“I used to plan around gas all the time. Now I charge at home for $18 a week and I’m good to go.”
Crystal became a single mom a year ago. She needed to cut her expenses without cutting time with her son. She ran the numbers on a second job — and then, instead, on a used EV.
She found a 2013 Nissan Leaf for $3,000. Paid in full. No car payment. Many public chargers around Charlotte are free, and at home the Leaf plugs right into a wall outlet. The $200 a month she was spending on gas disappeared; so did the car payment. With those savings, her monthly expenses dropped around $800.
Now, Crystal builds charging into her day — she works from the car or from cafés near public chargers, gets errands done while the Leaf fills up, walks nearby trails while she waits. “I’ve found cafés and walking paths and small shops I never would have noticed,” she says. “Charging turned into a reason to explore.”
Crystal with her Nissan Leaf
For Crystal, the financial shift wasn’t just a line in a budget. It was the difference between taking on a second job and keeping her schedule for her son.
“I didn’t have to earn more per month. I just stopped spending it,” she says. “That changed everything about what my week could look like.”
$2,400
Annual gas savings
$3,000
Purchase price, paid in full
1
Year in and no regrets
On switching from gas to electric:
“I didn’t have to earn more per month. I just stopped spending it.”
Buying a Used EV
What to look for, how to check battery health, and how a used EV can deliver brand-new value for a fraction of the sticker price.
Lifetime Savings of EV Ownership
Gas savings, maintenance, incentives — break down the actual numbers behind going electric.
More real stories from real drivers. Find someone like you.
Ask a question
Got a question about driving electric?
How much does a home charger cost?
Is an EV good for families?
How long does charging take?
Can I charge at an apartment?
What about winter range?
Are EVs really cheaper?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
Most drivers spend $30–60/month on electricity for a full charge every night. That’s roughly a third of what a typical gas car costs in fuel.
Do I need a garage to own an EV?
No. Millions of EV drivers charge at apartments, workplaces, and public stations. Many never charge at home at all.
How far can an EV go on a single charge?
Most new EVs get 250–400+ miles per charge. For daily driving, most people charge once or twice a week.
Can I take an EV on a road trip?
Yes. Fast-charging networks cover major highways. A typical stop takes 20–30 minutes — enough for coffee and a stretch.
Are used EVs a good deal?
Used EV prices have dropped significantly. Many 2–3 year old models still have 90%+ battery health and qualify for federal tax credits.
What incentives are available for EVs?
Federal tax credits up to $7,500, plus state and utility rebates that vary by location. Use our incentive finder to see what you qualify for.