Thinking about going electric? Here’s what to know about EV charging

Real insights from Dovi Motors owner and EV driver Jesse Dovi on what charging an electric vehicle is actually like.

As EV drivers themselves, Jesse Dovi (left) and Luke Dovi (right) can offer expert advice for those looking to buy their own electric vehicle.

If you’re considering an electric vehicle, chances are your biggest questions have to do with charging. How long does it take? Where do you do it? Is it inconvenient?

Jesse Dovi, owner of Dovi Motors in Cortland, hears those concerns all the time. But here’s the good news: the team at Dovi doesn’t just sell EVs, Jesse and his cousin Luke have both owned EVs and have logged countless miles in them.

That means they’ve experienced the learning curve themselves and are ready to walk you through it with real, honest advice, not just sales pitches.

Whether you’re worried about convenience, charger access, or what happens on a long trip, Dovi is here to demystify the process and show just how manageable, and surprisingly easy, EV ownership can be.

Daily EV Charging Is Simpler Than You Might Think

For most EV owners, charging at home is the norm. “It’s like plugging in your phone at night,” Jesse described. “You get home, plug it in, and by morning it’s fully charged.”

Most EV drivers average fewer than 100 miles per day, which means overnight home charging typically covers day-to-day driving with ease. Many EV buyers also qualify for assistance from Ford to offset the cost of installing a home charger, making the setup even more accessible.

One unexpected perk? “I didn’t realize how nice it was to stop going to gas stations until I had to again,” Jesse laughed. “Once you’re used to charging at home, filling up a gas tank feels like a chore.”

Visit Dovi Motors online at dovimotors.com, call their sales department at 607-250-2022 or stop by the dealership at 263 Tompkins St. in Cortland.
Visit Dovi Motors online at dovimotors.com, call their sales department at 607-250-2022 or stop by the dealership at 263 Tompkins St. in Cortland.

Planning for Road Trips Requires a Bit More Thought

While daily charging is routine, longer trips do take a little planning. Jesse recommends using a combination of your car’s built-in navigation and third-party apps like PlugShare to find and evaluate charging stations along your route.

“Your Ford’s BlueOval Charging Network will suggest where to stop and charge, but it’s helpful to double-check with an app to see what other options are nearby,” he said. 

Jesse recommends looking for charging stations that are:

  • Close to your route
  • Newer (they tend to be more reliable)
  • Well-reviewed by other drivers
  • Located near amenities, since charging often takes 30–40 minutes

Apps Jesse recommends include:

  • PlugShare – Offers charger locations and user reviews
  • FordPass / BlueOval Charge Network – Included in your Ford vehicle

Drivers are also able to use the Tesla App to track down one of their charging stations, but an adapter will be needed for Ford drivers.

“Charging during a trip isn’t like stopping for gas,” Jesse explained. “It takes longer, but if you plan ahead, it becomes part of the experience—like taking a break for coffee or food.”

And while it’s true you’ll need to do a little extra planning, Jesse points out that for most EV owners, long road trips only happen a few times a year. 

Visit Dovi Motors online at Dovi Motors EV Ford MME dovimotors.com, call their sales department at 607-250-2022 or stop by the dealership at 263 Tompkins St. in Cortland.

Real EV Advice from Real EV Drivers

There’s a lot of information out there about EVs, but not all of it reflects the day-to-day reality of owning and driving one. That’s why Jesse encourages people to talk to someone who’s actually lived with an EV.

“For everyday use, EVs are surprisingly convenient, but it helps to have someone walk you through the details—not just the specs, but what it really feels like to live with one,” Jesse explained. “We know what your first road trip is going to feel like. We know how to help you set up your charging. And we’ll get you in and out of our dealership in about 45 minutes—no all-day waits to buy a vehicle here.”

If you’re curious about EV ownership but overwhelmed by charging questions, stop by Dovi Motors in Cortland. Jesse and his team are ready to answer every question—especially the ones Google can’t.

Visit www.dovimotors.com to explore EV options or stop by the dealership to chat with Jesse or Luke.