Many retirees find themselves in the position of needing a new car, but no longer needing a vehicle that can stand up to a long daily commute. While previous generations, after they retired, could reliably be found behind the wheel of big cars such as a Buick, Lincoln Town Car, or Cadillac, today’s retirees want the same fast, fun car as everyone else. Tired of cars that are too large, difficult to drive, expensive, and just “more car” than they need, many are looking for alternatives compared to the giant gas guzzlers they used to drive, such as electric cars.
Some turn to tiny cars or golf carts but find riding them unreliable or unwelcome on major roads, and useless on the occasional long trip. Older drivers need a real car, but one that keeps costs down. After the upfront initial cost of an EV, they need little or no maintenance, other than replacing a battery every decade. The battery pack in an electric car lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, providing superior weight distribution and stability. They are also not subject to the whims of fluctuating and rising gas prices, making them a solid choice of transportation for those on a fixed income. Older drivers may be the standard bearers for the EV revolution simply because the electric vehicle is so convenient for them.
Electric cars have lower overall maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and the absence of traditional maintenance tasks like oil changes and filter changes.
42% Battery Power
Of All 2009 U.S. Hybrid Purchasers Were Aged 55 to 74
But Do Retirees REALLY buy EVs?
According to the AARP’s “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena? She’s Driving a Green Machine”, “Industry analyst Lonnie Miller, of R.L. Polk & Co., says that 42% of all 2009 U.S. hybrid purchasers aged 55 to 74”, far more than the 27% of purchasers in the top market demographic EV manufacturers have always focused on –18 to 44.
Green cars are gaining ground due to unreliable gas prices and global warming, and electric cars offer financial incentives and fuel savings. Manufacturers now have older drivers in mind. One such driver, 72-year-old retiree Tom Dowling, already has several EVs and has his eye on another, saying “We love never having to buy gasoline and the quiet and smooth driving,” he says. Electric cars never require oil changes, new spark plugs, or fuel filters, highlighting the benefits of their lower maintenance costs.
However, while younger drivers have no problem charging at work, commuting or at restaurants and public places, older drivers want to be able to charge at home while commuting or in their neighborhood. Installation of home charging equipment in single family homes is easy and fast, Level 2 commercial charging is perfect for their community. Additionally, regenerative braking in electric cars extends the lifespan of brake pads, contributing to lower maintenance costs.
The aging population, however, is living longer than ever and not ready to give up friends and fun at retirement age. Many are moving into communities with like-minded neighbors. These communities are perfect spots for future EV chargers.
EVs in Retirement Communities
Currently, 5% of American retirees live in retirement communities, but the number is constantly growing. According to MarketWatch, one of the most popular new options is The Villages in Florida, an active retirement community, the polar opposite of a nursing home, in which people live in houses close to each other so they can take part in the same activities and make friends but are still 100% independent.
Retirement communities today are more like college dorms than dead ends. The average home price here is $200,000-$500,000, making it far more accessible than Palm Springs or Scottsdale, AZ, where wealthy retirees often choose to move.
Grocery stores, movie theaters, parks, bike, and public squares are ideal locations for EV charging stations in retirement communities. Blink’s fast, Level 2 Chargers are a great first point of choice for retirement communities with members who drive EVs and can frequently be found at community clubhouses.
Retirees aren’t letting age stop them from enjoying the newest technology or hitting the road, and we’re here to make their journeys more efficient, convenient and more fun than ever by installing commercial Level 2 charging stations where they want to be and spend their time.
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