John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com.
Living in a rural area often comes with a sense of self-reliance. We fix our own fences, mend our own clothes and grow a good portion of our own food. But when it comes to transportation, things get a little trickier. In the age of electric vehicles (EVs), the debate between gas-powered and electric trucks and cars has reached a fever pitch. But what about this from the perspective of us rural dwellers?
There’s no denying that EVs hold a certain appeal. They’re quiet, environmentally friendly (although there is an argument that they are not quite a slam-dunk in this regard) and potentially fueled by the sun shining on your roof. However, let’s be honest: Charging stations are still far less common than gas stations, especially out here in the country. Sure, you might be able to top off your battery at home overnight, but what about those longer trips into the city or that unexpected haul of supplies from the hardware store? Range anxiety – the fear of running out of juice before reaching a charger – is a genuine concern for rural drivers.
On the other hand, good old-fashioned gasoline-powered vehicles have their merits. Gas stations are plentiful and refueling takes just a few minutes. Plus, if you’re handy with a wrench, you might even be able to handle some basic repairs yourself. But here’s the thing that’s often forgotten: We can’t exactly whip up a batch of gasoline in our kitchen. We are reliant on a complex global infrastructure to get that fuel from the well to our gas tanks.
Think about it this way: If you’re serious about being genuinely off the grid, an EV with a home solar power system starts looking much more appealing. After all, the average person can install solar panels and generate their own electricity. You might not be able to pump sunshine into your car, but you can use it to charge the battery that gets you there. Now, don’t get me wrong, maintaining a completely self-sufficient solar power system requires some know-how and a significant investment. But isn’t that the spirit of rural living – figuring things out for yourself?
Those who claim to be “off the grid” with a standard truck and gasoline generator are fooling themselves to a certain extent. They just rely on a different kind of grid – one that delivers fuel instead of electricity. Sure, it might offer a bit more freedom and a level of anonymity, but it also comes with the constant need to restock and makes us dependent on the whims of unseen billionaires and sketchy governments thousands of miles away.
So, what’s the answer? Honestly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you mostly drive around town and rarely venture far, an EV with a home charging setup might be perfect. But if you cover long distances regularly and value the flexibility of gas stations, a traditional vehicle might be the way to go.
The good news is that technology keeps evolving. Battery range is improving for EVs and solar power systems are becoming more affordable. Perhaps someday soon we’ll have truly off-the-grid transportation options that work for everyone, no matter where we call home.