This post is part of a series of EV Driver Spotlights that shine a light on why people choose to drive electric. Drivers, want to be profiled? Tell us your EV story.
Brittany drives a Tesla in Atlanta and documents her experience on Instagram. We talked to her to learn why she loves driving electric--and running a lifestyle blog and Instagram about doing it!
What made you decide to go electric? When did you make the switch?
My husband and I were living in Stamford, Connecticut, when he transferred Atlanta within his company to a better position. We only had one small 2-door car at that time. Coming from the tri-state area where we could take subways and walk everywhere to Georgia, where things are further apart, we knew we had to buy another car.
After some research on the car and the company, we did a test drive at our local Tesla store. We were very impressed with the car, and even more excited for the potential of autonomous driving. What sealed the deal was Tesla phasing out the free supercharging not too long after we planned to move to Atlanta. Coupled with the federal tax credit that was still available at the time, we couldn’t pass on all of that savings.
Do you see many other EVs around?
In Atlanta, there are a lot of EVs of different makes and models. There are dozens of EVs everywhere I go in the city.
What do you do for work (and fun)?
I’m a full-time blogger. For fun, I love going on road trips and catching a good movie at the theaters with my husband.
How has driving electric affected your work, if at all?
Driving electric has completely changed my career path! After we bought our Model S, I received so many questions about the car and our experiences that I decided to start Live Life Electrified, a blog to share our experiences and my perspective as a black woman in the Tesla/EV community.
Where do you usually charge? Do you have a favorite charging spot?
We usually charge at home on a Level 2 unit in our apartment parking garage. Away from home, my favorite charging spot is the ChargePoint chargers at Krog Street Market. The market has great restaurants and a wide variety of stores and boutiques. It’s located in the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta, my favorite neighborhood in the city. We spend a lot of time there so it’s very nice being able to charge while we enjoy the city.
How much do you estimate you’re saving on gas and maintenance?
I estimate that we have saved close to $9000 on gas and maintenance since 2017.
Where’s the best place you’ve taken an electric road trip, or where would you like to take one?
A month before we moved to Atlanta, we took our first (international!) electric road trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was our first time to Niagara Falls, which was beautiful. We stayed at a Hilton hotel with EV charging, which was an added bonus to a great trip. Soon, we want to take a cross-country electric road trip and see as much of the U.S. as possible. And one day I want to take an electric road trip in Italy.
What’s your favorite thing about driving electric?
My favorite thing about driving electric is that I no longer have to worry about the fluctuating price of gas and I can always charge at home. Every time I wake up in the morning, I have a full battery, and it's nice to not have to think about “filling up” when I leave home.
What’s one thing you think people should know about driving electric?
People should know that driving electric is very affordable and convenient, with charging units all over the country, and abroad! I’m constantly asked where I charge, how I find charging stations, or if I worry about my car battery dying, but given the plethora of charging options and locations, there is absolutely no “range anxiety” from driving electric.
People should know that driving electric is very affordable and convenient, with charging units all over the country, and abroad! Given the plethora of charging options and locations, there is absolutely no “range anxiety” from driving electric.
- Brittany, Tesla Model S Driver
Anything else you want to tell us?
In addition to the great community, cost savings (with decreased maintenance and tax credits, depending on your location), and convenience, no matter which electric vehicle you drive, you will be decreasing carbon emissions (including your carbon footprint) and helping the global climate crisis. No matter how you slice it, electric vehicles are a win.
No matter how you slice it, electric vehicles are a win.
- Brittany, Tesla Model S Driver
Thanks, Brittany, and happy EV driving! Drivers, want to be profiled? Drop us a line!