Electric vehicles (EVs for short) have come a long way since their introduction. With today’s wide selection of styles, features and price points, finding an EV that fits your driving style and budget has never been easier. Meet two people who opted for an EV and are glad they did.


Charged up for convenience and economy


With her full-time job and active life, Crystal Marie McDaniels needed a car that was dependable but reflected her desire to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Her Tesla Model 3 fits the bill. “I know that driving an electric vehicle is good for the environment, and I absolutely love that. But if I’m being honest, one of the key reasons I will never go back to driving a gas-powered vehicle is the convenience of never having to go to a gas station. My car charges at home while we all sleep and it’s ready to go by the time I wake up,” she explained.


Crystal Marie finds charging easy: Many gas stations, restaurants and shopping areas, even in remote, rural areas, often have a charging station tucked in the back. “There are public charging stations at places you frequent all the time,” she noted. You can also download the PlugShare app or check out Duke Energy for more information.


Electric vehicles are becoming more and more affordable, especially as the used market expands. Manufacturers such as Kia and Ford have added their own offerings, expanding selections to include everything from sporty models to utilitarian family cars. “I’m hopeful that eventually EVs will become the new normal for a broad variety of folks, not just early adopters like me,” said Crystal Marie.


Plugged into performance and practicality


Marshall Rand is a true car enthusiast. You might think he’s not a likely candidate to own an EV, but his family actually owns two – a Tesla Model 3 and an Outlander. “I like to stay on the cutting edge of technology and performance,” he explained.” EVs offer plenty of performance benefits over gasoline-powered cars.” There is no gas to buy, zero tailpipe emissions, no oil changes and fewer moving parts to break or wear out. And the days of worrying about your EV battery are over. Most are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.


Instant torque gives EVs greater acceleration from a dead stop. “The instant acceleration makes our Tesla a joy to drive,” Marshall said, “The driving experience feels decades ahead of gasoline cars.” And his Outlander is far better than his Jeep when off road thanks to the unbelievable torque from its two electric motors.


EVs are also a very practical car for families. “We've taken it to the beach and mountains. With a front and rear trunk, it has plenty of room for all of our stuff, beach chairs, boards and our dog,” joked Marshall.“ Marshall’s car has a 250-mile range, but some EVs have a range of 400 miles or more, making family trips a reality. They never need oil changes, have no transmission issues, have less brake wear and tear, and have far fewer moving parts. And because the batteries are underneath the cabin and the electric motors are small, the crumple zones are larger, making an EV much safer.


Finding the right EV


Ask two different customers what they are looking for in a car’s performance, and you might get two different answers. The good news? EVs come in all shapes and sizes. To find the EV that’s right for you, visit our comprehensive guide or check out our electric vehicle savings calculator.