March 28, 2022 Home
I have written a number of articles about electric vehicles (EVs). More and more auto companies are producing EVs. At the annual meeting of the Powell Valley Electric Coop in Sneedville, Member Voices brought seven EVs for test drives. Ford has an electric F-150 pickup available this year. Sales of EVs are growing nationwide. Tennessee is setting up a system of charging stations on interstate and primary highways.
Last week our UPS driver told us a neighbor had purchased a Tesla. As far as I know, this is the first Tesla in Hancock County. If I am wrong about this, please let me know at phone number below.
I spoke with Josh Collins, who recently bought a long range (360 miles) Tesla 3 from the dealership in Knoxville. Following is some information from our discussion:
Bill Kornrich (BK): How long have you been thinking about buying an EV?
Josh Collins (JC): I have been doing research on EVs for a few years. With the increase in gas prices, I decided this was the time.
BK: Why did you buy a Tesla, rather than another brand of EV?
JC: I studied up on other vehicles. Tesla has a history of producing EVs. It only produces EVs. There was no doubt that this was by far the best vehicle. The Tesla 3 has a 120,000 mile warranty.
BK: You have been driving the Tesla for over a week. What do you think about it?
JC: I wish I had done it sooner. I work in Morristown, so I drive about 65 miles a day. I recharge my vehicle at home. Powell Valley’s electricity rate is about 10 cents a kilowatt hour. If I were driving my gas-powered vehicle, gas would have to be 50 cents a gallon to equal that. I don’t think that will happen any time soon. Also, no oil or fluid changes needed. There is no general maintenance needed. Tires and brakes are all you need to think about.
BK: How is driving a Tesla different from driving a gas-fueled car?
JC: There is a computer touch screen with all vehicle controls and communication, from adjusting mirrors and lights to detailing travel range. No knobs, No buttons. The car has regenerative braking, which means that with a bit of practice, you don’t need to use the brake. How fast you let out the throttle takes care of braking – plus it uses that power to regenerate the battery. Also, as the EV has no gears, it will not move unless you press the pedal. Of course, there is the power if you need it: zero to 60 in three seconds. It takes off faster than you might expect.
BK: You use your car for your commuting. What about a longer trip?
JC: If you are driving around the county or to Knoxville or Johnson City, you don’t need to think about recharging before you get back home. If you are going to Myrtle Beach or Florida, you use the on-board computer. Enter your destination, and you get the best route and tells you where to stop along the way for recharging. It will also tell you how long you will have to wait if chargers are in use. Charging takes between 8 and 15 minutes (depending on how much charge is in your battery), about what it would take to fill up on gas and have a pit stop.
BK: Thanks very much.
If you are a Tesla owner here in Hancock County or if you own any other EV, please give me a call at 423-733-4346 and leave a message with your phone number. I would like to hear about your experience.
Everyone needs to learn more about the advantages of electric vehicles, electric equipment, and our electric cooperative. For more information, go to pve.coop.