Being on the cutting edge of new technology can be thrilling, but it can also be tedious and fraught with unexpected challenges and pitfalls.
After three months and 3,000 miles with my first electric vehicle — a Subaru Solterra — I can say the positives outweigh the negatives, and I am happy with my purchase from Yark Subaru.
I have owned more than a dozen cars over the years — everything from fast sports cars to pickups used to tow our RV.
I was eager to try an electric vehicle and considered a Tesla, but I wanted to have a local dealership’s support should I run into issues.
This vehicle, a joint project between Toyota and Subaru, fit the bill, and after a short test drive, I was sold.
First, the positives. The car is quick and fun to drive. The dual electric motors provide instant acceleration.
The lack of engine noise and not having to stop at the gas station is also a plus. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have to ensure it is powered — just a different way.
Charging
I mainly charge in my garage with the slower Level 1 charger that uses a regular wall outlet. This charges about 2 percent per hour, meaning overnight from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., I can get about 28 percent power pack to the battery.