ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) EVENT: NEVER BUY GAS AGAIN?

Nissan LEAF

 Today I had the experience of driving a totally electric car. I have to say it was an awesome experience. Nissan, BMW, Ford and Chevrolet had their electric cars on display in uptown Charlotte, on the side street by the Mint Museum, and all who registered got the chance to drive one of these wonderful cars.

Just the thought of driving a beautiful, safe, well built automobile, and not using a drop of gasoline, challenges the imagination and has one thinking: is this possible?

My instructor, William Brinkley

I personally drove the all-electric Nissan LEAF now in its fifth year in this country and it was so simple. You get in, you push a button, no sound, a light tells you the car is running, you put it in drive, one of four gears, and go. It comes with simple charging equipment for the home and a battery to use out on the road. Of course it has all the bells and whistles of a gasoline engine car, back up camera, roadside assist, AM FM radio, CD player and any other feature you can think of.

The plug on an electric Nissan

After the government discounts I could bring one home for about $25,000.

If we are awake and conscious of what this means, everyone in America will soon have one in their garage.

Under the hood.

I was told this car is good for in town driving and would go up to 114 miles on one charge. If you want to go farther there are charging stations along your route. Just the savings alone compensate for a gasoline rental for long trips.

Personally I spend $60 a week driving around town. Wow, it really is a no-brainer.

Of course the BMW i3 was well represented and had a line of drivers waiting to drive.

Hendrick BMW i3 specialist

Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Volt were also there and had the experts answering all the questions.

I had an excellent guide and expert on electric cars with me on my test drive, R. William Brinkley with Scott Clark Nissan in Charlotte. He is very knowledgeable and has me sold.

The Nissan Team

The event was graciously sponsored by Envision Charlotte, Duke Energy and Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition.