whether you qualify for a free or low-cost leased or used electric vehicle in eight simple steps: https://tinyurl.com/FreeEVsite
In a nutshell for a Chevy Bolt LT, 3-year lease cost: Lease $8,880 - $5,000 Clean Vehicle Assistant Grant, $4,500 = $620 net positive!
Gregory Young, program manager of Clean Coalition, with his new EV car Bolt and his new dog Quest.
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Drive Electric Earth Day is a national campaign to share information about electric vehicles during April, so instead of a day, is all the days in April.
In addition to being better for the environment, electric vehicles are more fun to drive, more convenient to fuel and less expensive to operate than gasoline vehicles. Attend an online event to experience driving electric.
Drive Electric Earth Day, April 1-30, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. They are fun to drive, are better for the environment, promotes local jobs, and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
Are you considering going electric? Come talk to owners who have successfully done so.
Register to attend an in-person or online event for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card here: https://driveelectricearthday.org/events-search
For more tips on new and used EVs, check out our earlier entry on electric car resources.