Buying a Chevy Volt; You Can Never Be Too Old

If you examine the demographics of the ‘average’ electric car buyer, you’re likely to find out that they are educated to at least college level, drive less than 50 miles per day, and have a household income of at least $125,000 a year. The mean age of an electric car buyer? 45 years. But one couple in Carroll County, Virginia have proven that you’re never too old to make the switch from gasoline to electric. 

Enter 101-year old Edward Heine and his 85-year old wife Hya, who have just traded in their Jaguar for a 2012 Chevrolet Volt. 

According to the Carroll County Times, Edward no-longer drives, but purchased the Volt for his wife to drive after she expressed an interest in the plug-inhybrid. m“If you’re going to live, you should be up to date, and try to be technologically intelligent,” said Hya.  Six years ago, the couple built a new house, to the amazement of family and friends. “I don’t believe in lying down and taking off my shoes, and that’s the end,” Hya explained. “I want to keep going. So does he, as much as he can. So that’s how you live.”

2012 Chevrolet Volt

The couple’s ‘never-too-late’ philosophy can be seen in other areas of their life. Edward and Hya married 41 years ago, when Edward was already 60 years old. 

Rather than buy the car outright, the couple decided that leasing was the smart choice. “In two years, I’ll trade it in,” said Edward, explaining that the couple believed plug-in technology will have advanced a lot by then. 

“I don’t expect to be alive, but my wife will be,” he added. 

What makes Edward Heine special?

During his formative years, cars like the 1915 Detroit Electric, and 1913 Baker Electric would have been common sights on the roads of the U.S.

In other words, Heine has lived long enough to not only see the electric car become popular for the first time, but also to see its resurgence some 100 years later. 

Then again, Heine’s driving history, like his age, is worthy of note. 

According to his wife, Heine started driving at the age of 16, and purchased his first car in 1937 aged 26. 

In 82-years of driving, he claims to have only dented his car four times.

We hope the Heines enjoy their new plug-in car, and experience many happy miles traveling together in it. 

And remember: You’re never too old to change your driving habits (or your car).

Source: Green Car Reports