Tales of a New EV Driver: Matchmaking at its Finest

Tales of a New EV Driver: Matchmaking at its Finest

For SDG&E Public Affairs Advisor, Erica Sparks, making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) wasn’t exactly a no-brainer. As her coworkers excitedly joined the company’s “Race to 500”—a challenge to get more employees to drive electric—Sparks was apprehensive to join, worrying that an EV might not be able to meet the needs of her busy family.

“By the time I get to my desk each morning, I’ve already chauffeured two carpools full of kids to two different schools—and as any parent can imagine, that’s just the start of my daily driving detail,” Sparks noted. “Even with gas prices down earlier this summer, my monthly gas budget was hitting $250.”

Doing the math

As Sparks watched her colleagues—300 of them to date—fall in love with their new clean driving machines and ditch the gas pump, she started to reconsider her hesitation toward electric cars.

After crunching the numbers, Sparks realized that monthly expenses for gas, mileage and car payments were costing them more than leasing a new EV.

Adding some Soul

With the budget question answered, Sparks began searching for an EV that matched her style and had room to fit the whole family, plus all the gear that comes along with it. With some research, Sparks found her match: the all-electric Kia Soul. After factoring in Federal incentives, she drove off the lot with her perfect family car for just over $200 per month.                                   

“I’m still a pro-bono taxi driver, but the extra miles aren’t nearly as draining as they were a couple months ago,” said Sparks. “I can’t believe it took me so long to make the switch.”

Not all commutes are created equal. Neither are all EVs.

Whether distance, speed, size or space is your concern, there is an EV to fit your needs. Check your local dealer’s website to find the model that’s right for you.