Driving the Future: Charging Forward with Electric Vehicles

Sometimes I joke with friends that working at AAA means I work in the tech industry. Hear me out. When AAA first began, nearly 120 years ago, it was to advance what was then cutting-edge technology: the automobile.

Today, we’re still at it. Our automotive engineering division regularly tests the latest and greatest in driving technology, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center and AAA Northern California, Nevada, and Utah’s 2,100-acre GoMentum Station—the nation’s largest dedicated testing facility for connected and automated vehicle technology.

As a motorist, you play a pivotal role in bringing about the future, especially when it comes to electric vehicles (EV). Our research has shown that 50 million Americans plan to go electric when they purchase their next vehicle, and nearly every major automaker now has an EV you can test drive today—even here in Colorado.

All told, electric, gas-electric, or plug-in hybrid vehicles took the top spot in four out of five categories in our 2020 review and ranking of cars and light trucks. The more EVs on the road, the sooner our infrastructure for charging and maintaining these vehicles grows and transforms, making it much easier and more attractive to drive an EV.

So, how can you find out if an EV is the right choice for you and your family? Our partners at Xcel Energy have recently debuted their Electric Vehicle Advisor. Whether you’ve been thinking about making the switch or wondering whether an electric vehicle can meet your needs, Xcel Energy has the answers.

As for me? Well, given how much time and money I’ve spent maintaining my tried and true Jeep Wrangler, I’m going to keep driving what I see as a unique continuation of America’s automotive past…for now.

Still, a big part of my job is always keeping my eyes on the road. I hope you’ll continue to join me in this column as we look ahead to see how AAA is driving the future.