We purchased our 2023 Tesla Model Y in January of 2023 and have driven about 6000 miles at the end of July. Overall, we really like our car and have learned how to get the most out of our electric vehicle. Our other vehicle is a 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. There is a bit of a learning curve with the Tesla including understanding range, winter driving, layout of controls, and EV charging. My goal is to share the pros and cons of owning and operating an electric vehicle, especially a Tesla. In general, my experience has been very positive. You can contact me through Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities if you have questions, would like to know more about my EV experience, or even go for a ride.

I live in Bozeman, Montana, and purchased an all-electric 2022 Chevrolet Bolt in August 2021. I chose an all-electric vehicle (EV) because it is more energy efficient than an internal combustion engine vehicle, and I believe it is critical we reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I love that I’m driving on sunshine! I sized my solar electric (photovoltaic) system to power an EV, and I’m currently averaging six miles per kWh. I chose the 2022 Bolt because of its 259-mile range on a full charge, its size, and the $31,000 base price. It is also about $5,000 less than the 2021 model, DC fast charge is standard, and a Level 2 charging equipment installation is included. I purchased a ChargePoint Level 2 charger for $699 and the install was coordinated by Qmerit and conducted by Insight Electric in early October. I can provide test drives and explain the different levels and standards of charging. I can help you determine how to drive on sunshine, and I’m willing to accompany you to a dealership since some sales staff are just learning about EVs.

I liked the ID.4 because of the price, size, and reviews. We got the Pro S AWD which is the nicer trim with the AWD. VW designed it compete with the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 so the exterior is about the same size but the interior has more room since an EV doesn’t need to make room for a transmission.

It’s a smooth ride and we try to take it on long trips when charging is available because my daughter is prone to car sickness. Also, my model year 2021 came with three years of free charging on Electrify America. The new models, now made in Chattanooga versus my German model, come with some free charging but I don’t remember how much.

My biggest complaint about my car is the software. I think most of the problems have been fixed in newer model years but ‘21s are still having some glitches. Newer models have slightly longer range than mine and can accept a slightly faster charge.

I believe the ’23 model year cars qualify for the $7,500 tax credit. The ‘22s don’t but Natalie figured out a way to lease hers that got her the tax credit. You’d have to ask her about what deal she worked out.

I like it. My wife isn’t a big fan of the fast-charging situation in Montana so gets annoyed but I think she likes driving it and likes the field of vision from the driver’s seat.

Patrick Lawson lives in Riverton, WY and owns and operates Wild West EV, charging station company.

I‘ve been fortunate to own almost every model of Tesla and several other EV’s. Tesla Models S,3,X,Y, Rivian R1T, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Ford F150 Lightning LR. I’m a massive fan of the efficiency, power and amazing technologies that keeps improving year over year. I do everything I can to help inform people that are interested in switching to electric vehicles and help provide charging solutions in the most remote and needed locations.

I purchased our Chevrolet Volt in February of 2015. At that time YTCC was working towards introducing more Level II stations throughout the region and advocating for DC Fast Charging infrastructure, however there just wasn‘t enough infrastructure or full electric vehicle options to fit my family and work travel needs. Fortunately the Chevrolet Volt has provided everything we need! I can drive around town on my 40 miles of full electric range but then also travel throughout the region for work in hybrid mode. This vehicle has 4 seats and has fit two car seats in the back. The car currently has a booster seat for our 7 year old and a car seat for our 4 year old. A plug-in hybrid was the perfect purchase for us in 2015 and continues to be so for our family. For the first year and half we owned this vehicle we lived in an old ranger cabin and charged Level I at home. We moved to a multi-unit condo complex around 7 years ago and primarily use Level I charging through an exterior 110 outlet but supplement with some publicly available Level II charging in downtown Jackson near my office. Our next vehicle will be full electric but we’re pleased to have been driving around Jackson on electric for 8 years with this plug-in hybrid. We bought this vehicle used and believe used plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles will play a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicle ownership and use in the coming years. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about my experience!

We purchased this KIA EV6 in 2022 after 3 o 4 years of driving a 2016 VW eGolf. The eGolf has limited range (70-100 miles) but worked great around town and for short trips out of town. The EV6, however, has a 270 mile range, is by far the quickest car I’ve ever been in and handles great in all conditions. We seem to charge it at home (powered by solar panels) about every week and a half when driving around town. We’ve taken it down to Salt Lake City from Bozeman in the middle of winter without issue other than some extra time to charge while navigating the sparse charging infrastructure at the time. EVs are great and so many more people could benefit by having one.