Do you own or plan on owning an electric car in the near future?

[Polybius]

If you own one now, which one do you have? I just got a 2024 Tesla Model 3 and I'm loving it so far.

135 votes, 8 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	I own an electric car
	23 (17%)
	Not yet, but I plan on getting one in the next couple of years or so
	38 (28%)
	No, I am sticking to my gasoline-operated car for the foreseeable future
	49 (36%)
	I drive, but I don't have a car at the moment
	1 (1%)
	I don't drive at all
	3 (2%)
	I own a hybrid
	21 (16%)
	8 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[tinrobot]

1. I've been driving electric since 2010

Currently on my fifth EV, which is a VW ID.4. Great car.

We just did a road trip up the coast and back last week. Over 2000 miles on electricity with zero issues.

[jimfields33]

15. Fifth? Holy cow. They don't last long.

I bought my Toyota in 2011 and is the only car I’ve purchased since. I’m hoping to get another ten years. I didn’t think you had to buy an electric car so often.

[tinrobot]

21. They last plenty long, but perhaps some explanation is needed

First EV was a converted 1973 MGB in 2010. It barely went 50 miles, but was really fun to drive around town.

I upgraded in 2011 when I joined a BMW test program and leased a BMW 128 EV. Had that for two years before BMW took it back.

After that, I bought a Toyota RAV4 EV. 11 months later, it was totaled when someone ran a red light and t-boned me.

Replaced it with another Toyota RAV4 EV. I kept that for 7 years. Great car. If it had more range and faster charging, I'd still be driving it.

Replaced it with a Volkswagen ID.4, which I've had for 3 years now. It's a solid EV, plenty of range, fast charging, very comfy. It's a keeper.

[jimfields33]

26. I understand. I forgot about circumstances in life.

[Miguelito Loveless]

38. I have been driving EVs since 2014

Started with a 2012 Leaf with about 70+ miles of range. Upgraded to a Model 3 with 315 miles of range in 2018. Now have 315 miles of range, with 66K miles on the clock. Will never go back to gas.

[CanonRay]

2. Does a plug in hybrid count as electric?

[Polybius]

3. I just updated the choices

I'd say yes, but I edited to add it to the list.

[Silent3]

13. You seem to have added hybrid, but not plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid is a very different beast than an ordinary hybrid. An ordinary hybrid totally depends on gasoline (or, I suppose, maybe there are some diesel models?), with the electric components simply improving gas mileage.

A PHEV can run completely on electric power for a limited range. My Chevy Volt can go for around 50 miles (although that range diminishes to about 35 in cold weather). Since nearly all of my daily driving remains within that range, I'm basically functioning as if I have a purely electric vehicle about 95% of the time.

Once the electric range is depleted the car functions like an ordinary hybrid car, getting mid-40s MPG. It's a great option since there's no "range anxiety". Unfortunately Chevy discontinued the Volt the same year I bought one. There are other PHEVs still on the market, but few (Maybe none? Haven't researched this in a while.) have as much electric range.

The main drawback to PHEVs is the expense of building them, since they have all of the components of both a gas-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle, albeit with some savings from smaller battery size.

[Liberal In Texas]

65. I checked EV because my PHEV mostly runs on electric. n/t

[Silent3]

75. Me too. n/t

[Wednesdays]

6. That will be our next vehicle.

Plug-in hyrbid.

[Bettie]

9. We've got a plug in Prius

for my around-town running, it's all electric, but I need gas when running to Cedar Rapids or Iowa City.

ETA: Son drives our 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. Over 250k miles on it and it will rust to death before it stops working.

[CanonRay]

10. That's mine as well

80 % of my driving is under 20 miles a day.

[Miguelito Loveless]

39. If you charge it every day

and do most of your driving electric, then yes in my book.

[ColinC]

4. I got my first one this year.

Has a 123 mile range without AC or heater. I don’t plan on driving it super far, but will upgrade to one with a 300 or so range when I plan on doing a major road trip.

[sakabatou]

5. If I still drove, and could afford it, I probably would

As I've only ever been a city driver.

[ramapo]

7. Wanted one but...

I've had a Prius for sixteen years, same one. Wanted to buy an EV. Didn't want a Tesla (sorry Elon but FU). Wanted a hatchback. Didn't want to spend $60-70k. A Bolt would've fit the bill but GM in their infinite wisdom stopped production.

So I bought a Corolla Cross Hybrid...waiting on delivery. The American market needs a better selection at better price points. Disappointing.

[Miguelito Loveless]

40. Still a lot of Bolts

Used with factory warranty on them for under $25K. Still can find some Bolt EUVs new under $30K.

[ramapo]

88. True but...

I didn't want to buy an orphan car that has been disowned by its creator...Maybe I shouldn't have let that get in the way but I did

[Miguelito Loveless]

91. Given the number sold, plus their similar

components to the EUV, I think it would be safe buy. A friend of mine bought a used 2017 as her daily driver (100-150 miles a day) back in 2019, and had the battery replaced under the recall in 2021. She is still driving it today, and has spent nothing on maintenance other than tires.

[Tom of Temecula]

8. My wife and I both drive a Chevy Bolt

Best EV for the money.

Ws have full solar. They run on sunshine.

[lindalou65]

25. Are Chevy Bolts available with solar panels?

I had no idea these were available!

[WA-03 Democrat]

29. No they don't have significant power solar panels

If you have solar on your home then you can then change the car from that.

[Tom of Temecula]

36. The solar panels are on the roof of our house

We have wires attached to them that then power the cars.

[Miguelito Loveless]

45. There are a few cars that tried that

But the panels you can fit on a car won’t generate significant energy. Also, very expensive to replace if damaged.

[Miguelito Loveless]

44. Bolt and Bolt EUV

Are excellent values and fun to drive.

[Xolodno]

11. Gas engine and no plans to...

...move to electric or hybrid. Why? I have cob webs on my car. I'm fully remote, the only time I drive it is to the grocery store. And it gets nearly 40 mpg and very low maintenance. Plus its paid off. So, I'm in no hurry.

[Unwind Your Mind]

79. Yes, me too

My car is over 20 years old and has just 60k miles

I work at home and only drive 3-4k miles a year

Paid for is the best kind of car imo 😊

[Hekate]

12. Cars are paid off long since, one is over 30 y.o. & the other is 17 y.o. Both chosen for good mileage...

Hubby drives the old Camry wagon to the library and to his favorite grocery store when the cleaners come every couple of weeks. We both drive the newer Accord 40 miles each way to see our old doctors, and I drive to the Y a couple of times a week. No commute — I’m retired and hubby is fully remote working full time .

I really, really wanted to get a hybrid many years ago, but there were too many things to be worked out in the new technology. Then we just plain got old. I am intimidated by the user interface, and would literally have to sign up for a driving class to get over that.

Hubby has no intention of buying a new car, and that’s a guarantee. The way we take care of our cars, they last forever — and now we’re past 75.

I’ll cheer you all on as you motor into the future.

[Iris]

18. I'm close to 400,000 miles on my 2009 Honda Civic

I can see us keeping it as long as it lasts

[Niagara]

60. Holy Honda Civic! That's remarkable vehicle mileage!

[Easterncedar]

67. Wow. 400,000?

My beloved 2006 Civic was declared rusted out during the pandemic, and I couldn’t get the body work done, so I donated it to CarTalk. The engine at 175,000 miles was still great, but I never imagined 400,000.

My 2021 Honda Insight, a hybrid, gets on average 51 mph but the old Civic could get 41. A good car.

[Iris]

86. I live in the South so that helps with holding it together

[truthisfreedom]

14. Owned a 2011 Tesla Roadster Sport 2.5 (early adopter)

Sold it, he’s crazy and it was invisible to SUVs.

Just bought a Rivian R1S. It’s a beast! I pretty easily get 260 miles on a charge with mostly freeway driving between 65-80 mph. Takes 21 hours to charge at 240VAC 40A, dash indicates 303 miles range but that’s not realistic in my hilly curvy area. Acceleration is wonderful, 0-60 in 3.2s. 835HP.

[Dorian Gray]

17. Here in NYC

I've seen a few Rivians, and I like them! (Way better than the Tesla truck! lol.). Out of my city Price Point, but I'm curious how that company will do. I like that they're giving Elon a run for his money.

[Dorian Gray]

16. I live in NYC

I have a car, but not charger immediately available to me at my home bc.... NYC.

The infrastructure is coming, and there are charging stations on the street in my neighborhood, at Whole Foods, etc. BUT... not enough to make me comfortable with an electric car.

I may get a hybrid for my next car, but that's going to be years away. (And maybe by then the infrastructure will be in place.).

Note: There is no way, as long as Elon is attached, that I would consider a Tesla. (Also they are too expensive for me to consider in NYC. Not worth driving an expensive car here, so it's not like my stand means all that much.)

[Polybius]

69. I live in NYC too (SI), and also don't have home charging

I charge at the Tesla superchargers near my house once a week or so. As for Tesla's being expensive, not really. The base Model 3 is $38,000. You will get around $10k in incentives. If you lease with $2k down, your payments will be under $400 a month.

[Dorian Gray]

82. That doesn't take into account

that I despise Elon Musk and don't want to give him money.

My car is 5 years old, and I probably have at least another 5 years in it before I consider a new car. (Subaru) So I'll see where we're at then. I definitely want to make my life easier, though, and not harder.

[Niagara]

19. I recently purchased a gasoline only vehicle about a month ago

When I purchase a vehicle, I drive that particular vehicle until 1. It can't be repaired anymore or 2. It doesn't make any sense to repair it anymore


I generally own a vehicle for about 15 years, so I'm hoping that the Mazda CX-30 that I recently purchased lasts me for about 20 years. Here's hoping that I won't have to worry about it until 2044. Fingers crossed. 🤞

[Tickle]

20. I'm staying with gas and

cheese burgers 🍔

[True Dough]

52. Those cheeseburgers

might give you gas, so more fuel! Win-win!

[Tickle]

84. 😂😂 NT

[HAB911]

22. No plans, but

I seriously doubt I will ever buy another internal combustion vehicle

[Nittersing]

23. Think I'll stick with my (gas) Smart Car

Bought one new in 2009. First and only car I fell head over heels for.

Kept it in pristine condition, but it was totaled in a wreck in 2020.

My mechanic sold me his 2015 for the exact amount ($5000) that the insurance co. gave me.

[edhopper]

24. None of the above

My Honda gets good mileage and has under 50,000 miles. So, not the next couple of years, but by 2030 I would get an EV as my next car.

[ProfessorGAC]

71. Sort Of Where We're At

Neither of our cars will last until '30, so sooner than you, but not this moment.
Plus, my wife is a bit intimidated by over tech, so we'd be looking low mile, but not near new for her.
For me, I'd get anything priced right (pre-owned) if the top goes down.
Other than supercars I'm unaware of an EV that's also a ragtop.

[Ontheboundry]

27. Unless the charging station situation changes here

I would never own an EV, and for business I need a larger van (think sprinter van). So doubtful for me

[tinrobot]

31. Mecedes makes a EV Sprinter

https://www.mbvans.com/en/esprinter

I do understand about charging, an issue for many. The technology is there, the solution mostly a matter of installing more chargers.

[Ontheboundry]

35. Yes they do

And cost like 90k. Lol. I cross revenue about 150k so that's gonna blow the budget up I believe

[tinrobot]

37. It's $72k for the base model

About $20k more than the base gas version. Companies usually buy them for savings on maintenance and fuel costs, which do add up over time.

But there are also more affordable options. Ford EV vans start at about $50K.

[Ontheboundry]

42. And again, where I live

Is not ev friendly. I live in the east Tennessee mountains. A quick look shows the closest charging station is 62 miles from me. They show two in a town near me, but I believe one of those spots is out of business and the other one has the one station.

[marble falls]

28. I am interested. When they develop safer, more dependable batteries with 400 mile range with a 2hr charge ...

... that can be done at home with equipment costing a round $1000, with more public charging stations for under $20/for 400 mile charge, I will definitely get one.

[tinrobot]

34. You can go 400 miles for $20 in a gas car?

Not at current gas prices you can't.

But I can add 400 miles to my EV for less than $20 on my home charger (which cost $350).

[marble falls]

48. Electric energy is cheaper (as well as cleaner) than petroleum based gasoline. I see no reason to give excess profit ...

... to electric companies just because they aren't big oil, let alone that big oil is in the electric business, too.

Why should a cheaper, safer, technology have to cost what gasoline does. I want a faster charger and I am prepared to pay for it.

[tinrobot]

73. I'll let you in on a little secret...

Some people make their own electricity... from the SUN!

Weird, huh?

[Liberal In Texas]

90. My home charger and hiring an electrician to put in an extra 220 volt line cost WAY LESS than $1000.

I can't exactly remember, but it was under $500 for the charger and the electrician.
Also, we have not noticed any higher electric bill since I started charging my car at home.

[Happy Hoosier]

30. No solution rewally fits me here.

I'd personally prefer a PIH, but here isn't one that really meets my needs for my next car. I need to replace my aging Honda Odyssey. The Toyota Sienna is close to whjat I want, but it's in high demand, and more expensive.

My next sedan will be at least a hybrid, but that won't be for 5+ Years.

[H2O Man]

32. Other.

I'm old. I have family & friends who have these, and like them. But the car I have, which is also old, will still be running when I'm dead.

[pwb]

33. At my age, no. But I do own a Hybrid

If I had a young family and a home to charge it I would definitely have an electric car as a second vehicle.

[FakeNoose]

41. I'm waiting for the price to come down to something I can afford

I'm retired and I don't drive much, so it makes sense for me to drive an electric car. But they're still so crazy-expensive. My sister had a hybrid car for awhile, but she traded in when it was time to replace the battery.

[Initech]

43. Not yet. Very interested in a Kia EV6.

But that cost….

[Johnny2X2X]

46. Covid moved it back a couple years

Worked from home for 28 months and put almost no miles on my car during that time. Now I WFH 2-3 days a week, so mileage is still reduced. So I have a paid for car with 73,000 miles on it, will hold onto it for a few more years.

It's an interesting time for EVs, they are really improving in every way quickly right now and now it looks like cost is falling just as quickly. They will be cheaper as they're easier to make and there is less labor involved. So I think in 2026 I'll start looking and have a slightly used one by 2027.

[GreenWave]

47. I am waiting for a Rivian dealership to emerge locally.

[hunter]

49. I just want our automobile culture to go away.

I hate it that anyone is forced to own an automobile to be considered a fully functional adult in this society.

Instead of worrying about how our cars are powered, we ought to be turning our cities into attractive affordable places where car ownership is unnecessary.

I bought a new car once in the mid 'eighties when I was young and foolish. I'll never do that again. After twenty two years, and my children and all their friends learning to drive a stick shift in it, I gave it away.

I'm a pretty good mechanic so the lowliest-of-the-low used cars don't scare me. If I came across an electric car I could turn into a reliable machine for $3,000 or less, I might buy it. But that doesn't seem likely anytime soon and I'm in no hurry.

[CoopersDad]

50. 2007 Prius 2015 Chevy Volt 2023 Tesla Model 3 Hybrid, PHEV, EV

I'd still be in the Volt but for being t-boned by a crazy F150.

Love the Tesla, only wish I'd have gotten the long-range model.

Next time, the new ones are much quieter, and in a few years should have much greater range.

[Emile]

51. Never thought I would buy a battery operated push

mower, but I did and I love it. I use it to mow around the edge of my pond and under my blue spruce trees.

[LeftInTX]

53. I'll likely purchase a gas vehicle, but haven't given it much thought.

Charging station availability, is my concern.

One thing about electrics is that they are so quiet that you can't hear them. Lack of engine noise is a safety concern for me. But, I'm weird that way. I have my handicap tags on , not for parking, but so that people know a "little old lady" is the driver of my vehicle.

[True Dough]

54. Coincidentally,

My wife and I will be test-driving a Tucson PHEV in a few hours. Not sure if we'll pull the trigger. We shall see...

[Niagara]

61. Keep us posted will you, True?

[True Dough]

83. Well,

it's been quite a few years since our last test drive. I couldn't believe all the technological bells and whistles. It's crazy what vehicles can do these days. I wouldn't use a good number of those features, however, and I tend to think of some of these things as something else that will break.

And the new car smell is not what I remember. It's a strong chemical odor now. It was before too, of course, but it used to be a guilty pleasure sort of smell. Now it's pretty harsh (and all carcinogenic all along, no doubt).

The local dealership only had one PHEV Tucson and it was red with off-white interior. My wife didn't care for either color and said the off-white would quickly stain. She was also disappointed by the level of cabin noise. I think much of that can be attributed to the factory tires, which are not great quality.

Anyway, the salesperson was nice enough but we walked away without making a deal. We'll keep looking.

[Niagara]

85. Yes, take your time and keep looking

I had already been looking but nothing serious. Originally I wanted a Ford Explorer but the ratings are awful for reliability and fuel economy. In the end, I scored a highly rated vehicle but it's not a PHEV.


Some of the new features on my new vehicle like lane-keep assist I was able to turn off. Or I can turn it back on later if I want to.



I lost my new car smell last Wednesday as I had rust protection undercoat applied from Ziebart. I don't know if I'll get the new car smell back.


Does it have to be a PHEV Tucson? I take it you're both looking for a medium sized SUV style? Try testing out a certified Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 or a CX-90. I believe the CX-90 is a Hybrid.


You don't have to make a deal, only test drive them. I don't blame your wife, I told my salesperson no exterior red, white, yellow or green colors. I'm not a big fan of beige or off-white interior colors either.


Keep up the window shopping and test driving, and please take your time. Good luck!

[JT45242]

55. Range and charging speed not yet great enough...so we bought a traditional hybrid within the last year.

Our son lives a 7 hour drive away (Eastern Iowa to Eastern Indiana). Other son will be attending college in western Ohio.

We would need an electric vehicle to be able to make the trip with a single 15-20 minute charging stop like getting gas and snacks is now. No current EV could meet that need, so we opted for one of the traditional hybrids that gets great mileage and can switch between EV, all gas, and hybrid modes.

The next car purchase won't be for at least 6 years...maybe then.

[Ping Tung]

56. I'm 80 years old. I have 2013 Toyata Rav 4. It's never been repaired.

I'm pretty certain that it's going to outlast both me and my wife (who is unable to drive. It's a keeper.

[samnsara]

57. i would own one if someone gave me one..but im leaning toward a

...Ford Lightning...

the battery replacement cost and the explosions kinda keep me away from them.

Do they come in stick? cuz i love my stick shift

[greymattermom]

58. I drive around miles to my favorite places.

If I could do one charge on the way, I'd get one when my trusty Subaru dies. I'd like to see charging stations at rest stops. I need to walk around every few hours anyway.

[PeaceWave]

59. Remote worker...I spend more on car insurance now than I do on gas.

As such, there's a good possibility that I'll be in my garaged and babied gas powered SUV until 2035 - When California is slated to go 100% electric/hybrid. That said, several of my neighbors have recently purchased Teslas. I'll probably be the grumpy old man hold out preaching about how "back in the day, we didn't have electricity and we liked it that way!"

[Ms. Toad]

62. 2004 Honda Insight (hybrid)

No plans to change, unless forced to by inability to get parts - or the need to replace the battery. That may unfortunately be coming. When that day gets here, I'll consider electric.

It's at 250,000+ miles.

[Liberal In Texas]

63. I have a PHEV. Drive all over town in the summer and don't use gas.

If I need to drive out of town I use hybrid mode.

Once you drive an electric car, you'll never want to go back to gas cars.

[wryter2000]

64. Hard to answer

I have an internal combustion car now with low mileage. As little as I drive it, it's probably the last car I'll own. I'd rather have an electric car, but I don't want to take on the cost of a new car if I don't have to.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

66. Bought a Hyundai Kona EV earlier this year

We use it strictly for around-town driving - It qualifies for HOV access, so my wife uses it for her work commute. It can get around 200 miles per charge, but we still have an ICE for longer trips.
I think the salesperson overplayed the ease of charging. Had we used a regular house outlet it would take days to charge at home, or we'd need to go to a charging station and pay about $20 - and it would take an hour sitting around in a parking lot. The charging stations at my wife's office are basically worthless - 2 hour limit, and can only get about 10-20 miles out of the charge. We ended up paying about $3K to have a level 2 charging station installed at the house, which will do a full charge in about 4 hours. It was a great investment, we have not noticed an appreciable increase in our electric bills over the past 4 months and we don't need to worry about finding an open fast charging station in area.
If I had my druthers I'd do Plug-in Hybrid, but that doesn't qualify for HOV access, which was a major consideration considering my wife's commute. When we replace our ICE car in a few years, I'd like to look at Plug-In Hybrid.

[Freddie]

68. I'd like one of our next cars to be a hybrid

However DH is of the philosophy that we drive a car til it drops dead or has a problem that’s way more expensive to fix than the car is worth. Good friend has a 2019 Prius that he puts a LOT of miles on and he’s very happy with it.

[beaglelover]

70. I own (lease) a Tesla 2023 Model 3. Prior to that I had a 2020 Model 3 Dual Motor.

Have been very happy with the Teslas. I'm a bit worried about the future of Tesla at this point. I will never go back to an ICE car however. Maybe after this lease expires I'll look at the Cadillac Lyric or the current electrics offered by Genesis.

[bottomofthehill]

72. I tend to drive my cars into the ground.

I have about 75000 miles on my car and it should be good for close to 250,000 so I will be driving it for about 10/12 more years.

[Kaleva]

74. I live in the boonies where there are very few charging stations

Trips to and from the nearest larger towns is over a 100 miles.

[Ocelot II]

76. Maybe not in the near future, since I hope to keep my current car running

for a few more years, but when I have to replace it I'll get an electric or a hybrid, depending on what I can afford.

[Jose Garcia]

77. Maybe once the government stops making them more expensive

[LexVegas]

78. I own a Nissan Leaf. It is a commuter / around town car. I would 100% not take it on a road trip over 100 miles. nt

[DFW]

80. I'd be tempted

I don't drive long distances much, but my wife does, and when her car is in the shop, she needs mine. Her mom lives in a village without public transportation. It a 2.5 hour drive from here, and has very few--if any--charging possibilities. Her mom is 97, so sooner or later, this will no longer be a concern, but she is tough, and like her daughter, has survived cancer twice, and comes from a family where the women have all had cancer and beaten it, often more than once. I usually drive my cars into the ground. Mine is only 11 years old, and has barely 50,000 KM on it. Unless some of the electronics die on me, it should be good for another five years at least. If I'm still alive (give that about 50%) and driving (about 75%, but only if I'm alive to tell the tale), I figure the technology for electric cars in five years should be a step above what it is now. If I end up buying a new car at age 77, the chances that it will be my last new car are quite high.

[PufPuf23]

81. Drive less than 2000 miles a year and have a low mileage

2017 Jeep Patriot that will be last car of life because of health and could not afford a replacement vehicle.

[meadowlander]

87. My next car will be electric, but I don't see myself replacing my current car for another 15-20 years.

I've had it 10 years and it only has 30,000 miles on it.

[Crepuscular]

89. ...

We have a Rivian R1T and love it. Will not go back to an ICE. We also have a solar array and tesla powerwall at our house, so don't have to pay to charge the Rivian unless we are on a road trip. We use it to tow a teardrop travel trailer and it tows like a dream. Will be selling our Honda HRV and buying an EV crossover sometime in the next year. Our Rivian is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. We had pre-ordered in 2020, so when purchasing it in early 2024 we were able to take advantage of a 20% discount off sticker plus the $7,500 EV tax credit.