Well, I have to say, this post was unexpected. I had no intention of renting an electic car, but when I got on the Budget site, the only thing available were Teslas! So I bit the bullet and reserved one. I spent countless minutes on YouTube researching how 'to Tesla' and just when I thought I was totally ready, I opened my Budget app and it says I have a Ford Mustang Mach EV!!
You can imagine my disappointment, but it was late, and I thought: let's go check out the car and see if I can figure it out. Fortunately, Ford decided to make their EV systems more like a regular conventional gas car. It was easy to figure it out. But I still had to sit in the parking garage and learn the car quickly.
I have to say, I was all set not to like the Mustang EV, but I really do like it. If you do rent a Tesla, there are a lot of videos on YouTube that teach you how to understand the Tesla. The Ford really is a breeze. The only thing I don't like is that I got a 2023 model Mach E, and the videos all say it has CCS charging. This means I don't get to go to the Tesla superchargers, which I was really looking forward to.The next version of this car is getting upgraded to be able to use the Tesla system, but alas, that is not the car Budget gave me.
I already had the Plugshare app on my phone and put it in the vehicle I have. The app is supposed to find you compatible chargers. Haven't done this yet, so I will update when I do!
UPDATE: Well, I have to say, the charging experience was super smooth. Hey, if I can figure it out, anybody can! I chose to go with the Electrify America app and network. The app works well for notifications; ie. it tells you when charging starts/stops so you don't get charged idle fees for not moving your car in time. (Yes, they mean business!)
Some initial thoughts about the EV driving experience...well, when the car comes to a stop, you can take your foot off the brake since the car won't move again until you touch the accelerator. This is interesting. This car has a button to push to open the doors - no handle on the doors. Other than that, everything is in basically the same place. The car has a surprising amount of pickup and go. Looks great too!
I watched a TON of EV videos in my spare time (I have a lot of that on climbing trips.) I learned about 1-pedal driving and figured out how to turn it on. I loved it! Never having to touch the brake pedal (except for a couple of times), I’m totally down with this idea. One more plus for EVs: never having to replace the brakes! 👍🏽
UPDATE: Now that I am back, I miss the heavy weight of the EV compared to my gas car. I know it's the battery that makes it heavy, but it sure feels nice. I feel like it would be pretty good on the ice up here with all that extra weight on the road.
All in all, I may be convinced to start renting only electric cars. Buying one, especially in Alaska, not sold on that idea yet, but getting really close!
CLIMB ON!
