Making the Switch from ICE to EV? Consider These Things Before Buying
The electric vehicle (EV) market has been growing steadily over the past few years, and with it comes a lot of exciting new technology. However, there are still some pitfalls to consider before making the switch from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to an EV. Recently, I heard about one person's experience with what they considered premature electrification - buying an electric lawnmower that wasn't suited for their needs.
This individual had a Toro ICE 23" lawnmower that was experiencing problems starting on the first pull. They were eager to try out an electric lawn mower and decided to purchase a 60V Toro Trimmer, which they found to be fantastic except for stringing. When they tried out the new electric lawn mower, they quickly realized that the battery was not sized correctly for their lawn size and after mowing half of it, it needed to be recharged. It took over two hours to recharge and by the time it was done, it was dark outside.
My personal experience with EVs has been much more positive. Back in 2012, I bought my first EV - a Nissan Leaf. While this car was only rated for 72 miles per charge, I now have a Tesla Model 3 that can easily travel 250+ miles on a single charge. What's more, Tesla's supercharging network allows me to recharge quickly when I need to go on any long trips. This makes road trips much easier and more enjoyable than ever before.
If you're looking into purchasing an EV but don't want to make the same mistake as my friend did with their electric lawnmower, then it is important to do your research beforehand. There is a great forum thread discussing different models of electric lawn mowers so you can find one that best suits your needs. Additionally, if you'd like to take your EV on longer trips, then Tesla is currently the only reasonable choice due to its fast-charging network.
Overall, while there are some potential issues with premature electrification purchases like my friend experienced with their electric lawnmower, EVs can be incredibly useful if you do your research beforehand and choose the model that best fits your needs.
What should I consider when buying an EV?
When purchasing an EV, you should consider the range of the car and the availability of a fast-charging network. If you plan on taking long trips, Tesla's supercharging network is currently the only reasonable choice.
What model of electric lawn mower did I buy?
You don't state which model of mower you bought, but it sounds like the battery was sized for a much smaller lawn.
Is there a thread on electric lawn mowers?
Yes, here's a thread on electric lawn mowers if you want to see what other members have experienced with their electric lawn mowers.
Does my Model 3 have self-propulsion?
Yes, your Model 3 has successfully achieved self-propulsion for over 130K miles.
Does my Model 3 have lawnmower mode?
Unfortunately, no. My Model 3 does not have a lawnmower mode.
What are the pros and cons of premature electrification?
The pros of premature electrification include lower emissions, improved air quality, and reduced noise pollution. On the other hand, the cons include higher upfront costs, limited range, and a lack of charging infrastructure in some areas. Additionally, electric vehicles are not yet as reliable as their gasoline-powered counterparts.