Lewiston STEM Teacher & Co-founder of Maine EV Association Helps Mainers Flip the Switch

Travis Ritchie, a STEM teacher at Geiger Middle School in Lewiston, is co-founder of the Maine Electric Vehicle Association (a community of EV enthusiasts) and a former EV mechanic. He leads “EV 101” seminars for prospective EV owners looking to flip the switch — which Maine will need to reach projected EV targets for curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Why does an EV make sense for you?

I like driving but not commuting. I struggled between having a car I enjoyed and a great commuter that cut my driving costs. Prior to my EV, I would tally my fuel and maintenance expenses from commuting and say, ‘What a waste.’ Now, I have the best of both worlds using an EV as a daily driver. It costs pennies to get to work, and I have the instant torque to keep me interested in the drive.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to EV adoption?

Range and cost are clearly the two most obvious hurdles, but I would say education is a close third. I think if more people understood how EVs work, how you don’t need a public charger if you can plug in at home, the reduced maintenance costs, and winter driving characteris- tics, they’d look forward to owning one someday. Most people I know can’t buy a new car, but once there is a better market for used EVs (choice and all-wheel-drive options), they will be on board.

What do you think of the Council’s recommendation on EVs?

The fact that they are considering the environment as well as the economy makes me impressed already. I am worried about the future of our planet, and I think EVs are one of many steps that must happen to transition to a sustainable future. I am already taking action, and hope to continue driving EVs and eventually switch to sustainable energy sources for heat and electricity in the future. I think the governor and legislature should try to find a way to include small, local businesses in the implementation of this plan wherever possible.