After a decade and a half of cruising around in an SUV, I decided to hop onto the EV bandwagon. The idea had been simmering in the background for a while, but due to limited options in the market, I chose to wait until electric vehicles gained more traction. The thought of buying an electric car from the sparse selection of 2 or 3 options didn't sit comfortably with me. Plus, a bunch of my friends were dealing with delivery headaches, which made me hesitate. I'm sure I'm not alone in this – when I need a car, I need it pronto.
As I began my quest for the perfect EV match, I explored offerings from the likes of Lucid Motors, BMW, and Mercedes. Their models impressed me with their sleek designs and modern technology. Just around that time, Mark Zuckerberg seemed to work his magic, bombarding me with EV ads at every turn. It got to the point where I half expected to find a Tesla-themed cereal box waiting for me one morning. Thanks, Meta, for the breakfast surprise.
I thought, why not check out what Toyota has to offer? The experience was decent, but without any rebates, I moved on. The praises for Kia and Hyundai's EVs were ringing in my ears, so I decided to give them a shot. And then there was the Bolt – an affordable option that seemed like a solid contender without any glaring issues. Naturally, I couldn't resist taking a peek at CARMAX, but their service left a lot to be desired. So, goodbye to that.
By this point, I was in it for the long haul. I was ready to find a vehicle that aligned with my needs. Finally, I circled back to Ford – a decision driven by more than just rationality. My history with Ford trucks played a part; I remembered buying my first Explorer back when they weren't the trendiest choice. Being an American car manufacturer resonated with my local-loving heart – consume local people!
Enter the Ford Mustang Mach-E. I took it for a spin and was immediately struck by the power, smoothness, and tech that EV enthusiasts often talk about. The vehicle blended modern technology with the familiar comforts of luxury, a perfect fit for my preferences. It retained certain features I was used to – power windows, lock/unlock buttons, and a power liftgate – while also introducing a center console that seemed to anticipate my needs better than I could. The Mach-E was the clear winner, securing Ford's place in my automotive story once again.
Of course, all journeys lead to numbers, and my situation was no different. As an SUV driver with good credit, my monthly payment usually hovered around $450. And my gas expenditures? A regular ritual of filling up about five times a month, costing me roughly $70 per tank. I've always been a practical type, not one to splurge on premium gas – but feel free to share your thoughts if you're on the premium train.
My goal was clear: beat those costs. The numbers crunched as follows: my Mach-E monthly payment settled at $677. Assuming my driving habits remained steady, a full charge costing $18 could cover the same distance as my SUV. Over five charges, that amounted to around $90 – a significant drop from my previous gas expenses. The grand total? $767, offering a welcomed savings of $33.
But there's an extra perk. No more oil changes, transmission maintenance, or tune-ups. That's money and time saved, which opens up opportunities for other pursuits. With an additional 10 hours and $33 per month in my pocket, I've got local breweries in my sights. Sorry, oil industry, but you've been bumped from my priorities list.
And if the future holds more savings, my next move is embracing solar panels to bring down that $90 charging expense to a mere $25. I'm excited about expanding my 'brew capital' and embracing a greener lifestyle. Infinium Solar in Campbell, CA seems like the perfect partner for this endeavor. Their proximity to a ChargePoint station and positive reviews make them a strong contender for my eco-friendly dreams.
A nod to those who helped make this transition possible:
- Andrew Balzerit Product Specialist Capitol Ford 919 Capitol Expressway San Jose, CA 95136 Cell: 669-677-0096 Email: andrew.balzerit@capitolford.com
- A.T. Martinez Director of Sales Infinium Solar 1190 Dell Avenue, Suite O Campbell, CA 95008 Phone: 669-278-6316 Email: atahualpa@infiniumsolar.com
So, there you have it – my journey from fossil fuels to the electric frontier, all wrapped up in the comfort of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It's not just about the savings; it's about embracing change, supporting local businesses, and looking out for the planet's future. My Ford Mach-E experience goes beyond the numbers – it's a roadmap for a more sustainable and enjoyable ride ahead.
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