Trying To Save Money on Gas Cost Some Motorists A Lot More

This weekend a gasoline retailer named Sheetz is offering gasoline for $3.99 a gallon for the 4th of July weekend. I was so excited when I heard the headline that I nearly sprained my computer typing fingers googling the nearest Sheetz location. Imagine my disappointment.  The nearest Sheetz is in North Carolina.

Many people would do anything to save money on gas.  This is making many consider electric vehicles. Recently, The State of Texas even announced that they're investing in an initiative to add quick EV charging stations at 50 miles intervals statewide.

For some, however, electric vehicles are costing a lot more.

Last May in Virginia, a Chevy Bolt that had been repaired caught fire in a garage, causing $235,000 worth of damage to a man's house and other gasoline powered SUV.

Nearly a year ago, GM announced a recall of 140-thousand Chevy Volt electric vehicles because a defect in the batteries could make the vehicle catch fire. GM even warned drivers not to park their Volt anywhere near an occupied structure, much less a garage inside your home.

A recent count has found that 19 Chevy Volts have caught fire.  Many have caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. So far, no deaths have been reported. In December, GM announced a software update that prevents the affected batteries from charging at more than 80%. That makes them somewhat safer, but due to ongoing supply chain issues, many Chevy Bolt owners are still waiting for replacement battery modules.

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While we are all suffering from higher gasoline costs, it would seem that the EV alternatives are not a foolproof solution to the problem. There are ongoing issues. So while I feel sorry for myself as I spend another $70 for a fill up of gasoline, at least I can be thankful that I don't have to worry about my garage catching fire from a battery fire. Plus, at least on long trips, my gas powered vehicle only takes a few minutes to fill up, instead of much longer.  Ok, maybe I'm grasping for straws, but I'll take comfort wherever I can find it.