I fully understand Hai Duong's dilemma, "Rising gasoline prices are making me reconsider my car purchase," as they contemplate buying their first oto. I wish to share my personal perspective and experiences as an electric vehicle (EV) owner to offer additional insight.
The feeling of dependence on charging stations, inconvenience, anxiety over distant charging points, or the fear of a sudden power loss while driving are common thoughts among those who do not regularly own or use EVs. I am confident that almost 100% of non-EV owners have, at least once, shared concerns similar to Hai Duong's. However, with over three years of EV ownership experience, I can confidently say these worries are unnecessary.
Firstly, it is crucial to state that an EV cannot suddenly run out of power and break down in the middle of the road. Visualize an EV having a battery gauge, similar to how a gasoline car has a fuel gauge indicating the remaining fuel and estimated range. As a driver, you instinctively refuel or recharge when your tank or battery is low to ensure your journey continues. If a vehicle runs completely out of gas or electricity, it is due to driver oversight, not a fault of the vehicle itself.
Some even imagine scenarios where a car with significant battery percentage suddenly drains completely while driving, or that a traffic jam lasting one to two hours would deplete the battery. I assure you this scenario is unrealistic; it would not happen to a smartphone, let alone an oto. If stuck in traffic, moving incrementally while the air conditioning is on and music is playing for two hours, the vehicle's battery would only drop by approximately 6-7% (my current vehicle is a VinFast VF 8).
Regarding charging, I and most EV owners share the sentiment that it is not as inconvenient as many perceive. I currently live in an apartment building without a charging station, and my workplace also lacks one. However, I typically charge my vehicle a maximum of two times a week if I drive extensively. On weeks when my travel is limited to commuting and local errands, a full charge during a weekend trip to the supermarket with my family is sufficient for the entire following week.
Notably, the rate of new charging station openings is impressive. Many franchised charging stations have recently appeared near my home and workplace. Cross-country travel in Vietnam by EV is also very popular among owners, as there are numerous charging stations, and charging is currently free.
Last year, I embarked on a trip to the Northwest highlands without encountering any charging difficulties. Simply by using the charging station locator feature on the application, the vehicle navigates users to the nearest available charging point. Charging wait times are also no longer an issue when combined with other activities, such as grocery shopping, dining, or resting.
Therefore, from the perspective of an actual EV user, considering the fluctuating gasoline prices in recent days and your concerns when weighing gasoline versus electric vehicles, I want to offer encouragement to confidently choose an EV. I believe your perspective will change after regularly owning and using an EV. Notably, the maintenance and running costs of an EV will also be surprisingly low.
I wish you the best in finding a choice that suits your usage conditions and the needs of your family.
Reader Ngoc Minh
