Hear from Real EV Drivers and Enthusiasts
Discover personal experiences from individuals who have transitioned to electric vehicles. In this section, you’ll find stories about what motivated them to make the switch, the challenges they’ve faced, and the benefits they’ve discovered along the way. Whether it’s environmental concerns, technological fascination, or cost savings, each person offers unique insights into the world of electric vehicles, helping to paint a clearer picture of what it’s really like to go electric.
Dr Dave Lowe's story
Photograph by Cindy Wang
29th September, 2024
​Dr. Dave Lowe is a pioneering atmospheric scientist from New Zealand, instrumental in establishing the Baring Head atmospheric CO₂ program in 1972. His work, alongside Charles David Keeling, has significantly advanced our understanding of climate change and contributed to global efforts to track rising greenhouse gases. As a lead author of the 2007 IPCC report that earned a Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Lowe has been at the forefront of climate science. He is also the author of The Alarmist, a memoir that chronicles his journey in climate science, highlighting both his personal and professional struggles and his advocacy for urgent climate action.
In a recent conversation, Dr. Lowe reflects on the growing awareness of climate change compared to the 1970s, emphasizing the media’s evolving role and the stark evidence of climate impacts today. Back then, the idea that a small gas like COâ‚‚ could cause environmental issues seemed absurd. Now, after events like Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand, surveys show widespread recognition of climate change as a pressing problem, with many acknowledging the need to reduce emissions. However, Dr. Lowe expresses frustration that despite this understanding, emissions have not decreased. He questions how individuals can acknowledge the serious consequences of climate change—such as loss of life and economic damage—yet still choose to drive high-emission vehicles like diesel SUVs.
Beyond switching to an electric vehicle, Dr. Lowe elaborates on his personal efforts to fight climate change. He has shifted to a plant-based diet, cutting out environmentally damaging meats like beef and lamb, and has reduced long-haul flights. For any unavoidable flights, he offsets his carbon emissions through a New Zealand-based trust that plants long-lived native trees and restores wetlands, both of which help absorb carbon.
Explore his daily experiences with electric vehicles and the integration of solar systems in the accompanying interview video to gain deeper insights into the electric vehicle lifestyle.
Johnny Zhang, a senior user experience expert at a leading Chinese automotive company, has been at the forefront of testing and enhancing electric vehicle (EV) technology for the past seven years. Based in Shanghai, Johnny’s department collaborates closely with users, rigorously testing new car features and technologies to provide valuable feedback to engineers before the final software release.
Johnny Zhang’s EV Journey
Switching to EVs: A Financial Decision
For Johnny, the switch to an EV was primarily driven by financial considerations. In a bustling city like Shanghai, where long commutes are common, gasoline prices had become prohibitively expensive. Electricity offered a cheaper alternative, especially during off-peak hours. Despite the higher initial cost of an EV compared to a gasoline-powered car, government incentives—such as a free license plate—and lower running costs tipped the scales in favor of going electric.
"It was purely financial," Johnny explains. "The cost of electricity is extremely low, especially if you charge during off-peak hours. The savings in fuel and maintenance made the decision easy." He also emphasizes the quiet and smooth driving experience of an EV, which adds to the overall appeal.
Challenges in charging
While Shanghai boasts an impressive charging infrastructure, Johnny acknowledges that not being able to charge his car at home can bring certain inconvenience. However, with ample public chargers available—particularly at his workplace—he doesn’t see it as a major hurdle. "It’s a small challenge, but you can always find a charger nearby," he notes.
Discovering V2G Technology
Johnny’s company has been a pioneer in China’s implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. Although he had read about V2G before, it wasn’t until his company introduced the technology that he had the chance to try it firsthand.
"I was very excited when I heard we were going to implement it," Johnny recalls. About two years ago, his company installed the first V2G charger for employees, giving them the opportunity to test and understand the technology before its wider release.
While the technology is promising, he notes that it is still in its early stages. "There aren’t many V2G chargers yet, and not every company supports it,"he explains. He also points out that while users can benefit from charging their cars during off-peak hours and potentially selling energy back to the grid, the financial returns are limited for now.
Photograph by Johnny Zhang
20th May, 2023
The Future of V2G in Shanghai
Looking ahead, Johnny is optimistic about the future of V2G technology, both for EV owners and the energy grid. "V2G is beneficial not just for users who can save money but also for the grid itself. With more EVs on the road, managing energy demand will be crucial, and V2G can help balance this," he says.
He also highlights the importance of V2G in supporting China’s transition to renewable energy. "As China pushes towards carbon neutrality, technologies like V2G will play a key role in ensuring that the energy system can handle the growing number of EVs while reducing the need for polluting power sources."
Innovations on the Horizon
One development that excites Johnny is the introduction of V2G chargers for home use. His company recently began selling these chargers to consumers, marking a significant step forward in making V2G accessible to more users. Although the current cost of these bi-directional chargers is high, Johnny is confident that prices will come down as the technology advances. "This is a good step towards the future,"he says.
For Johnny, owning an EV and using V2G technology is part of a larger commitment to sustainability. He sees EVs and technologies like V2G as tools that everyday people can use to contribute to a more sustainable future.