Electric Vehicles

Parking and Mobility Trends To Keep Your Eye On

Although the internal combustion engine is not yet on life support, the lockstep march towards "zero emissions" is certainly well underway. The supply of petroleum-based fuels is finite and no one is arguing against cleaner air. California is leading the way with an executive order that mandates that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state be zero emissions by 2035. It stands to reason that other progressive states, and ultimately an order at the federal level, are not too far behind. Major vehicle producers are announcing additions to their EV line-up, including a 1000HP Hummer by GMC. With electric vehicles come batteries - lots and lots of batteries. Research and development have been able to extend the life of these batteries, but ultimately these storage devices will continue to have a limited useful life for the foreseeable future. How many batteries are we talking about? An article in Pocket predicts "12M tons of lithium-ion batteries are expected to retire between now and 2030." What can be done with this tsunami of batteries that are past their initial useful life? The most predictable answer is recycling. However, there is another school of thought proposing that a second life as storage cells may actually be the better answer for society and for the environment. It would be interesting to see some of these batteries resurrected to store solar energy in meters or charging stations at the curb, in lots, or in parking decks. From an initial life in mobility to a second life in parking, it is an innovative idea worth considering. Leslie L. Stone, CAPP is the Director of Customer Success for WeDriveU. Leslie can be reached at leslie.stone@wedriveu.com.

I’m often asked "How quickly can this charge an EV?" However, when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), you need to shift your mindset from the traditional way of fueling gas cars. Unlike gas cars that require frequent trips to the pump, EVs make the most of the time your car is parked, often charging overnight at home or during the day at work. Instead of viewing “fueling up” as another time consuming errand, think of EV charging as something that happens effortlessly in the background, just like doing laundry at home. Home Charging = In-unit Washer/Dryer - Just like tossing clothes in the washer and going about your day, home charging happens while you're busy. Plug in when you get home, and wake up to a fully charged car. It’s convenient and costs little—similar to a load of laundry. On-site Charging = Shared Laundry Facilities - If you don’t have in-unit laundry, you likely use shared facilities in your building. Similarly, shared EV chargers in apartment complexes require a bit more effort but are still cost-effective and easy to use. Road Trips = Laundromat - For long trips, think of charging at a DC fast charger like using a laundromat. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes getting a charge, enough time to grab snacks or take a break. Prices and times vary depending on location and vehicle, but just like doing laundry, it's manageable and part of the routine. EV charging - it’s all about shifting your mindset. If you can relate EV charging to doing laundry, you’ll discover that refueling your EV is easier than you think, because it usually happens while you’re doing something else. So instead of asking the question, how long does it take, consider the time you’re saving. Imagine never needing to wake up early for a gas station stop before work because your EV charges overnight. Plus, the financial perks are significant. EV drivers save about 60% on fuel costs, roughly $1,440 per year. And you'll skip those extra convenience store purchases, saving you even more. Yes, as easy as doing laundry - but with the bonus of not having to fold or put clothes away. Kamala Vanderkolk leads VA Business Development for National Car Charging. You can reach Kamala at kvanderkolk@nationalcarcharging.com.

As a tech enthusiast, I embraced electric vehicles (EVs) in 2016. Fast forward to 2024, my daughter now has her learner’s permit, and we knew her first car had to be electric. Here’s why: Upfront Affordability. Believe it or not, electric cars—especially used models—are affordable. We found a low-mileage, 8-year-old EV for under $6,000. Thanks to federal incentives, EVs have become a smart investment, especially compared to old gas vehicles with high mileage and higher repair costs. Low Maintenance. Teenagers often end up with an old, unreliable car with endless maintenance issues. But EVs are different—their powertrains have fewer than 30 moving parts, compared to the thousands in gas-powered cars. That means fewer repairs, less worries, and overall lower maintenance costs. Range anxiety is a common EV concern. My daughter's used EV has a range of ~120 miles—perfect for a new driver. It’s enough to get her to school, work, and the mall, but not enough for road trips. It’s like having a cordless leash—keeping her close to home. Safety is the top priority, and EVs offer incredible peace of mind. EVs are statistically safer than gas vehicles, with fewer injury claims, lower rollover risks, and a significantly reduced likelihood of catching fire. Their low center of gravity, due to battery placement, makes rollovers nearly impossible. Plus, EVs consistently earn top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Forward-Thinking. Choosing an EV isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s a way to teach my daughter the importance of sustainability. EVs can save nearly 5 tons of CO2 for every 10,000 miles driven, reducing her carbon footprint and combating climate change. It contributes to a healthier planet and sets a positive example for her peers. No More Gas Money. Remember scrounging for gas money? With an EV, that’s one less thing for teens to worry about. Charging at home means she'll always have a full “tank” each morning, as long as she plugs it in overnight—just like her phone. Plus, EV drivers save about $2,200 on fuel each year, making it easier for her to focus on other expenses like car insurance. Insurance Costs. Speaking of insurance, while EV insurance costs are dropping thanks to lower sticker prices, high safety ratings, and fewer moving parts, insuring teens remain expensive—no matter what powers their car. The best way to reduce your teen's insurance bill is by taking advantage of good grade discounts and investing in professional driving lessons. While EVs are a smart choice, they can’t work miracles! That said, EVs offer excellent benefits making them an ideal option for long-term savings and safety. The Clear Choice. For us, choosing an EV for our daughter’s first car was a no-brainer. Between the affordability, low maintenance, safety features, and environmental benefits, it’s the perfect fit for a new driver. If you’re considering a car for your teen, take a look at electric vehicles—you might be surprised by how much they have to offer! Kamala Vanderkolk leads VA Business Development for National Car Charging. You can reach Kamala at kvanderkolk@nationalcarcharging.com.

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