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.

See more EV Q&A s here.