I just drove home in my first new car. Yep, I’m 56, and have never bought a brand new car, not even close. And this car just happens to be the Nissan Zero Emission Leaf (a ZEV car).
I am jubilant, jumping up and down, crying, laughing and hollering out loud! Free at last, free at last!
Back story
You need to appreciate why the purchase of this car has had such a profound impact on me. For the past 25+ years I have wanted an electric car. I am not a geeky electric car nut, who revels in the science of these futuristic automobiles. I am just a passionate environmental educator who understands the potential the ZEV car can have on the world, especially IF powered through solar and clean renewable sources.
I had the incredible good fortune to drive the EV1 20 odd years ago to the Air Resource Board hearing on electric car standards in California…the oil industry was out in force and so were the electric car enthusiasts. 70,000 letters were heaped in front of the board, from people declaring their desire to buy zero emission vehicles. The story is detailed in the film WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR.
I cried when I drove the EV1 – I can’t describe my elation…something akin to “Oh my god, we aren’t doomed, we can change the world.” As a native Californian, I grew up in a car culture. So this no emission, no gas, and No No NO Big Oil (who has been running and ruining the planet) car, was for me, a powerful action and a big BIG deal….But as the film sadly documents the car was taken back by General Motors; crushed and shredded into tiny, unrecognizable little pieces. Heart breaking for everyone who loved these cars.
SO WHY BUY A CAR WHEN WE ARE ON HARD TIMES FINANCIALLY?
We have been struggling these couple of years, like most Americans. The economy has hit us hard. So my desire to acquire this car when it first came out in 2011 was subverted by the $500 lease option and the heavity price tag $38k. Ya, I know, no gas, that saves you at least $2k a year plus little to no maintenance, but it wasn’t enough to justify such a purchase.
So when I read the Washington Post article on Friday saying that Nissan was offering this end of the year lease opportunity ($219. per month for 39 months) we jumped.
I can sure relate to these conversations. I got divorced when my kids were small and met friends through my kids daycare and we have kept in touch over the years. They are good friends but I don't get to see them as much as I'd like to. This past mon
Very beautiful. I meditate when I get home from work. I get up at 5:30 and just can't get motivated to get up any earlier. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I immediately go to prayer. It's comforting. Teresa
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