TnF Farms Goes Pure Electric
When we started TnF Farms, we had Faith’s 2018 Honda CR-V. I traded my 2016 Honda Accord coupe in for a 2002 F250 pickup. In 2025, we relocated TnF Farms from the Big Bend part of Florida to Saint Johns. Today, TnF Farms no longer has significant acres or does anything with livestock. We are now strictly focused on products that grow out of the soil.
With this move, things have changed. Four-wheel drive is no longer important because we are on a more solid road infrastructure. Downsizing means we are no longer hauling lots of materials or towing a trailer. Without an entire forest surrounding our homestead, we no longer need the ability to move logs and material with a compact tractor. Moving to Saint Johns triggered the sale of most of our farm equipment, including our diesel-powered tractor and that old F250 pickup.
Let me be the first to say, EVs are not for everybody, nor do they work in every situation. For us, electric vehicles have taken center stage as our next vehicle of choice. Nearly every major automaker—and several rising challengers—are offering compelling new models. We’ve been shopping for an EV this year, and the options have felt overwhelming. From the ultra-efficient to luxurious and SUV choices, the field has been crowded to settle on a sound decision.
Comparing Diesel, Gasoline, PHEV, and Pure Electric Vehicles
Diesel and Gasoline Vehicles
The traditional choices known for range and towing power come with their own burdens. We are both tired of paying $3.00 for gasoline and $4.00 for diesel. I have an appreciation for diesel-burning vehicles and machinery, but cannot stand the smell. Then factor in maintenance for gasoline or diesel. Oil changes, tune-ups, in some states, emissions checks, and then the noise and vibration.
Neither one of us considers ourselves over-the-top on environmentalism. We use a mixture of battery-powered and gasoline-powered outdoor equipment. I’m probably never giving up my pure gasoline 718 Cayman. But Faith and I make reasonable efforts to recycle. I take used engine oil to the waste oil places. We try to be conscious about making sure old batteries, electronics, and paint make it to hazardous waste facilities. We also try to be aware of what chemicals we use around our house and outside on our property. As urban farmers, we can see the argument for combustion engine emissions directly contradicting the goal of selling “clean, local” produce.
Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Hybrids and PHEVs offer a middle ground, using electric-only mode for short trips (ideal in cities) and reverting to gasoline for longer runs. They get significantly better miles per gallon, which reduces petroleum consumption compared to conventional vehicles—but still depend on non-electrified fuel. We have discussed and considered owning a hybrid. Running errands in our neighborhood and throughout the little corner of the big city, we could probably do a lot of the driving without needing the engine’s power. Hybrids charge off the vehicle’s engine. Hybrids and PHEVs require all of the same maintenance procedures as a standard combustion engine. The advantage is that some of the maintenance intervals would be spaced out compared to a gasoline-only vehicle.
Pure Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Pure EVs like the Tesla Model Y, Nissan Leaf, or Chevrolet Bolt have zero tailpipe emissions, require dramatically less maintenance. No oil changes, spark plugs, or complex transmissions, and they are much quieter. Their operational costs per mile are lower than diesel or gas because electricity is cheaper when recharging at home and less price-volatile. Plus, there are often tax rebates and other incentives to support EV ownership.
So let’s get the dark side of EVs out of the way. If you own a pure EV long enough, it will need an oil change. But you’re only leasing, and it won’t happen during your time owning it. Someone will need to perform the EV’s oil change. There is still a transmission or reduction gearbox connected to the electric motor that is lubricated with oil. This gearbox is very similar to any vehicle’s differential. This gear oil will eventually break down and have too many fine particles in it, and will need to be changed or face mechanical failure.
Additionally, the environmental impact of manufacturing lithium batteries is deplorable. The old and worn-out batteries that end up in landfills poison our groundwater. The United States and other countries have laws and protections in place. First world may not be the primary cause of the pollution, but it is still happening. Since most of it happens on the other side of the planet, many people are able to turn a blind eye.
Electric Vehicle Choices for 2025
Just about every manufacturer has a Hybrid, PHEV, and/or EV option. Some of the stipulations we had were that the vehicle had to be for sale within 200 miles of TnF Farms. We planned to buy new, but were open to off-lease or just a couple of years old if there was still a complete warranty. There also had to be a service center or reputable shop that could perform warranty work on this vehicle if we had any problems.
German Electrification
BMW, Porsche and Mercedes all have Hybrid and EV choices. The BMW i8 is an outlier on our criteria but we both absolutely love the exotic look. Since it’s a Hybrid, it has a great sound when you romp it. The i8 is an older vehicle that had a ridiculous price tag when new. As someone that has owned an aging BMW, they are a blast to drive. But when they break, German vehicle ownership becomes an expensive burden.
We also discussed Porsche and Mercedes. As a Porsche owner, I continue to be amazed by the durability of my pure gasoline 718 Cayman. There have been some quirky things that were covered under the warranty. So far, my only out of pocket has been maintenance like oil changes. Neither one of us has owned a Mercedes but for the discussion can assume it is as thrilling as the BMW and Porsche contenders.
This new vehicle has to be a daily driver. Since we will be using it for farm stuff, it’s going to haul stuff and probably get full of dirt. Considering how obsessive I am about sand in my Cayman after going to the beach, and all the German EV’s hefty price tag, this just isn’t practical.
Chinese Electrification
I have been watching the videos on YouTube and seeing the excitement on X about the Chinese EVs. Chinese automakers like Zeekr and BYD produce highly competitive EVs with long ranges, sleek designs, and fast-charging capabilities. China is the world’s workshop, and just about everything is made in China anyway. These brands are rapidly gaining ground in the global market. The value proposition is off the charts considering what you pay vs what you get.
So why not just buy a Chinese EV? My primary concern about Chinese EV ownership goes back to our original criteria: if there are vehicles for sale in our area, will there be anyone able to service these vehicles if something arises? I think back to when the 50cc scooters from China were all the rage. There was virtually no compatibility when something inevitably broke. Most of those scooters ended up in scrap yards well before the long-standing Japanese competitors did.
Faith and I both own ebikes that were bought off of Amazon that were made in China. The infrastructure is better now for getting compatible parts than when 50cc scooters were popular. I have been able to hobcobble our bikes to keep them going. However, the ebikes we have are no longer to be found for sale anywhere online. One of our ebikes rolls on a set of uniquely sized wheels and tires. Meaning these wheels and tires were made specifically for this bike. Nobody makes a replacement tire that will fit the wheel.
Korean and Japanese Electrification
Faith and I have really taken note of the striking appearance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. We were also surprised by the low entry price of around $40,000. Hyundai even offers a performance trim called N. I’ve watched the reviews, and the Hyundai brings a lot of value to the table with its technology and performance. The Ioniq also has a pretend shifting feature, and the speakers inside the vehicle play a fake engine sound for a more spirited driving experience. We both have owned Hyundais and Kias in the past. Both of us felt they were durable and easy to own vehicles. Any of the Ioniq trim packages require it to be plugged in, and we were not impressed with Hyundai’s range.
My parents have recently stepped into the electrified vehicle arena. They are now driving a CR-V hybrid. The CR-V hybrid from Honda does its own charging off of the engine and through regenerative braking. Meaning this hybrid does not need to be plugged in. Self-charging hybrids have been something Faith and I have discussed at length. We have looked over the lineups from Honda, Toyota, Lexus, and Jeep. These vehicles essentially have 2 drive systems. If one system fails or runs out of fuel, you can, in most instances, limp and refuel or hopefully make it to a service station. The counterargument we both have is that you have two systems to worry about and repair.
Tesla Is Still the Best EV to Buy in 2025
With all these strong contenders, what makes the Tesla, more specifically, the Model Y, stand out?
The first thing for us was the 8 year / 120,000 mile warranty.
Real-World Range & Fast Charging
The 2025 Tesla Model Y comes in several trims and has been refreshed to the “Juniper” edition. The Long Range version offers up to 311 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the Rear-Wheel Drive version (available in some markets) can go up to 337 miles on a single charge.
Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to be the gold standard, offering up to 250 kW charging speeds and widespread availability. Most drivers can recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes—faster and more reliable than competitors’ networks.
Performance Meets Practicality
The Model Y delivers both speed and utility. The Long Range All Wheel Drive will give my Porsche a run for the money, going 0–60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. This acceleration is nice, but going around in a Model Y, it’s not about speed. The Y also boasts up to 76 cubic feet of cargo space, thanks to its hatchback design and fold-flat rear seats. It’s one of the most versatile vehicles in its class.
We bought the Juniper edition, and the updates include
- Ambient lighting and upgraded interior materials
- Acoustically insulated glass for a quieter ride
- Redesigned suspension for smoother handling
- New rear touchscreen for passenger entertainment (available in select trims)
- Subtle exterior changes with a more modern, streamlined look
These changes help the Model Y compete better with newcomers offering slick interiors and luxury touches.
Technology & Autopilot Advantage
Tesla’s Autopilot comes standard with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) package adds features like auto lane changes, Navigate on Autopilot, and traffic light recognition.
Over-the-air software updates keep the car improving even after purchase, adding features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements without ever visiting a service center.
Strong Value and Incentives
Pricing for the 2025 Tesla Model Y is competitive. Long Range AWD costs roughly $50,000. Then federal and state EV tax incentives are applied, the final price becomes even more attractive compared to similarly equipped rivals. Tesla’s consistently strong resale value also adds long-term financial appeal.
Total Cost of Ownership
With the Model Y being our new farm vehicle, we can appreciate the long-term cost savings. No more trips to the gas station, the extremely rare gear oil change, and reduced mechanical breakdowns translate into meaningful year-over-year savings. This makes budgeting more predictable—a boon in uncertain markets.
Addressing Potential Challenges
Initial Cost: While the Model Y’s purchase price is higher than used gas vehicles, federal and local incentives (when available) can ease the outlay, and total cost of ownership evens out over time.
Charging Infrastructure: At-home charging overnight is rarely a hurdle; community charging and supercharger networks fill gaps when needed.
Towing: The Model Y can be optioned with a class 2 receiver, and it can tow up to 3500 pounds. In the event we cannot fit things inside the vehicle, pulling a trailer is an option. Electric vehicles are not the best choice for towing, especially extremely heavy loads or pulling over great distances. But it can be great for incidental or small, in-town trips.
