A Thrill Ride Everyone Can Handle

By, Elaine Leahy

I used to really enjoy roller coasters. I recall standing in line at the amusement park for hours under the scorching sun just to enjoy a few fleeting seconds of speed, excitement, and laughter.

These days…not so much.

Somewhere between 30 and, ahem, my current age, the thrill has been replaced by a queasy “get me off this thing!” feeling. But here’s the good news for those who enjoy roller coasters—and even those who don’t—electric vehicles (EVs) offer that same spark: instant power, smooth acceleration, and pure fun—without the stomach flips or post-ride regrets. Whether you prioritize protecting the environment, enjoy thrilling acceleration, or need a car that fits your budget, EVs deliver it all.

Good for the Earth

One of the foremost reasons EVs have gained momentum is their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air and fewer pollutants contributing to climate change. Think how much healthier our school drop-off and pick-up lines would be without the tail pipe and bus exhaust. Further, our Town is working toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040. With transportation making up 36% of our greenhouse gas emissions, more EV adoption is essential over the next 15 years in order to meet that ambitious goal.

When charged using renewable energy, EV's carbon footprints drop even further. In Marblehead, where 65% of our power is generated from non-carbon emitting sources, you can feel good when you plug in your vehicle at night.

Lightning-Fast Speed and Instant Power

As mentioned, if you’ve ever driven an EV, you know they can be surprisingly thrilling. Electric motors deliver instant torque, meaning acceleration is quick and smooth from the moment you press the pedal—no gear shifts, no engine revving, just pure, direct power. This makes EVs ideal not just for daily commutes, but also for those who want a lively driving experience. Many EVs can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds—matching or beating high-end sports cars. Not to encourage such speeding, but you can’t beat this type of acceleration when merging onto highways and the like.

Options for Every Budget

Times have changed since the early days of EVs that were dominated by luxury models with high price tags. Today, EVs are available across a wide range of price points—from budget-friendly compacts like the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt, to mid-range crossovers, to premium performance brands like Tesla, Rivian and Porsche.

Plus, lower running costs make EVs appealing for our pocketbooks. Charging an EV at one’s residence is often cheaper than filling up a gas tank, especially here in Marblehead with our municipal rates. Additionally, with fewer moving parts and no internal combustion engine, EVs generally require less maintenance, meaning fewer trips to the mechanic and more savings over time. Some EV companies will even service your vehicle at your own house if repairs are needed. Talk about convenient!

The Future of EVs

Despite the federal government’s stance on EVs recently changing, EV adoption continues to rise. That’s thanks to market demand, private innovation, and state-level support in many regions. In fact, Axios reported that Q3 EV sales should set a record, following a previous record set in 2024 and early 2025. They do, however, acknowledge some uncertainty once federal rebates expire.

The federal rebates of up to $7,500 for eligible EVs are expected to remain available through September 30, 2025. In addition, Massachusetts offers its MOR-EV program, which can provide $3,500 to $6,000 in potential savings.

Even with the recent uncertainty, automakers have invested heavily in EV development because they know that’s where the market is headed. Charging networks have been expanding, battery technology is improving, and consumer awareness is at an all-time high. EV momentum is not solely dependent on Washington—it’s being led by industry and everyday drivers who see the benefits firsthand.

Some Common Objections

“The grid can’t handle more EV chargers.”* Claims that EVs (and heat pump installations) will overwhelm the grid are based on the unrealistic assumption that nearly everyone will trade in gas-powered vehicles for EVs (and convert their existing boilers) and within the next year or two. Both ISO New England, the organization that manages our regional electric grid, and MMLD are planning for an orderly increase in the demand for electricity from new electric heating systems, EV charging, as well as population increases. Additional green power generating sources from solar, wind and hydro are being developed and will be brought online. The transmission network will also be expanded.

“Using electricity from the grid is no better for the environment than burning gas for fuel (or heat.)”* The grid in Marblehead is getting cleaner year-by-year. As of today, MMLD gets 65% of its electricity from non-carbon emitting sources. This includes wind power, solar power, hydro power and nuclear power. The net result is that charging your EV, (or heating a home) with electricity from the grid emits far less carbon than filling up at the gas station or heating a home by burning fossil fuels.

“What if I need to travel further than the car’s range?” It is true that some EV drivers suffer from range anxiety, but charging recommendations are built into EV’s native navigation systems. Meanwhile, expanded charging networks and faster charging times are taking away the stress for longer trips.

The Bottom Line

Electric vehicles are more than just a trend; they’re a powerful step toward a cleaner future for transportation. Whether you prioritize the environment, the thrill of the drive, or the bottom line, there’s an EV out there ready to meet your needs. And, the time is now to take advantage of the rebates.

Learn more about EVs, see them up close, and hear firsthand reviews from Marblehead owners at an upcoming MHD Cruise In event, which will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Devereux Beach.

*Information sourced from Sustainable Marblehead's E-book. Visit SustainableMarblehead.org to read it for free.

Elaine Leahy is the Executive Director of Sustainable Marblehead.