PODCAST · technology

The (R)EV Diaries - EVs in Rural America Electric Cars - Electric Vehicles

by Ben Jones

Electric Vehicles are everywhere. All major car manufacturers, from the highest-end performance brands to the lowest-end utilitarian family wagons, are working to produce an EV option for the marketplace. Battery capacity breakthroughs and concept cars shrouded in secrecy dominate the news. Here in America, public charging infrastructure is popping up… in big cities where consumers are realizing they can electrify their commute and save 70% on fuel costs. But what about small-town America? Ben Jones, an electrical engineer for an distribution cooperative in southeastern Kentucky believes so. He’s been exposed to EVs and charging infrastructure projects for his utility. Ben believes that EVs need to be in every town and the right combination of battery range and charging options make electric cars very attractive to rural inhabitants. But that was not always the case. The EV Diaries chronicle Ben’s conversion from skeptic to being a self-appointed EV ambassador. He talks about h