Outrunning and Outhandling: An EV Q&A with Dave Hrivnak, EV Pioneer
Dave Hrivnak is an EV Pioneer and a Subject Matter Expert, who enjoys sharing his knowledge with others, traveling cross country in his EV and proving that there are plenty of reasons to buy-in! Check out this EV Q&A to see why he loves his EVs!
EV Q&A
Q: What was the year you started noticing EVs?
A: When I converted my Avalanche to a plug-in hybrid and started to read about the Tesla Roadster in 2006.

Q: What kind of EV do you drive?
A: I have three EVs for all needs: the Chevy Volt for towing and errands around town, the Tesla Model 3 for most trips and the wife’s around town car and the Roadster for fun-spirited driving.
Q: Why did you buy these EVs?
A: Environmental impact, lower fuel cost and a blast to drive!
Q: Would you consider leasing an EV versus buying one?
A: To me, the leasing company has to make some money. That is extra money I would rather not give to them.

Q: Why did you take a leap from owning an ICE to an EV?
A: The huge environmental benefits and resilience, as I can make my own “fuel,” made me want to take the leap.
Q: What is your favorite characteristic of your EVs?
A: FAST and it looks it.
Q: Did you have a unique experience with your EV that you can share?
A: A cop stopped me to ask questions…no ticket!
Q: What is the most frequent, or outrageous comment you’ve been asked about owning an EV?

A: LOTS –
“Does it catch fire?” NO, it is actually 90% LESS likely to catch fire than a gasser.
“How does it perform?” Great as I watch the gassers fade in the rear-view mirror.
They sometimes notice the tow hitch and ask if it can really tow, and I say yes and the hitch comes in handy when you tow a gasser to a gas station because the ran out of gas (true story!)
Q: Have you ever made a long road trip in your EV?
A: Many! We have driven to Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Tylertown, Mississippi and Houston, Texas all without issue or drama.

Q: Are you a member of an EV club and/or hang out with other EV enthusiasts? If so, can you provide the EV club’s name?
A: I am a member of the Knoxville and Asheville EV clubs.
Q: Do you attend EV events in your area?
A: Yes, I coordinated 6 Ride and Drive events.
Q: What’s been the most unique EV charging experience you’ve had?
A: Back in 2012, when charging was rare and new, we stopped by a Cracker Barrel with a charger across from a hotel and asked if we could charge on the way back home. The manager said yes, but neither he nor I knew they chargers were shut down from 11 pm to 6 am, causing us an unfortunate delay.
Q: If the sky was the limit and you could design an EV, what would be your must-have feature?
A: An extension cord for SuperCharging so it is easier to charge when towing.
Q: What was the biggest and most exciting surprise about owning an EV?
A: They outrun, out handle and have more room than an equivalent gasser. Then, after years of ownership, the maintenance is SO much less.
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