The Opinions of Older Drivers on Modern Electric Vehicles: A Personal Experience

As older drivers, we often face the question of whether to transition to modern vehicles such as electric cars. Through our personal experiences, we have gained unique insights into the benefits and drawbacks of these vehicles compared to traditional gas-powered cars. This article shares the views of three older drivers on owning modern electric vehicles like Teslas and the differences they observe.

Experiences of the 79-Year-Old Couple

At 79 and 77 years old, we recently traded our 2017 Mercedes S550 for a new Mercedes EQS 580 sedan and our 2015 Cadillac SRX for a new Lexus RX450h hybrid. Both new vehicles were of comparable cost to their ICE (internal combustion engine) counterparts. Due to supply chain issues, the EQS lacked some equipment such as an internal fragrance system and soft close doors. However, our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The all-electric vehicle offers a quieter, smooth ride, and eliminated range anxiety for my wife during long trips.

The hatchback design of the EQS provides significant storage space instead of an old-fashioned trunk, making it easier to transport furniture. The cost of electricity is far less than the cost of gasoline, and there are no oil changes required, although tires wear out more quickly. Our electric vehicle is about the same price as and similarly equipped to a comparable vehicle, and we have no intention of purchasing another ICE or hybrid vehicle.

The 63-Year-Old Driver's Perspective

At 63, I have owned many cars over the years, most of which required significant repairs and maintenance. My 1970 GMC 4x4 pickup still serves me well, and I handle most of the repairs and maintenance myself. Cars have become much more complicated since the late 1970s. Vacuum lines, electronically controlled distributors, and fuel injection have replaced carburetors, making them harder to diagnose and repair. Smaller spaces mean less accessibility when working on components. For example, to change the belt on my daughter's car, I have to remove the front tire and the inside fender.

In contrast, my Tesla Model Y has minimal maintenance requirements. The only recommended service is servicing the differentials every 100,000 miles, and brake pads should last about 100,000 miles. The batteries come with a warranty lasting for 100,000 miles, and proper charging can extend their lifespan to 500,000 miles. For me as an older driver, the lack of maintenance is appealing. It frees up my time to do other activities and is easier on my body, especially when it comes to working under a car.

The 68-Year-Old Driver's Insight

At 68, owning an older pickup, like the 1970 GMC, has made me appreciate the simplicity and longevity of classic vehicles. My 54-year-old transmission is still doing well, and I only need to change the oil every 3,000 miles. With a modern ICE (internal combustion engine) truck, the oil change intervals are much shorter, and the car needs to be taken for a smog test every two years.

Recently, I purchased a new electric vehicle, an all-electric SUV for my wife, and a typical gas car for me. The all-electric vehicle replaced the Out Bolt, which had the same features as a comparable gas car and has had no problems in five years. The Lyriq has more features than a regular gas car, with the added advantage of no trips to gas stations and the flexibility of plugging in quickly.

Electric vehicles provide significant cost savings on fuel and insurance. They enable effortless overtaking and instantaneous warming during winter. For older drivers, the simplicity and reduced maintenance requirements of electric vehicles are highly beneficial. The cost savings and ease of maintenance are stark compared to the older, more maintenance-intensive vehicles.

Conclusion

For older drivers, the transition to modern electric vehicles can bring about significant advantages in terms of cost savings, reduced maintenance, and easier operation. Despite the initial cost, the long-term benefits, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, make electric vehicles a more appealing choice for many older drivers. The experiences of these three individuals illustrate the practical reasons for choosing electric vehicles and highlight the importance of considering the needs and realities of older drivers when evaluating vehicle options.