I first met Meech through a North Carolina clean energy coalition and then had the chance to connect with her again in person at a conference a month later. This is her story.

Last year, my old Honda Civic was totaled in an accident. Instead of replacing it with another gas car, I decided to take a chance on something new—and bought my first electric vehicle. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I had been interested in EVs for a while, just waiting for the right moment. When my car was rear-ended, I told myself, “This is my opportunity to purchase an electric vehicle.” A few weeks later, I was at the dealership test-driving a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6. I ended up driving one home that same day—brand new, right off the lot. It was my first time ever buying a new car, and it felt amazing.

One of the first things I noticed was how smooth and quiet the drive was. My favorite part, though, is the range. My Ioniq 6 can go up to 380 miles on a single charge, which means I can go days—sometimes even a week—without thinking about plugging in.

Charging has been easier than I expected. I plug in overnight at home most of the time, but I’ve also used public chargers while running errands. It’s convenient, and I love not having to stop for gas or deal with oil changes anymore. Switching to an EV has also made me more aware of how much I was spending before. I used to fill up my car every week, and those costs added up. Now, I’m saving money every month—and it feels good knowing I’m making a choice that’s better for the environment, too.

Driving electric has given me a new kind of freedom. I don’t have to plan my life around gas prices or maintenance schedules. Plus, it’s just fun to drive. The instant acceleration still surprises me sometimes, and I love showing friends how quiet it is when we’re cruising through Durham.

I never thought I’d be the person talking about how much they love their car—but here I am. Going electric has been a learning experience and a lifestyle upgrade all at once. If anyone’s thinking about making the switch, I’d say: do your research, take a test drive, and don’t be afraid to make the leap. You might end up loving it, too.