Searching for the Elusive White Squirrel
By Dani Halliday
THE HIGHWAY 64 PROJECT
Electric Vehicles Make Their Showcase on SunDay in Elon, North Carolina
Reporters: Gabrielle Spence & Emily Leach
Introduction to Electric Vehicles and Sun Day
.png)
Long before the car brand Tesla made center stage in the electric vehicle market, there were electric vehicles available to the general car-buying public. The first electric vehicle was developed in the 1830s by Scottish inventor Robert Anderson. Electric vehicles (EVs) are motor vehicles that use one or more electric motors that are powered by electricity stored in batteries within the vehicle. EVs have large battery packs, typically found in the lower compartment of the vehicular frame, that are recharged by external electrical sources. Many makes and models of electric vehicles have been developed years, decades, and centuries beyond Robert Anderson’s initial invention. The most well-known EV monopoly in the modern era is the EV giant Tesla; however, many other large car companies, such as Chevrolet, Kia, and Ford, are continuously developing newer makes and models in competition with Tesla. The Sun Day event, hosted on September 21, 2025, at Elon University, helped showcase local EV owners and their personal vehicles. Inspired by the advocacy of author Bill McKibben, Sun Day was a day of action that celebrated solar and wind energy. Held on the day of the fall Equinox, the goal of Sun Day was to help spread awareness and accelerate the clean energy revolution.
​
Bill Savage Info Session: “An EV Journey – The Beginning”
Prior to the kickoff of the electric vehicle car show, attendees were able to get some EV background information through an information session. One of these vehicles was presented by Bill Savage, a retired dentist and Alamance resident who is environmentally concerned about the state of the world and about his home state of North Carolina. Mr. Savage drives a Hyundai Ioniq 5, his very first electric vehicle purchase.
There are several different versions of electric vehicles on the market that individuals can purchase, such as Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and EVs. These all vary in their cost, usage, function, maintenance, drivetrain, aesthetics, and individuals' personal preferences. Most notable is the mileage range. For example, ICEs are around 350-450 miles, HEVs are 550-700 miles, PHEVs are 450-550 miles, and EVs are 150-300 miles. Range fluctuation in different models is typically due to several factors, such as the size of the battery, the model, and individual driving style; faster driving means less mileage.
.png)
.png)
Electric vehicles can be charged in both alternating currents (AC) and direct currents (DC). Most home charging ports use AC and charge around 120-240 volts. However, DCs are typically a quicker charge but are unavailable for home charging stations. Most DC chargers can be found in local areas such as large-scale parking lots near grocery stores or by rest stops along highways. Many new EVs can even convert DC energy to AC for purposes like running a generator when power to owners' homes goes out. There are three different levels for charging: level 1, level 2, and level 3. These vary in the amount of current being delivered. According to Mr. Savage, 95% of EV drivers drive about 30-50 miles/day, and 4 out of 5 new EV owners charge at home.
Some of the best features EV owners have noted are the engraved Global Positioning Systems (GPS) navigation systems within the cars. Whenever you are making short or long trips across the state, the EV GPS system will navigate you to the best charging options, inform you of how long charging will take, and where your next charging stop will be. Most of these systems default to a partial charging system, so you are never charging your battery fully. This way, you are not at one charging station for too long. EV owners can use websites like A Better Route Planner and Plug Share to tell them the availability of charging stations and the planned wait times throughout their drive.
Another big plus for those looking to get an electric vehicle is the heightened decrease in value after being sold. This makes it much more affordable and accessible for those with a tighter budget to afford EVs by shopping for a used one instead of a brand new one. Owners also enjoy the convenience of maintenance as well as the quietness of their eco-friendly vehicles. According to Bill Savage, “If you're waiting for the roar, you won't get it.”
EVs in North Carolina: Cleaner, Cheaper, and Harder to Give Up
In North Carolina, more drivers are trading in the gas pumps and replacing them with personal and public charging stations. Many EV owners have described making the switch not just as a lifestyle change but also as an investment in terms of long-term costs, decreased air pollution, and improved technology. While many skeptics still worry about prices or accessibility to chargers while on the road, EV drivers across the state claim that the transition to fully electric vehicles has been more rewarding and easier than they ever imagined.
For Burlington residents Peter and Mary Murray, they were motivated to convert to fully electric for both personal and environmental reasons. When interviewing the couple, Mary stated, “It’s about reducing pollution and making the air cleaner, especially for our kids and grandkids. And honestly, I’d never go back. The ride is smooth, quiet, and just… easy.”
Other interviewees at the event pointed to economics being their main motivator for adopting EVs. Steve Exum, a Tesla driver, explained that he has been able to spend about three cents per mile, compared to the average of fifteen to twenty cents it takes for gas-powered vehicles. He explained, “People assume Teslas are expensive, but when you run the numbers, it's cheaper to drive one than most gas cars.”
.png)
For EV owner Ian, who upgraded from a hybrid vehicle to a Genesis EV, timing was everything. He stated, “I waited until I knew the charging infrastructure was there. Now I can take road trips without worrying.” After finding his vehicle used at half the original price, it sealed the deal for him.
Maintenance upkeep is another huge selling point for many EV adopters. Owners at the event said that their EVs require little more maintenance than simple tire rotations and windshield wiper replacements. Peter added, “No oil changes, no engine problems—it’s a relief.”
A main concern for EV skeptics revolves around the availability of charging stations. Most owners stated that they installed Level Two charges at their homes, some with utility rebates. While on the road, apps such as ChargePoint and Electrify America make it easy to plan stops along the way. Bob, a longtime Tesla driver, gave credit to the company’s supercharger network for making road trips as seamless as possible, even during the winter months. He exclaimed, “I drove through Minnesota at ten below zero! The car pre-heats the battery, so I never once worried about range.”
Range anxiety, typically a main barrier for many potential buyers, is quickly becoming less of a concern. Each car featured in our conversations gets anywhere between 250 and 319 miles per charge, enough to travel from Raleigh to Asheville without needing to stop. With a bit of planning ahead, drivers were able to make trips to Pennsylvania, Georgia, and even out to the Midwest possible.
One consistent message from all EV owners interviewed at the event was to avoid hesitation: “People think EVs are out of reach, but they’re more affordable than most assume,” Steve said. Ian made a suggestion to skeptics to potentially rent one for a weekend as a trial, and Mary put it more simply: “Once you drive one, you won’t go back.”
For North Carolina’s growing EV community, making the switch to fully electric is no longer about compromise or trade-offs; it’s about a cheaper and cleaner future.