A Driving Force

After driving his DIY EV for a couple of years and converting a second gas-powered car, Novy purchased a Chevy Spark. The Spark EV is a compact “city car” with a relatively small range (~125 km). Novy uses it for his 30 km commute to work and even for longer road trips.

With a level-2 charging setup at his home and an ever-expanding network of public charging stations available to him, he’s entirely confident of getting from A to B on amps rather than gas.

And his enthusiasm for EV technology hasn’t fizzled.

“The internal combustion engine feels obsolete,” Novy says. In contrast to its multiple components, with all their points of friction and potential failure, EV engineering is, in his view, simple, elegant, and—as a result—powerful. “You drive the car, and you feel like this is how it’s supposed to be,” he adds.

Goodbye, Mr. Lube

The simplicity of electric cars also accounts for their minimal maintenance requirements—and costs. Under normal circumstances, EV maintenance involves little more than topping up the washer fluid, putting air in the tires, and replacing wiper blades and tires when they wear out.

Because most of the car’s deceleration is accomplished by the electric traction motor (a process that transfers energy back to the battery), EV brake service intervals are very long. And, of course, EV drivers don’t need oil change reminders on their calendar.

On the horizon …

Given Daniel Novy’s passion for innovation, it’s no surprise that he tracks ongoing developments in EV technology. He’s especially interested in ultracapacitors as power sources (think static electricity, rather than the chemical energy of batteries).

Ultracapacitors are more efficient and durable—and less toxic—than batteries. Current models are limited in terms of their energy storage potential; however, Novy anticipates that future versions will make EVs both easier to charge and more environmentally friendly.

When asked about our society’s transition to electric cars, Novy acknowledges that some car buffs might have a hard time giving up the grease and grit of old-school auto mechanics. But he’s convinced that most drivers, given the opportunity to try an EV, will be “very happy” with the experience.