Being a “Car Fan” often conjures images of roaring engines, the smell of gasoline, and the thrill of manual transmissions. For many, including myself, this passion has been deeply rooted in the world of internal combustion. My journey as a car enthusiast went beyond casual appreciation. Over five years, I owned 13 gasoline cars, mostly older models needing constant attention. Car magazines weren’t just reading material; they were the foundation of my career. I eventually became the reviews editor at Road & Track. However, when InsideEVs offered me a position, I recognized it was time to explore the electric future. Now, having leased a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, I find myself a convert, and here’s why.
My Automotive Journey
From middle school, I was captivated by the world of automotive reviews. Engineering didn’t appeal to me; I yearned for diverse automotive experiences and adventures. While the allure of the newest, hottest cars has diminished, my passion for exploration remains. I find more joy in off-the-beaten-path adventures in a rugged truck than in fleeting supercar experiences sponsored by manufacturers. This long-term immersion in car culture has exposed me to a spectrum of enthusiast viewpoints. Some insist on manual transmissions, a preference largely outdated. Others prioritize “fun” above all else, even practicality. Perhaps the most prevalent belief is that increased horsepower equates to increased happiness. My experience suggests otherwise. Mastering driving skill trumps sheer power in most real-world scenarios.
Throughout my enthusiast journey, I’ve worn many hats. I embraced the “shitbox” life with a high-mileage manual Mazda Miata and a BMW E30. I experienced luxury with a Lexus LS400, a Lincoln Town Car, and a Lexus LX470. I pursued automotive purity with a Honda S2000, a Porsche Boxster, a BMW M5, and a supercharged Mazda Miata. Yet, after countless track laps, thousands of miles, and numerous cars, I’ve come full circle. Cars as mere objects are unfulfilling. My love for cars stems from their utility as tools for exploration. Currently, my toolbox includes two vehicles: a gasoline truck and an electric crossover. Surprisingly, I cherish both more than many of the so-called “enthusiast” cars I’ve owned. The reasons for keeping the gas truck are significant, but the electric crossover has truly won me over.
Why This Car Fan Loves EVs
A common criticism from “car fans” regarding EVs is their perceived lack of “character” or excitement. What they often mean by this is a lack of flaws. This perspective arises from an overemphasis on idealized car media portrayals rather than real-world practicality. I understand this viewpoint, but my experience has shifted it.
Admittedly, an electric crossover isn’t inherently “exciting” in the traditional sense. However, it perfectly suits my actual lifestyle, and that’s paramount. Consider the Honda S2000, a prime example of character derived from flaws. Its small, high-revving engine offered minimal low-end power. To access its performance, you had to push it hard, revving past 6,000 RPM to experience a surge of power all the way to its 9,000 RPM redline. This demanding, high-strung nature was exhilarating in ideal conditions, and few cars rival it on a winding back road.
However, my reality isn’t back roads. I live in a suburban area. Many readers likely reside in urban, suburban, or rural environments. Rural roads are often straight, and twisty mountain roads are seasonally limited. Driving an S2000, or any lightweight roadster, year-round in many climates is impractical due to weather and road salt damage.
Sports cars are fun as weekend toys, but less suitable for active individuals with hobbies or social lives. Such cars are best suited as secondary vehicles for those with extra garage space and the resources for specialized maintenance. Most Americans use cars for daily transportation. After years of traffic jams and highway commutes to reach “the perfect road,” I’ve accepted this reality for myself. I don’t need a car tailored to an idealized life of constant road trips to mountain peaks. I need a car for my actual life: daily commutes to the climbing gym (despite working from home), occasional road trips, and frequent errands. My Blazer EV excels in this role.
Its electric powertrain is smoother and quieter than even the finest BMW inline-six engines. The ride quality is exceptional because it isn’t trying to be a sports car or a truck. The technology, which purists often dismiss, is surprisingly beneficial in daily use. While simpler systems might be more repairable in theory, the integrated technology in modern EVs is undeniably convenient. I appreciate built-in Google Maps and Spotify, the 360-degree camera, and the power tailgate. Modern safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are genuine life-savers. While some may lament the reliance on electronic aids, a century of car accidents proves their necessity.
It’s refreshing to have a car where the software experience is a priority, not an afterthought. While phone integration is adequate, well-designed built-in software is superior. I appreciate the seamless operation – the car turns on when I’m ready to drive and off when I leave, much like other electronics in my life. Overrides are available for manual control when needed. Pre-heating the cabin remotely is invaluable, especially in colder climates, eliminating the wait for an engine to warm up. One-pedal driving offers an incredibly direct and responsive driving experience. The immediate acceleration, without transmission delays, is a revelation.
Driving at night in the EV is particularly enjoyable. Cruising down dark highways in near silence, illuminated by LED headlights, is a unique experience. The instant surge of acceleration during brief traffic gaps is more immediate than any combustion car I’ve driven. And all of this comes with zero tailpipe emissions.
EVs Aren’t Perfect for Every Car Fan
It’s important to clarify that I’m not advocating for EVs as the only “right” choice, nor have I completely abandoned gasoline vehicles. My automotive journey has revealed the genuine appeal of off-road adventures in a 4×4 truck. Despite initial intentions, I haven’t parted ways with my 2001 Chevy Tahoe.
The Blazer EV handles 90% of my needs, but that remaining 10% encompasses some of life’s most rewarding experiences: backcountry exploration, sleeping under the stars in the Tahoe. While EV range can be planned around, venturing deep into off-road terrain with low-profile tires and no spare tire in a leased EV is unwise. Trail pinstripes are inevitable. Electric adventure vehicles are appealing in concept, but the ideal products aren’t yet readily available. The Rivian R2 and R3, or the Scout, are still future prospects.
I can’t bring myself to sell the Tahoe. It’s indispensable for off-roading and adventures. Frankly, a part of me, the “car fan” part, still enjoys the rumble of an old V-8. My Tahoe is less comfortable, louder, far less efficient, and environmentally less friendly than the Blazer. Yet, I love the character of a vehicle with 231,000 miles, a testament to durability and resilience. Venturing to remote locations in a truck many would deem unreliable is part of its charm. Replacing its capabilities with a modern equivalent would cost upwards of $40,000. An EV truck capable of the same feats, like a Rivian R1, would be double that, around $80,000, and still require home charging, just like my Blazer.
This highlights a key point where gas car enthusiasts have a valid argument: the EV market, especially for trucks, is still developing. Many industry experts anticipate that price and capability parity for electric trucks is still years away, likely beyond the 2020s. Trucks inherently require significant energy, regardless of the powertrain. Convincing truck owners to switch to EVs is a major challenge, as many genuinely need or deeply value truck capabilities. While I personally might not need my Tahoe daily, its utility and the adventures it enables have made it irreplaceable in my life.
The truck market may take time to fully embrace electrification. However, for crossovers and sedans, compelling EVs are available today. Current EVs offer superior technology, appealing designs, quieter cabins, lower running costs, and a more engaging driving experience compared to gasoline alternatives. My Blazer EV, while not a sports car like a Miata, is far more engaging than a Toyota Rav4. With tax incentives and attractive lease deals, EVs are often financially competitive upfront. The Chevy Equinox EV, offering 319 miles of range and advanced infotainment, can be had for under $30,000, comparable to base gasoline cars. Even a Tesla Model 3, factoring in tax credits, aligns in price with mid-range Honda Accords.
Charging infrastructure is a consideration. For those without home or workplace charging, a hybrid might still be more practical. However, with convenient charging, range anxiety becomes a non-issue. The routine of weekly gas station visits fades into memory as you glide by in smooth, silent electric driving.
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