One EV after another

Author: Darius
Vehicle(s): Chevy Volt, Chevy Spark EV, Kia Soul EV, Ford C-MAX Energi, Tesla Model S

What vehicles do you or have you owned?
I own a used long range BEV. I’ve driven mostly electric since 2012. I bought a brand new 2013 Chevy Volt and as my family changed, so did the family fleet. I added a 2014 Spark EV when I got married. I traded the Volt in for a Soul EV when my son was born. The Soul had some problems and after many angry conversations with Kia, I traded that in for a Ford CMax Energi. My family and I moved to DC where we traded the Spark EV and Ford in for the 2013 Tesla Model S that I currently have. That whole fleet saga took place in DC, Seattle, West Texas, and DC again. 

What was the buying experience like?
Overall, my buying experiences exposed a lack of knowledge by the sales staffs. I was always the expert in the room. 

How did you come to decide on the vehicles that you did?
My vehicle choice factored in price, drive anywhere capability, long range, cargo carrying capacity of the car, safety, and nationwide and even some international serviceability. 

What are your impressions after owning and driving an EV?
I was hooked on electric driving the day I bought my Volt. I love the seamless power delivery, the torque, the quiet operation, the almost zero maintenance cost, the relative cleanliness of vehicle operation, and the reduction of foreign oil use. 

What would you recommend to the EV curious person who hasn't bought one yet?
That answer would depend on the type of person. Different aspects of EVs appeal to differently to different types of people. I sold the idea of EVs to some conservative gear heads in Texas by out accelerating almost anything they drove with my little Spark EV.