Genius or Crazy? An 18-Year-Old's Verdict on Buying an EV
Is Buying an EV at 18 a Smart Financial Move?
Is an 18-year-old with a new electric vehicle a sign of financial genius or youthful folly? It’s a question that gets asked a lot, usually followed by doubts about costs, charging, and practicality. Everyone told me I was crazy for buying an EV right out of high school. But as the one paying for my car, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, I had to look past the noise and focus on the numbers.
After owning my Chevy Bolt for over a year and clocking nearly 20,000 miles, I want to share my journey, the real costs, the surprising lessons, and whether this decision was a blessing or a burden. If you're a young person considering your first car or a parent guiding your child, this is my honest take on making the switch.
The Financial Crossroads: Trading Gas Guzzlers for Battery Power
Before going electric, my driving history was a tale of two money pits. My very first car was a 2006 Ford Escape that guzzled gas at a rate of 16 mpg. That translated to a staggering $300 per month just in fuel. To put that in perspective, my current car payment is less than my old fuel bill.
My next car, a 2006 Mazda 3, was a step up in efficiency at 32 mpg, but it was a rust bucket that demanded constant maintenance. The frame was disintegrating, and I spent more time worrying about what would break next than enjoying the drive. It was a classic case of being “penny wise and pound foolish.”
When the Mazda finally gave up, I took a leap of faith and bought my Chevy Bolt. Here’s the simple math that made it a wise act of stewardship for my finances:
- Old Gas Cars: ~$300/month in fuel OR constant, unpredictable maintenance costs.
- Chevy Bolt: $289/month car payment, minimal electricity costs, and almost zero maintenance.
Even with a higher upfront cost, my monthly transportation budget became more stable and, ultimately, cheaper. The long-term savings on fuel, oil changes, and maintenance weren't just theoretical; they were a real-world financial relief for a student budget.
Winning Hearts & Minds (One Silent Ride at a Time)
One of the biggest hurdles wasn’t financial, it was social. When I told my family and friends I was buying an EV, the reaction was swift and skeptical. “No way,” they said. “That’s a bad idea. The car will break down. You’ll be stranded everywhere waiting for a charge.”
Before I drove one, I admit I had similar misconceptions. I thought EVs were soulless appliances, devoid of any driving fun. Then I took a test drive.
I was hooked. The instant torque, the quick acceleration, and the nimble handling completely shattered my preconceived notions. This car was genuinely fun to drive!
The real turning point, however, was getting my skeptical family and friends into the passenger seat. After one ride, their perspective completely changed. The quiet, smooth, and surprisingly fast experience spoke for itself. It was a great lesson in not judging something before you experience it firsthand.
The Realities of Charging: A Student's Guide to Free Fuel
“But what about charging?” It’s the million-dollar question for every potential EV owner. I started with a simple Level 1 charger (a standard wall outlet), and for my daily commute to work and back, it was perfectly fine.
Eventually, I installed a Level 2 charger at home, which was a nice convenience. But here’s the real game-changer for affordable EV ownership: I learned to be resourceful.
- At School: My campus offers free EV charging, so I can top up my battery while I'm in class. My car is “refueling” while I’m focusing on my studies.
- At The Gym: In both places I've lived with this car, I've found free public chargers nearby that fit into my routine.
For road trips, the Chevy Bolt’s slower DC fast-charging speed is its biggest weakness. While I’ve never been stranded, chargers from Electrify America and others are plentiful, I do have to plan for longer stops. This taught me an invaluable lesson…
My Top 3 Lessons After 20,000 Electric Miles
- Fast-Charging Speed Matters More Than Max Range. For my next EV, I’ll prioritize how fast it can charge over its total range. I’d rather have a 250-mile range that can add 150 miles in 20 minutes than a 350-mile range that takes an hour to do the same. Getting back on the road quickly is key.
- Make the Decision That’s Best for You. If I had listened to everyone else, I’d still be pouring money into an old gas car. Doing my own research and trusting my gut led to a decision that has saved me money and stress. It’s a powerful reminder to seek wisdom but ultimately make choices aligned with your own circumstances.
- The Greatest Savings Is Time. As a student juggling classes, a job, and a social life, my time is my most valuable asset. Not having to deal with oil changes, engine maintenance, or frequent trips to the gas station has been incredible. That reclaimed time is spent on things that actually matter, a perfect example of how technology can serve us, not the other way around.
The Verdict: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely, yes. Without a doubt, my first EV experience has been a massive success.
If I could change one thing, I would have started my research sooner. My Mazda died suddenly, forcing a quick decision. Had I known how great EVs were, I would have planned ahead and compared specs like charging speeds more thoroughly.
To any young person or parent considering an electric car: I 100% recommend it. You save time, you save money, and you get a cool, fun car that’s a blast to drive. The switch to electric was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made.
---
What about you? Are you a young driver considering an EV? Are you a parent exploring options for your teen? Let us know in the comments on YouTube what you're considering and what, if anything, is holding you back!
For a closer look at my Chevy Bolt journey, watch the full video on our YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe to our channel and blog for more real-world EV stories that aim to educate, entertain, and inspire.