We purchased a Kia EV6 in June 2023 and we are very happy with the car. The sales person at the Kia dealership was super knowledgeable and helpful. A real standout. The Kia EV6 was not eligible for the federal rebate, but the dealership gave us that amount of discount on a lease. (We still got the Massachusetts $3500 rebate and very promtly, too!) The drive of the vehicle is very smooth and the pick-up is amazing. The best part is knowing that we are drawing on renewable energy for our transportation via Acton Power Choice Green and home solar. Even the skeptics in our household are thrilled with the car, but it is a new way of driving. While the range in the EV6 is GREAT (over 300 miles), there are factors that affect the range, e.g. how fast we are driving, is the air conditioing on, etc. The screen gives constant feedback, so the driver always knows what is happening, but it is still different from a gas powered car where all you think about is the gas meter. The touchscreen is definitely different and there has been a learning curve as we have educated ourselves about all the programming options (something common to ALL new vehicles). But the effort has been worth it.

We have the Chargepoint App which is super simple to use, plus Acton has great public charging options. We did have a home charger installed about a month after buying the car. (There are federal and Eversource rebates for car charger installations.) We were quite shocked at the first electrician's estimate for labor (!), but a fellow EV driver recommended Blackout Energy and we got the charger and the installation for about $2200. It would probably be less for most people because the electrical conduit had to run quite a distance in our case. An unexpected perk of getting an EV is the sense of community and sharing with other EV drivers. If you are thinking about an EV, go for it!!

I knew about induction burners as a way to reduce or eliminate fossil gas from the kitchen, but I was surprised to see how FAST the burner heated up pasta and various other things. (I like to save time.) And I bought it right here in Acton.

I purchased a portable induction cooktop and now use it nearly 100% of the time. The cost was $120 though there are others available for less (and for more). One of my pans (cast iron) works perfectly and I purchased 2 other pans/pots that a magnet stuck to the bottom. Cooking on induction tops is remarkably fast, temperatures are far easier to control than gas, and I love using LESS GAS! Can't wait to get rid of my gas dryer.

I switched from a gas cooktop to an induction cooktop when we renovated our kitchen. The Thermodor induction cooktop we installed looks sleak and modern in my kitchen. It is so easy to keep clean. Especially compared to a gas cooktop. I was disapppointed to say goodbye to some favorite pots/pans that were no longer useful. But I quickly acclimated to my new cook ware. It was easy to learn how to cook with induction. I can set the heat level very precisely. I continue to be so impressed with how fast pans and their contents become hot. Probably one of my favorite benefits is how little excess heat comes off the cooktop. No wasted energy going into the air! I am happy to not have to worry about gas fumes and chemicals inside my house.

Here's a link to the blog post about my experience

https://iowasweetspot.blogspot.com/2021/02/to-compost-or-not-to-compost.html

Here's a link to my blog post about our Solar Installation

https://iowasweetspot.blogspot.com/2020/08/rays-of-sun.html