Why Our Teen’s First Car is an EV: The Surprising Truth that Will Change Your Mind about EVs.

As a tech enthusiast, I jumped on the electric vehicle (EV) bandwagon early, buying my first EV in 2016. By the end of that year, our entire household—including the lawnmower—had gone electric. At the time, my kids were just 7 and 4. Now, in 2024, my daughter has her learner’s permit!

Her dad and I both drive sleek new EVs loaded with cutting-edge technology and self-driving features, but we knew we didn't want our daughter learning to drive in those. We wanted her to learn the basics—really get the hang of driving—without relying on all the extra bells and whistles. Just in case she ever found herself behind the wheel of a more traditional car. However, we both agreed: her first car had to be electric, and here's why.

Upfront Cost.

Without question, cars are expensive, but believe it or not, electric cars, especially used ones, are incredibly affordable these days. Federal incentives for used EVs can slash the price significantly. We managed to snag a low-mileage, 8-year-old EV for under $6,000—cheaper than what you'd pay for a high-mileage, 20-year-old gas-guzzling Camry!

Maintenance.

Most teenagers end up with an old beater for their first car, and those beaters usually come with a ton of maintenance headaches. As a busy parent juggling a million things, the last thing I need is another high-maintenance vehicle to worry about or the expense that comes with it. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, have fewer than 30 moving parts in their powertrain compared to the thousands in an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. No more stressing about rotting serpentine belts, bad spark plugs, or failing transmissions. Knowing I wouldn’t have to deal with those issues made an EV the perfect choice for my teen.

Range.

Range anxiety often comes up with EVs—people fear running out of power with no place to charge. But most charging (about 80%) happens at home, and the average person drives less than 37 miles a day. The newest EVs boast ranges of 300-400 miles per full charge – enough for the average American to drive for more than a week without refueling.

My daughter's EV has a range of about 120 miles, which is perfect for a new driver. For her, a little range anxiety is a good thing. It's enough for her to get to school, work, and trips to the mall, but not enough for a long road trip. It's like a cordless leash, keeping her close to home and giving me peace of mind.

No Need for Gas Money.

I vividly remember the struggle of scrounging for gas money as a teenager—it’s practically a rite of passage for us non-Gen Zers. But with an EV, that’s one less hassle for my daughter. (She still has to pay for her insurance every month; we're not total pushovers!) As long as she plugs the car in when she gets home (just like she does with her phone), she will always have a “full tank” ready to go in the morning. The small battery means it only takes a few hours to charge fully on our Level 2 (dryer) outlet or overnight on a standard 110 outlet. 

Not only will her tank always be full, she will be able to save more money for things like car insurance and college. EV drivers usually save about $2,200 on fuel each year. We also see it as safer knowing that she’ll never have to stop at a gas station alone. 

Forward-thinking.

I want to show my kids that I care about their future and the environment, and I hope they embrace those values too. By driving an EV, my daughter actively contributes to a cleaner world and sets a positive example for her friends. EVs can save nearly 5 tons of CO2 for every 10,000 miles driven, significantly reducing her carbon footprint. This not only helps combat climate change but also promotes a culture of sustainability among her peers. Teaching my children the importance of environmental stewardship is crucial, and driving an EV is a practical and impactful way to instill those values.

Safety.

As it is for most parents, safety is my top priority and electric vehicles (EVs) tick all the right boxes, giving me significant peace of mind. Generally, EVs are safer than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—they report fewer injury claims, lower rollover risks, and a reduced likelihood of catching fire. Thanks to the battery placement, EVs have a lower center of gravity, making rollovers nearly impossible. Despite the occasional sensational news report, EVs are about 60 times less likely to catch fire than ICE vehicles. Knowing my daughter is cruising in a safer vehicle that’s less prone to serious accidents or fires is a huge relief. 

Plus, modern EVs are packed with robust safety features and consistently earn high safety ratings. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt often receive top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). So, not only is she driving a car that’s cool and eco-friendly, but she’s also in one of the safest rides on the road. That’s what I call a win-win!

Insurance Costs.

Insuring a teenager is expensive no matter how you look at it. On average, insurance for a 16-year-old is around $250 per month, totaling $3,000 annually. Historically, insuring EVs was also pricier than insuring ICE cars, primarily due to the high value of early EV models, which were often luxury vehicles priced at $65,000 and up. This naturally led to higher insurance rates.

However, the landscape is changing. Today, there are new EVs available at various price points, including several long-range models that cost less than the average new car in the U.S. Insurance premiums are influenced by factors such as safety ratings, repair costs, and driver history. With more affordable EV options and their high safety ratings, insurance providers are now offering competitive rates for EVs. The fewer moving parts in EVs also contribute to their lower insurance costs, making them an increasingly viable and cost-effective option for young drivers.

Choosing an EV for my Teenager Was a No-brainer. 

From the upfront affordability and low maintenance to the peace of mind from enhanced safety features and eco-friendly benefits, EVs are a fantastic choice for new drivers. Plus, with the added bonus of lower insurance costs and the positive example she sets for her peers, an EV not only makes practical sense but also aligns with our values of sustainability and forward-thinking. So, if you're considering a first car for your teen, I highly recommend exploring the world of electric vehicles—you might be surprised by what you find!

About Kamala Vanderkolk.

Kamala's enthusiasm for electric vehicles began a decade ago and turned into a full-blown passion when she received her first EV in 2016. Since then, she's driven over 200,000 EV miles, exploring 47 states and 2 Canadian provinces with her children. Her dedication to EVs extended to legislation when she authored HB19-1298, a bill protecting EV charging station parking spaces, which became law in Colorado in 2019. A Fairfax, Virginia native and James Madison University alum, Kamala moved to Colorado in 2011. She enjoys skiing, paddleboarding, baking, and traveling with her two kids, revolving exchange students, and a dog named Lucy.

Kamala leads business development for National Car Charging in Colorado as well as the DC Metro and Virginia. To learn more about EV charging, each out to Kamala at kvanderkolk@nationalcarcharging.com or 703-725-8818.