Dubai EV road-tripper on the benefits of owning an EV
When Salman Hussain first heard about Electric Vehicles (EVs) he was simply intrigued by the promise and ingenuity of sustainable transport. After doing his research on the electric cars on the market in Dubai, he took the plunge and became Dubai’s first Renault Zoe electric owner, joining EVRT Middle East (known as Emirates EVRT back then) for the adventure of a lifetime!
Behind the wheel of his new EV, Salman discovered an exciting new way to travel that improved his life in ways that he couldn’t have imagined before embarking on a journey across the UAE to prove the power and endless possibilities of an electric future for his country.
In fact, after his first EVRT experience, Salman enjoyed it so much he joined the convoy for a second time, making him an EVRT veteran. On this trip, Salman was introduced to a very special someone, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a game changer in the electric vehicle space, combining reliability and affordability matched with great styling. Salman upgraded his Renault Zoe electric to become the proud owner of Chevrolet Bolt EV and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
We caught up with Salman to ask about his journey from EV road trips to Chevrolet Bolt EV ownership.
“I’ve generally been a car fan, Ferrari posters and all, but I was intrigued by EVs. The first time I saw an electric vehicle was a Reva in London and I was fascinated.” The REVAi, known as G-Wiz in the UK is a small micro electric car, made by the Indian manufacturer Reva Electric Car Company. “The first EV I ever drove was my Renault Zoe. I love the car, but it was the promise of sustainable mobility that prompted me to get excited.”
Salman said his experience of EVs surprised him in a few ways. Firstly, the pace of technology and the incredible leap from laptop batteries to the creation of a car battery that can power sustainable, practical and durable EVs. The Bolt EV is powered by the all-new cell and battery pack from Chevrolet. Spanning the entire floor of the vehicle, the Bolt EV delivers on both energy and power, making it a fun-to-drive car, on top of its green credentials.
“The Bolt EV is a natural head turner and I was impressed by the eye-catching finish, especially the interior which is spacious and comfortable for five passengers, a surprise when you see it from the outside. This is something I wouldn’t have expected but certainly fell in love with!”
Salman’s Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts a long range of up to 520km on a single charge, making it a viable, everyday clean transport solution. “My real concern about switching to electric was the range and I know this is a common concern for other people who are considering buying an EV – the thought of running out of battery on the middle of Sheikh Zayed Road was not something I wanted! However, the Bolt EV delivers long range reliability as well as multiple charging options, including a fast charge option, so my range anxiety has been put to bed. It has improved my lifestyle and I find my EV a big improvement.”
And when the time comes to power up again, Salman recently got a pin plug for charging, so can now plug in and charge from any electric output.
Another benefit that Salman noticed in comparison to an internal combustion engine vehicle is savings on his maintenance bills. “It was a big consideration when I realized that EVs are cheaper to run than petrol cars. The first check with the Bolt EV is at 10,000km, as with a petrol car, however it will require only a general check and a tire rotation, which is much more friendly on the pocket! The next service, at 30,000 km will need the cabin air filter replaced which will then see me through for another 30,000km. The savings for me are already tangible and this is a huge positive.”
When asked if he would ever consider going back to a car with an internal combustion engine, Salman says: “If I did not have the convenience of a charging station nearby I would have to, but you would have to force my hand!”
If you’re curious about how making the switch to an EV could change your life, we invite you to join us for EVRT Africa. It’s Africa’s first electric vehicle road trip and see for yourself the power and practicality of the latest and greatest EVs. Find out more here https://www.evrtafrica.com/
