Sally
As most of you know, we own an electric car that we call “Sally,” after the astronaut Sally Ride. Of course, you know it’s self-driving because I’ve written so much about it . We have 7,200 miles on it, and I’ve been thinking about why I like that car so much. I wanted to pass it along to you. Maybe it will change your mind about owning one:
I prefer the quieter, more relaxing drive.
I enjoy not polluting our environment. As a runner on city streets in my younger years, I could always smell exhaust fumes. I am aware that pollution is involved in both the production and disposal of the 5,000 D-cell batteries that are encased between the two axles of our car. However, pollution is also created by the production and destruction of gasoline-powered vehicles.
I prefer the instant torque—zero to sixty in three seconds. I have never verified that insignificant fact .
I prefer the lack of gear changes.
I like how I can get out of the car after a 7-8-hour drive more relaxed than I have ever been in any car previously.
I love that I never have to revisit a gas station. That used to be a weekly chore; now, no longer. Even on a high mileage day, I never get close to using the whole battery, and on high mileage days, I wake up the next morning with a full “tank” again. For most of my week, I don’t need to plug in at all. Most of the time, it’s every 10 days.
I prefer spending less on operating a car. Yes, it was more expensive to purchase, but my overall cost per mile has dropped by over 60%. With an electric car in our family, we’re saving a significant amount of money. Although, that wasn’t an important consideration.
I enjoy not having to worry about oil changes and mileage maintenance tasks. I no longer must sit in waiting rooms at car dealerships, while they do things to the car that’s going to cost a lot of money.
The two electric motors in our car should last one million miles. I doubt I will verify that minor fact .
You may not buy a Tesla because of Elon Musk. Still, every major car manufacturer has an electric vehicle (EV) for sale, and their prices are very reasonable.
I hope this was a fun read, at least, that was my intention …Tommy