This is part of our Cardinal Way project on promoting civil discussions.
We recently ran an opinion piece by David Wiley of Roanoke, in which he touted the advantages of the solar panels on his home, which, besides lowering his electric bill, also allow him to charge his electric car.
That prompted us to ask readers for their experience with either solar panels or electric vehicles. We recently had this compilation of responses on solar. Here’s what some had to say about electric vehicles.
Electric car is a ‘perfect fit’ for this couple
Dave Carey, Charlottesville
My wife is very happy with the Bolt, which replaced an older Honda Fit. It’s perfect for us, since we’re retired and we also have a gas car (a Subaru) for longer trips. The Bolt mainly gets driven around Charlottesville, but the range is fine for trips to Richmond (60 miles each way) or hiking in the mountains. Max range is probably around 190 miles at highway speeds.
Our house has a carport where the Bolt gets plugged into a regular 110-volt outlet. We haven’t yet felt the need for a Level 2 (220-volt) charger.
We haven’t been brave enough to take the Bolt on a long trip, other than an overnight to Peaks of Otter, where the lodge had a Level 2 charger. But I’m planning to buy an adapter so we can use the Tesla Superchargers someday!
If we ever get another EV, I’d like to have V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability so the car could be a backup power source when the electricity goes out at our house.
One more thing: I hate the annual fee ($128) that Virginia charges to register EVs! I enrolled in the Virginia Mileage Choice program, which charges a fee based on actual miles driven. We only drive around 4,000 miles/year, so the Mileage Choice program saves some money. Of course, it would make more sense to charge a fee based on vehicle weight (heavier cars wear out the roads faster). And it would make more sense to raise the gas tax and fix I-81 and improve Amtrak in Virginia (just have to convince 50% of voters of that). We lived in Germany for several years, so $3/gallon for gas seems ridiculously cheap.
‘There is no cost for gas — none!’
Susan Potter, Virginia Beach
My one EV is a VW ID.4. It’s charged from the charger installed on the wall of the garage, for which we paid less than $1000, including installation. The range maxes out at approximately 302 miles, so car has to be charged once on the road for infrequent trips to and from Richmond and Northern Virginia. THERE IS NO COST FOR GAS — NONE! That’s a huge savings! I have solar panels that provide all the electricity to charge the EV. Driving on sunshine! That said, having an EV has been a learning experience. On roadtrips, you have to keep a close eye on the remaining miles on the battery and the closest charging station. The experience is often a breeze, occasionally a concern, and on one occasion a near-disaster. I don’t think that EVs are practical or even possible in rural areas unless and until there is a reliable charger system. A reliable charger system has long been promised by both the state and federal governments, but not delivered. For rural areas, a gas-powered car or truck is more practical. (Depending on individual circumstances, you might consider a hybrid.)
In addition, I don’t think EVs are practical for city dwellers who live in an apartment, unless the apartment building itself has a free charger (which is very rare or non-existent). For most city dwellers, a hybrid vehicle is more practical. For this suburban Virginia Beach dweller, one EV works quite well. There is a vast swath of suburbia around Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads that would benefit from the combination of rooftop solar power and EVs. Instead of looking superficially at the issue of the sources of power and transportation, and deciding solar power and EVs are impractical, the focus should be on making these options available in these areas to the maximum extent possible. Remember, people pay their OWN money for their OWN solar panels on their OWN roof, and for their OWN EVs that are charged in the garage. This is a win/win for everybody if we can get the monopoly utilities, bought and paid for politicians, and political propagandists out of the way.
‘Love the quietness and smooth drive’ of his American-made EV
Joseph Bryson, Roanoke
Purchased in December 2024, and it’s been great. Charge at level 2 (240V) home charger using excess generation from my solar panels. Love the quietness and smooth drive of the car, an SUV made in America by GM/Chevrolet.
‘We never pay for gas or have to deal with expensive maintenance’
Stephen Ambruzs, Roanoke
We drive 2 electric vehicles that are powered by the sun. They are filled up each night in our garage, and we never pay for gas or have to deal with expensive maintenance.
EVs are the future. Test drive one, own one or lease one. Have an open mind and give them a chance before deciding they “aren’t for you.”
‘No issues’
James Francis Reed, Prince William County
I have been driving all-electric since November 2011. I leased a Leaf, then a Bolt, and then bought a Tesla Model 3 Long Range new in March 2019. I have driven my Tesla 102k miles and 95% charged at home. Average cost per mile is $0.03. It has been trouble-free except five cracked windshields. I have driven to MA, CT, RI, NY, and GA multiple times with no charging issues using Tesla Superchargers. It does take more stops and longer charging when temps are below freezing on trips. No issues from home. I used to charge between 2300-0600, but with solar, I charge between 1200-1530 to take advantage of excess energy after backup battery recharges by noon.
‘It’s saved us quite a bit’
Joy Loving, Grottoes
We bought a Chevrolet Bolt in Dec. 2017. It’s compact but serves our purposes well. We use it for relatively short trips (less than 100-mile radius) and charge it on a regular outlet in our garage. Overall, we’ve experienced minimal maintenance costs. Most years, we’ve paid little or nothing for the annual “service,” during which the dealer does the annual VA inspection and updates software as needed. We have about 52,000 miles on the vehicle, and are still using the original tires. It’s saved us quite a bit in financial costs thanks to very minimal maintenance and zero gasoline expenses. And it’s reduced our “carbon footprint.” We received the federal tax credit for the purchase.