The Virginian-Pilot: Column - Why I Chose an EV, and Why Virginia Needs More of Them

When my family was looking into purchasing an electric vehicle, we discovered we had a lot to learn. We’re happy with our gas-powered Honda CR-V but looking for a second car for my wife’s commute to work and other sporadic trips around Hampton, we chose an electric vehicle, primarily because they are better for the environment. But then came the questions. Can we afford it? How often do we need to charge the vehicle? Where do we charge the vehicle?  

With regard to expense, we were happy to discover that, although EVs had a higher up-front cost than most cars in their utility class, the owner often saves money overall. There is no transmission system or engine, so no need to flush or change fluids. There’s no need to change spark plugs or timing belts. There’s no exhaust, so no exhaust system. Maintenance is minimal — just rotating tires and refilling washer fluid. Having no engine, transmission or exhaust system translates into more cargo room, which comes in handy during our shopping runs to Costco. We're also saving when we charge our vehicle from our home driveway. We try to avoid charging during the hours of 6-9 p.m., when the price of electricity is higher, but it beats paying for gasoline.  

We also learned a lot about suitable charging stations, charging duration and the difference between Level-I, Level-II and Level-III chargers. There’s the Level-I charger, which is essentially a cord and adapter that connects your normal household 120-volt electrical socket to your EV. Level-II chargers require a 240-volt outlet, like the one for your dryer. These chargers are more common in urban areas and parking garages, where a driver can plug in her vehicle, then go see a movie or shop for a few hours and come back to a fully-charged car. Then there are the Level-III chargers, that can charge a vehicle from 20% to 80% in 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll find these in remote areas, such as off the highway or in parking lots outside of suburban grocery stores, and even some gas stations.
I've never waited more than five minutes to access a Level-II or Level-III charger, but I have noticed an increase in congestion along I-95 between Norfolk and Washington, D.C., during rush hour. More Level-II and Level-III chargers in rural and high-traffic areas would make the switch to an EV even easier.

I’m convinced more Virginians can and should be driving electric, and I think the commonwealth of Virginia could be doing more to help my neighbors benefit too. The Clean Cars Standard, which requires 8% of new cars sold to be EVs or hybrids, is a good start.

Virginia’s Clean Cars Standard went into effect in 2024. However, in June, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Office of the Attorney General announced that they don’t think Virginia is obligated to comply with the newest update to the standard. I’m not sure if that’s true, but even if they’re not obligated, I think it’s clear Virginians would benefit from our governments doing more, not less, to facilitate the transition to EVs, and that rolling them back risks long-term environmental consequences. I know there are folks who will feel inclined to stay loyal to their combustion engines, but I, personally, would like my daughter to grow up in a world that works toward a cleaner future.

To those considering purchasing an electric vehicle, I provide the following guidance: There is a small inconvenience on long trips outside your normal range, or if you can’t charge at home, but if you like saving money, reducing your time at service stations, and creating a more livable and breathable environment, then an electric vehicle is the right choice for you.  

Jim Purekal of Norfolk is an EV driver and a director at national business association Advanced Energy United.