In February 2013, I made a decision that would transform not only my driving experience but also my perspective on transportation and sustainability. When I bought my electric vehicle (EV), a 2013 Ford Focus, it was at a time when EVs were still a novelty here in Florida and no public charging stations in the South-east region. It was truly an adventure driving an electric vehicle with only 100 miles of range. Now, with over a decade behind the wheel of several EVs I’ve owned, I’ve experienced firsthand how electric vehicles have evolved and how they’ve impacted both
my life and our world. Here’s a look at my journey.
The Early Days: Taking the Leap
When I first purchased my EV, the infrastructure for electric cars was sparse, and few people truly understood the concept. Charging stations were rare, and range anxiety was very real. Friends and family questioned my choice, asking if it was practical or if the technology would last. But I was determined to take the leap because I believed in the potential of electric vehicles to reduce my running cost, lower my carbon footprint, decrease vehicle emissions, and promote cleaner transportation.
Despite the early doubts, the EV quickly won me over. The quiet, smooth ride and instant torque made driving enjoyable, and I loved the idea that I was no longer contributing to the gas-guzzling status quo. My initial charge range was around 100 miles, which was manageable with some planning. My running cost was $0.02 cents per mile of FPL rate at the time.
Charging Adventures: From Home Setups to Rapid Networks
Charging the vehicle at home was a great convenience, especially since public charging was minimal. In the early years, I relied on a simple 240 -volt home charging unit – the first on the market called the GE Watt Station. This was a Level 2 at home charger that allowed me to fully charge the car within hours. The Ford Focus has a small 21 kWh battery pack, so it did not take long to charge. My daily commute from home to work was less than 20 miles round trip, so I could go about four or five days without needing to charge. This led to my monthly electricity cost for driving to be only $40.00 compared to my gas car, which cost me $300 per month.
While charging at home did increase my electric bill by about $40.00 per month, the savings from not having to visit a gas station, perform oil changes, or take the car to a dealer for maintenance was worth it. I had leased my 2013 for three years, and the experience was very good. At this point, my son was just starting to walk, and a strong realization hit me: Vehicle tailpipe emissions would affect his young, developing lungs. This gave me an important reason to never purchase a gas vehicle again.
My second electric vehicle was a 2016 Ford Focus EV, that I leased for three years. At this point, there was no turning back. It was now time to get my wife to change her vehicle as well. In 2017, I purchased a used 2013 Nissan Leaf, which could use DC-fast chargers.
Around this time, public Level 2 and a few DC-fast chargers began appearing in my city and county. While these EVs were great for city, long-distance trips required a bit of planning. Both my wife and I changed jobs, so our daily commute became a bit longer – less than 80 miles. With high gas prices at the time, both electric vehicles saved us a lot of money, while the gas guzzler sat unused in the driveway for weeks. At this time, I also started doing Uber part-time with Nissan Leaf as EVgo began installing in DC-fast chargers in Southeast Florida. Highway trips were now possible for me. One standout trip was from Coral Springs to West Palm Beach Airport via the Turnpike. When I got to the airport, I did not have enough range to get back to Coral Springs. I had to use a free Level 2 charger near the airport for about 10 minutes to gain enough range to reach the only DC-fast charger the Boca Raton. Once there, charging was much faster as the DC-fast charger gave me 80 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Getting home was easy after that.
One of the key advantages of an electric vehicle is not having to use gas. Which means no need to wait in long fuel lines during a hurricane. During Hurricane Irma and it’s aftermath, I was able to use the Nissan Leaf and Focus EV as indoor power generators – no gas, no emissions.
Fast-forward to the end of 2018 going to 2019: The Nissan Leaf was lost in an accident
After the loss of the Nissan Leaf, my wife no longer wanted to drive her gas guzzler- so we decided to upgrade of our cars completely. I got a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range with 325 miles of range, she got a 2019 Chevy Bolt with 250 miles of range.
At the start of 2019, the charging infrastructure had improved drastically, making EVs feasible for nearly everyone. The expansion of fast-charging networks in Florida meant I could now take longer trips with confidence. Charging at home remained my go-to method, but the added infrastructure has been a welcome evolution.
The first major buildout of DC- fast chargers took place along the Florida Turnpike in 2019, so – going trips from Miami to Orlando became very easy.
My wife and I typically travelled to Orlando about once a year, and getting there was no problem. Using the Tesla Model 3 was especially convenient, as the Tesla Supercharging network was built much faster than the others. The Tesla network was more reliable then, and even today, it remains the best in Florida.
While the Tesla Model 3 could make the run from Coral Spring to Orlando on a single charge, the same couldn’t be done with Chevy Bolt. Stopping to charge was necessary, and Fort Drum one of the best rest stops, as it could support both the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt. I believe Fort Drum was the first rest stop to have the Tesla Super chargers installed on the Turnpike.
While I can admit that the charging infrastructure has improved over the years, I believe there is still more to be done to make charging an EV as simple and convenient as filling up a gas tank.
Battery Technology: A Leap in Longevity and Efficiency
One of the biggest transformations in my EV ownership has been witnessing advancements in battery technology. My first EV had a limited range, but with regular updates and improvements over the years, today’s EV battery technology offers far better range and efficiency. Modern batteries are also more reliable, with reduced degradation, so the lifespan of new EVs is likely to surpass what I initially expected.
Going from a 2013 Ford Focus with a range of 100 miles to a 2022 Tesla Model Y with 310 miles of driving range has shown me how far the battery technology has developed in the U.S.
I’m often asked how long the batteries last or how much they cost to replace. The truth is, I’ve never had any issues with the batteries in any of the cars that I’ve owned. For me, the pace of battery technology development has been impressive.
Battery recycling programs has also emerged, reducing the environmental impact of old batteries. This added layer of sustainability helps complete the eco-friendly circle envisioned when I first purchased my EV.
Maintenance and Costs: A Refreshing Break from Tradition
Owning an EV has been far less demanding in terms of maintenance compared to a traditional gas vehicle. There are no oil changes, no complex transmission issues, and fewer moving parts overall. Aside from rotating tires, replacing brake pads (less frequently due to regenerative braking), and a few other minor services, my maintenance costs have been minimal.
When it comes to running costs, there is very little impact on my electricity bill. My current rate from FPL is about $0.14 for kWh as of 2024. Fully chargeing my current 2022 Tesla Model Y for 310 miles of range costs me $10.78, while charing the Chevy Bolt costs under $9.00 for about 250 miles.
The next significant cost for me is tires. While the EVs are heavier, which impacts tire wear, but the longevity still depends on driving habits. A set of EV-rated tires lasts about 35,000 miles before needing replacement, compared to standard tires that last about 30,000. Replacing all four tires cost me about $1,200.
Financially, driving an EV has saved me a significant amount in fuel costs over the years, especially as gas prices have fluctuated. It’s reassuring to know that my electricity costs remain stable while I reduce my carbon footprint with every mile. While 99% of my driving is within city limits, the occasional long trip doesn’t cost me much either.
Cost saving comes down to how you used your car. In my opinion, if I were someone who drove from Florida to California every day, an electric vehicle wouldn’t be the right choice.
Public Perception and the Mainstream Shift
In the beginning, driving an EV was a conversation starter. People would often ask questions – some out of curiosity, others with skepticism. However, the landscape has shifted drastically in recent years. Today, EVs are increasingly mainstream, and there’s a general acceptance that they represent the future of transportation.
In my journey with EVs starting in 2013 to now, I can confidently say I’ll never go back to driving a gas vehicle.
Government and non-profit organizations around the world have begun offering education, inclusion initiatives, tax credits, and other incentives, making EVs more affordable for the average consumer. It’s rewarding to see that what was once a niche market has evolved into a mass movement toward sustainable transportation.
I started my own company, EcoCar Florida, where I rent out EVs so people can experience them firsthand without the pressure of a salesperson. I’ve also driven for Uber and Lyft a few times to help introduce people to EVs and dispel their fears. Hands -on experience and honest information from an actual EV owners goes a long way in helping people understand and appreciate these vehicles.
I’ve become part of this movement and have met number of great people along the way. I’m involved with the Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition and have participated in events showcasing my cars and offering ride-and-drive experiences.
I’ve also worked with EVNoire, an organization whose mission is to accelerate an equitable, cleaner, and greener e-mobility for all.
As an EV enthusiast, I started a YouTube channel called “Plug in Jamaica” to educate share the progress of electric vehicle adoption in Jamaica.
Knowing that my choice has contributed to a cleaner environment has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past 14 years, I’ve significantly reduced my carbon emissions, and my EV has become a symbol of my commitment to cost saving and environmental responsibility.
EVs have also encouraged global automakers to focus on eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing practices.
While EVs are not a one-size-fits-all solution to climate change, they’re part of a larger movement toward sustainability. The growth of solar energy, wind power, and other renewable technologies supports the clean energy that powers EVs, making them increasingly sustainable.
The Future of EV Ownership
Looking back, I’m proud of the choice I made 14 years ago. EV technology has evolved remarkably, and owning one has become even more convenient, enjoyable, and meaningful. The future of EVs looks brighter than ever, with continued improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and overall performance continuing pushing boundaries.
For those considering an EV today, the experience is far easier and even more rewarding than it was for early adopters. With an expanding charging network, longer ranges, and a growing market of affordable models, EVs are more accessible than ever.
Final Thoughts
My journey with electric vehicles has been one of innovation, adaptation, cost savings, and commitment to a greener future. While there were challenges along the way, each obstacle led to improvements and has brought us closer to a sustainable future. If I had the choice to go back, I’d make the same decision in a heartbeat.
Co-Author:
Howard Collash with EcoCar Florida