Generation180 connected with Sue through a Going Electric Pledge check-in email in 2025—but her EV journey started earlier. Sue purchased a Hyundai Ioniq in 2022 and has been driving electric ever since. Now, with years of experience, she shares what led her to make the switch and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

I didn’t buy an electric vehicle to make a statement. I bought one because it made sense and then it completely won me over. Three years ago, my family and I brought home a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL, and it remains the best car I have ever owned. It is quiet and comfortable, with excellent safety features and a surprising amount of power. Most of all, it is simply fun to drive.

My move to electric was not carefully planned. While visiting family in Florida, we stopped by a dealership out of curiosity. I was interested in EVs, but not yet convinced. A quick test drive changed that. The ride was smooth and responsive, the interior felt spacious and modern, and everything about the car just worked. After test driving other electric models back home, my family and I kept coming back to the Ioniq 5. Nothing else compared.

Owning an EV turned out to be far easier than I expected. A home charger installed at the top of the driveway made charging as simple as plugging in at home. With more than 300 miles of range, longer trips have never been an issue. We regularly drive to places like Albuquerque, Tucson, Phoenix, and San Diego from Los Alamos, using free trip planning apps to find charging stops along the way. The short breaks every couple of hours feel natural and honestly preferable to nonstop driving.

Cost savings have been another pleasant surprise. Charging at home costs about $10 for a full “tank” of roughly 300 miles.

Sue

The environmental benefits are a major reason I enjoy driving electric. While manufacturing any vehicle has a carbon footprint, electric vehicles are far more efficient over their lifetimes than gas powered cars. As the local electricity supply continues to shift toward cleaner sources, the emissions associated with the Ioniq 5 continue to drop as well. On a practical level, I appreciate the lack of tailpipe fumes, the quiet ride, and the minimal maintenance. No oil changes. No engine noise. Just tire rotations and driving.

Cost savings have been another pleasant surprise. Charging at home costs about $10 for a full “tank” of roughly 300 miles. Compared with gas prices and the time spent at gas stations, that alone makes EV ownership feel like a win. One feature I did not expect to rely on is the car’s ability to power household appliances during an outage. The Ioniq 5 can keep essentials like lights, small appliances, and medical devices running when the power goes out. It is also useful for camping, tailgates, or any situation where portable power comes in handy.

Our family still keeps an older truck for hauling a camper, but when it comes time to replace it, we are only considering electric options. With more EV models available every year, including SUVs and trucks with all wheel drive and higher clearance, I cannot imagine going back to a gas powered vehicle. The switch to electric has been simpler, more enjoyable, and more practical than I ever expected.

For anyone curious about EVs, my advice is simple. Take one for a drive. You do not need to be an expert, and you do not need to change everything overnight. You just might find, as I did, that electric feels like the obvious next step.