Like thousands of New Mexicans, I commute over 50 miles to and from work every day. Before purchasing an electric vehicle my commute was expensive because of volatile gas prices, and I worried about contributing to climate change and air pollution.
With more and more new EV models that can meet the needs of commuters like myself, we knew it was time to make the switch for our family. We have not been disappointed in our choice to switch to a cleaner electric car. EVs are smoother and easier to drive and don’t emit tailpipe or climate pollution that can be harmful to communities across the states.
My family had wanted an EV for a while, and the federal tax credit finally helped make the goal of purchasing a new EV attainable. We initially opted to purchase our EV online, but luckily our local dealer got the car we wanted before our online order arrived.
We were grateful to have an easy and accessible purchasing experience with our local dealership. Many EV buyers in New Mexico have to jump through hoops online or go to other states to get the vehicle they want because they aren’t available on dealership lots. Our experience was positive and I hope dealers will adapt to put EVs on their lot for the consumers that want them. There are many that do.
Electric vehicle sales in New Mexico are increasing and the state rebate and federal tax credits are making EVs more affordable to New Mexicans. Auto dealers have an important role to play to help educate consumers on the benefits of EVs and the smooth process to claim the state and federal rebates.
Instead, many auto dealers are fighting to stop the recently adopted Advanced Clean Cars II program that would set increasing electric vehicle sales targets for new electric vehicles. These clean cars standards would help get new EVs, like the one we purchased, into the state and open up a secondary market for used EVs.
Now the Environmental Improvement Board has the opportunity to either halt or move forward with the policy that they previously adopted for the air quality, climate and economic benefits.
Purchasing an EV was absolutely the right choice for us. Now I am able to commute over 50 miles without guilt in a vehicle that is cleaner and easier to drive. I no longer have to deal with gas stations that disrupt my commute and cost me more money. I am so grateful that I was able to take advantage of the federal tax credit that made this vehicle and a home charging station accessible to us. I don’t ever see myself going back to a gas car.
It’s so important that we keep the Advanced Clean Cars II rule in place so consumers who want to buy an EV will have the most expansive and accessible options in the state.
Kristen Hestir is a geographic information systems manager with a master’s degree in geography from New Mexico State University. She has lived in New Mexico for 17 years after living in Australia, Norway and Spain.
Read the piece in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
