We began electrifying our house by installing a full array of solar panels on our roof. I love watching the solar panels generate electricity on sunny days (I like to think I can see the electrons!). It’s also great to have a tiny electric bill. We hadn’t intended to stop there; we knew we wanted to go all electric. But time flies, and we’ve had those solar panels for ten years now without doing any other electrification.
Recently, we emerged from our electrification slump and began researching the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV). I wanted to think we were getting an EV only for ethical and practical reasons. After all, I am a member of Third Act Oregon, and I know how important it is to move away from fossil fuels. Practically, I know that electric cars are economical to run, and my 2006 Mini-Cooper was starting to make those expensive car repair noises. Finally, the Federal Tax Credit for EVs was going to expire at the end of September! This seemed a good time to buy an EV.
However, the real reason for putting it at the top of our list is that I was having EV envy.
My weekly hiking group carpools to all our hikes. Several of the hikers already have EVs. Generously, the EV owners are always volunteering to drive. It is impressive to think of how low our carbon footprint is on those hikes — first, we are carpooling, and then we are being transported to the trailhead in electric cars.
At first, I just admired how elegant an arrangement it was, and then I started wanting to be one of those drivers! The EV drivers all seem to love their cars — plus, it didn’t seem fair that the same few people would always have to drive. I finally admitted it — I want to be one of the cool kids! I want an EV.
After doing our research and having all the ‘fun’ of going to dealers and inspecting cars, Michael and I bought a Kia EV6 at the end of August (early enough for the $7,500.00 tax credit). We also got a smaller tax credit from the State of Oregon. The car itself is fun to drive — quiet and so responsive. It boasts numerous cool features, including the ability to take an extra fast charge on the road, and it has a range of 300 miles.
But the best part is that next week I get to go hiking with my friends — and this time I’ll be doing the driving.
Resources:
Factcheck: 21 misleading myths about electric vehicles
Consumer Reports
Car & Driver: Best Electric Cars
Global EV sales grow by 5% m-o-m and by 15% y-o-y in August 2025