In a community as affluent as Greenwich, it astounds me why there are not more electric cars on our roads.

Our town prides itself on being very good at many things, including when society reaps most of the benefits: recycling, charitable giving, tree-planting, environment conservation, etc. So in this day and age of nearly universal recognition of Global Warming and its imminent threat, I don’t understand why many of us who can buy an electric or hybrid, won’t. It doesn’t require that much sacrifice, really, and the knowledge that you are lowering your own carbon footprint and thus helping our planet in a small way, will surely bring a sense of pride and renewed bounce in your step as you unplug your wheels every morning.

I understand the argument that people in some communities without the economic wherewithal simply cannot afford the premium price for electric. But for many Greenwich residents, price is usually not the issue (and prices have been rapidly declining). Except for the Tesla 3, all of the above mentioned models can be purchased for $35,000 or less. Although federal and state rebates have recently been reduced, they still help lower the price.

For example, take a look at Chevy Volt or Bolt, Toyota Prius, Hyundai, Nissan and even the Tesla 3. Tesla has the built-in advantage of a network of charging stations. The Chevy Bolt and Hyundai SUV can drive more than 200 miles without charging. My Chevy Volt gives me 45-65 miles per charge (depending on the outdoor temperature), and then switches seamlessly to a gas engine that gets 45 mpg. It’s hands down my favorite car ever.

The joys of driving electric are many; mine are the absolute silence and very quick acceleration. So next time you get into your gas-guzzling, carbon-footstomping, mammoth SUV, ask yourself whether you can afford to sacrifice an ounce of luxury for a ton of collective good. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.

Robert Sherwin

Cos Cob