How Michael took his EV camping under the stars

How Michael took his EV camping under the stars

Michael K.

Age: 32 • Boston, MA • Physical Therapist

“I used to plan around gas all the time. Now I charge at home for $18 a week and I’m good to go.”

Michael is a physical therapist in Boston. He works long days during the week and spends his weekends outdoors, which meant any new truck had to keep up with him. His Rivian R1T does. It also accelerates 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds — which, he notes, is a useful thing when he’s on the go.

The numbers that sold him weren’t on the spec sheet. The rebates he was able to stack resulted in a significant savings. At home, charging costs him about $100 a month. Regenerative braking has all but eliminated pad wear. Three years in, he hasn’t replaced his brakes once.

The part he didn’t expect was how much more he travels now. The frunk, the cabin, the truck bed — all of it packed with gear, a refrigerated cooler, a vehicle mattress, and the most important cargo, his dog Arlo. Trails, parks, camping nights spent in the truck bed looking at the stars. “I used to think range was an issue,” he says. “My Rivian gets 300 miles, same as my old gas truck, and it tells me exactly where to charge mid-trip. Range anxiety is a thing of the past.”

Michael, his dog Arlo, and his Rivian

The savings, Michael says, feel like they compound the longer he owns the truck. No oil changes. No exhaust repairs. Brakes that might outlast the vehicle. Every month without a gas stop is another month the math works in his favor. On top of that, the upfront incentives made the purchase a no brainer.

The trade-off he was worried about — range anxiety — disappeared in the first few months. “If I need to charge on the road, there’s a charger along my route,” he says. “The software does the hard part.”

$10,000

In incentives

300 mi

Full-charge range

3 years

of adventuring

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On outdoor life with an EV:

“It doesn’t feel like I’m giving up anything from my old gas truck. I’m actually gaining more space.”

EV Incentives

State rebates and local utility programs can really add up to significant savings. Here’s how to claim them.

Charging Your EV

Everything you need to know about charging your EV — from what charger to buy to charging speeds and everything in between. 

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 #DailyCommuter #HighMileage

“I used to plan around gas all the time. Now I charge at home for $18 a week and I’m good to go.”

#HeavyCommuter #SolarHome

“I charge while I sleep and start every morning with a full charge. It’s that simple.”

#UsedEV #BudgetBuyer

“My 2013 Nissan Leaf was $3,000, eliminating all car payments. It’s actually the cheapest car I’ve ever owned, gas or electric.”

#Multigenerational #FamilyLife

"Our car is in constant rotation. Sometimes I use it, sometimes my daughter or my son-in-law does. Different schedules, different plans, no stress."

#FamilyManager #FamilyBudget

"My EV savings with my family budget has been super helpful."


#ApartmentDweller #Incentives

"You don't need to own a home to own an EV. I just plug in at my apartment."


 #DailyCommuter · #HighMileage

“I used to plan around gas all the time. Now I charge at home for $18 a week and I’m good to go.”

#HeavyCommuter #SolarHome

“I charge while I sleep and start every morning with a full charge. It’s that simple.”

#UsedEV #BudgetBuyer

“My 2013 Nissan Leaf was $3,000, eliminating all car payments. It’s actually the cheapest car I’ve ever owned, gas or electric.”

#Multigenerational #FamilyLife

"Our car is in constant rotation. Sometimes I use it, sometimes my daughter or my son-in-law does. Different schedules, different plans, no stress."

#FamilyManager #FamilyBudget

"My EV savings with my family budget has been super helpful."

#ApartmentDweller #Incentives

"You don't need to own a home to own an EV. I just plug in at my apartment."


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.

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© 2026 Veloz | All Rights Reserved.

Veloz’s mission, as a nonprofit organization, is to educate the public regarding the state of electric vehicle technology and its importance to a clean and healthy environment in a non-commercial manner. Veloz does not support or promote any particular car manufacturer and nothing on this website is intended as an endorsement.


¹ Savings depend on individual variables. Calculate your savings.  ² Estimated annual savings based on average gas prices and mileage. Actual savings vary by driving habits, electricity costs, and vehicle model. Use our calculator to estimate your savings. Source: U.S. Department of Energy  ³ Based on industry analysis of powertrain components and maintenance requirements. EVs generally contain fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, contributing to lower routine maintenance needs. Actual cost savings vary by make, model, and driving habits. Source: University of Michigan study via EV Design & Manufacturing  ⁴ Range estimates vary by make, model, and driving conditions. Many new EVs on the market today offer EPA-estimated ranges between 250 and 400+ miles on a full charge. Source: Coltura.org  ⁵ Charging speed varies by vehicle model, battery size, and conditions. Level 2 estimates based on typical 240V home chargers. DC fast charging estimates reflect optimal conditions using compatible public infrastructure. Actual performance may vary.

Veloz’s mission, as a nonprofit organization, is to educate the public regarding the state of electric vehicle technology and its importance to a clean and healthy environment in a non-commercial manner. Veloz does not support or promote any particular car manufacturer and nothing on this website is intended as an endorsement.


¹ Savings depend on individual variables. Calculate your savings.  ² Estimated annual savings based on average gas prices and mileage. Actual savings vary by driving habits, electricity costs, and vehicle model. Use our calculator to estimate your savings. Source: U.S. Department of Energy  ³ Based on industry analysis of powertrain components and maintenance requirements. EVs generally contain fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, contributing to lower routine maintenance needs. Actual cost savings vary by make, model, and driving habits. Source: University of Michigan study via EV Design & Manufacturing  ⁴ Range estimates vary by make, model, and driving conditions. Many new EVs on the market today offer EPA-estimated ranges between 250 and 400+ miles on a full charge. Source: Coltura.org  ⁵ Charging speed varies by vehicle model, battery size, and conditions. Level 2 estimates based on typical 240V home chargers. DC fast charging estimates reflect optimal conditions using compatible public infrastructure. Actual performance may vary.

White electric car driving on road toward forest and mountains under clear sky.

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© 2025 Veloz | All Rights Reserved.

Veloz’s mission, as a nonprofit organization, is to educate the public regarding the state of electric vehicle technology and its importance to a clean and healthy environment in a non-commercial manner. Veloz does not support or promote any particular car manufacturer and nothing on this website is intended as an endorsement.

¹ Federal tax credit of up to $7,500 available to eligible buyers of qualifying new electric vehicles. Eligibility and amount may vary. Visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional for details. Source: U.S. Department of Energy ² Savings estimate based on total cost of ownership analysis comparing popular electric and gas-powered vehicles over an average vehicle lifespan. Actual savings will vary based on model, fuel prices, maintenance costs, and driving habits. Source: Atlas Public Policy ³ Estimated annual savings based on average gas prices and mileage. Actual savings vary by driving habits, electricity costs, and vehicle model. Use our calculator to estimate your savings. Source: U.S. Department of Energy ⁴ Based on industry analysis of powertrain components and maintenance requirements. EVs generally contain fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, contributing to lower routine maintenance needs. Actual cost savings vary by make, model, and driving habits. Source: University of Michigan study via EV Design & Manufacturing ⁵ Range estimates vary by make, model, and driving conditions. Many new EVs on the market today offer EPA-estimated ranges between 250 and 400+ miles on a full charge. Source: Coltura.org ⁶ Charging speed varies by vehicle model, battery size, and conditions. Level 2 estimates based on typical 240V home chargers. DC fast charging estimates reflect optimal conditions using compatible public infrastructure. Actual performance may vary. ⁷ Federal tax credit of up to $4,000 available to eligible buyers of qualifying used electric vehicles. Income and vehicle qualifications apply. Visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional for full details. Source: U.S. Department of Energy