Electric Garage Talk: Cynthia and her IONIQ, Esther

When Cynthia Carlton-Jarmon first learned to drive on her family’s farm in North Carolina — driving tractors, pickup trucks at nine, and school buses in high school — she never imagined she’d one day be zipping around Oahu in a sleek electric vehicle (EV) named Esther. Encouraged by her daughter, Cynthia made the leap from gas to electric and hasn’t looked back since. In this interview, she shares her journey from EV skeptic to proud IONIQ 6 driver, how public charging fits into her lifestyle, and why she now recommends EVs to everyone — from church friends to patients. Esther isn’t just a car. She’s a quiet, fast, planet-friendly ride into the future.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): First, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me! Let’s start with this: Tell me a bit about how you first learned to drive, and the story behind your first car.

Cynthia: Oh gosh, that takes me back. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina, and you learn early in your life how to do a lot of things — like driving a tractor at age nine! Then I was driving my dad’s pickup truck in the fields, also at nine. By high school, I was driving a full-size school bus — not the small ones, the big yellow ones! My first actual car was a Mercury Lynx, and I got it when my daughter was around two years old. I loved that car — it gave me freedom to get from point A to B. I’ve been driving ever since, and I’m a very defensive driver.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): That’s an amazing story! I understand you’ve recently switched to driving electric. How long have you been driving an EV?

Cynthia: Since last December. Before that, I had a Saturn which I donated to the Kidney Foundation. My daughter — she’s always been an EV type of girl — encouraged me. When looking for a car, I didn’t want an EV; I liked the convenience of gas. But I ended up test-driving a Hyundai IONIQ 6 at the dealership, and it was love at first sight. My daughter was so proud of me for going EV. I love my car — it’s black with cyber gray interior, rides so smoothly, and it’s very quiet — I don’t like noise! I love the acceleration and how it hugs the road. It’s beautiful and so much fun to drive.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Did you run into any surprises or challenges early on?

Cynthia: The biggest concern in the beginning was charging — figuring out how to do it. I was very nervous at first, but my daughter is great with the technology, showed me the ropes and had patience with me. Once I got used to it, I never had any concerns. Every time I’d show up to the charger, there’d be no one there… and suddenly people started lining up behind me! It was a learning curve, but I had a great experience.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Are you able to charge at home, or do you rely on public charging stations?

Cynthia: No, I live in a townhome, not a single-family dwelling. I rely on public charging stations. I’ve been trying to convince my HOA to put in some chargers, but that’s taking forever. I do love using your Hawaiian Electric charging stations — especially the one in Salt Lake.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): As a side note, if your HOA needs support, our team can assist! So, how does the cost of charging compare to what you used to pay for gas?

Cynthia: It’s a big difference. I used to pay probably $150 to $200 a month on gas. But with my EV, charging costs less than $100. That’s a big drop!

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): What has your experience been like using Hawaiian Electric chargers — have you had any issues?

Cynthia: Just once — the Salt Lake charger was down one time. But a couple of days later it was fixed.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): That’s good to hear. More generally then, any suggestions on how Hawaii’s EV infrastructure could be improved?

Cynthia: More chargers, plain and simple. And I’m quite sure more are coming, but that’s the big need.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Let’s shift to your EV driving experience. Have you had any maintenance issues so far?

Cynthia: No, none. And that’s another thing I love about my EV — no oil changes, no making appointments and spending all day at the service center. Thank you, Jesus! And I don’t foresee any problems in future.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): I haven’t driven the IONIQ, but I hear great things. Are there any features that stand out as useful or innovative?

Cynthia: There are so many! I haven’t explored all the features — I’m still reading the manual. It’s like going back to college to learn how to use this car, but I don’t really need to use all the features. I use Google Maps, everything’s connected, and it talks to me. I am still learning.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Fair enough. And how many miles do you typically drive per week?

Cynthia: Let’s say around 100. I don’t drive that much.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Okay, and have you taken any longer trips around the island?

Cynthia: Yes! My niece visited and we went around the island — Aina Haina, North Shore, all without charging. I experienced no range anxiety. I did my research beforehand, and I was confident my car could handle the trip.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Do you use any apps to improve your EV experience?

Cynthia: Just Google Maps and an EV charger app. That’s enough for me — keeps things simple and stress-free.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): How about incentives or tax credits? Did you take advantage of any when you got your EV?

Cynthia: Yes, though since I’m leasing the vehicle, the big incentive went to Hyundai. If I had purchased the car, I would have received the incentives. But it was still a big incentive on leasing. I also received Hyundai’s connected car service, Bluelink, for a year.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): You mentioned that you really enjoy how fast the car accelerates and how quiet it is. What about the environmental impact of EVs? Is that something you think about?

Cynthia: Absolutely. I think about the grandchildren I don’t have yet, you know — about the kind of world we’re leaving behind. I lived in California and saw how bad the smog used to be, but I’ve also seen how much the air quality has improved over the years. I love this younger generation and really admire how they are prioritizing the environment. I’m happy with putting less carbon in the air — it’s a good thing and will keep getting better with more EVs.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): With all the experiences you’ve had, would you recommend an EV to friends or family here?

Cynthia: Yes, I do! I tell everyone — all my friends, my church girls, my clients. Some of my friends’ husbands don’t like EVs and ask me why I purchased an EV. I tell them my daughter convinced me. When my friends ride with me, they relax — the ride is so peaceful. I’m always encouraging people to go EV.

Jennifer (Hawaiian Electric): Well, thank you again for sharing your experience! One last question: Do you have any advice or tips for someone thinking about switching to an EV?

Cynthia: Yes — do your research. Don’t just listen to the naysayers. Test drive one and make your own decision. Think about the future, your lifestyle, and how hassle-free this change can be. Think about the future you’re leaving to your grandkids and future generations. It’s more than a car — it’s a lifestyle shift. Do your research, this is a very easy sell. I say that because I’m a hard person to sell something to, and if I can be convinced, I know a lot of other people can too.

Inspired by Cynthia and Esther? Here are some resources to help you start your own EV journey:

• Explore the Hyundai IONIQ 6
• Find EV charging stations near you
• Learn about EV tax credits
• New to EVs? Read Hawaiian Electric’s FAQs