In an aerial view, an electric vehicle charges at an EVgo electric charger on March 30, 2026, in Monrovia, California. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
By Samuel Short August 25, 2026 at 1:21pm
One California-based influencer showed her viewers a typical day at the charging station for her electric vehicle, proving that gas-powered vehicles are still the way to drive.
The influencer in question, who goes by Linda, filmed herself at a Costco and posted the footage to social media platform TikTok.
She showed viewers her Rivian’s battery life, saying it would take over an hour to get a full charge.
Linda went into Costco to shop, cutting back to the battery an hour later. It was not full, reading 94 percent, and the price tag for charging was $62.89.
@icookutry How much does it cost to charge a Rivian R1S is it worth it? #carsoftiktokcontest #rivian #rivianr1s #carcharging ♬ original sound – LINDA iCookUtry
The New York Post reported reactions by other drivers. “I just spent $50.00 for gas to get 512 miles… took less than 5 minutes to fill up,” one told her.
Do you think EVs are more a gimmick or just misunderstood?
A fellow electric driver issued a warning.
“I have an EV. To everyone: it’s not worth it. Range anxiety is real, public charging costs as much as gas, range plummets during winter, I could keep going.”
“I fantasize frequently of a tree falling on my car so I can get a gas car again.”
Linda and this user seem to be learning the truth.
Electric vehicles burst onto the scene as a novel, trendy manner of getting around, but are clearly inferior in many ways.
Imagine needing over an hour for a full tank of gas.
Who has that time during a busy workday?
Linda spent $62.89 to charge her battery.
Mechanic Base notes most cars can hold 12 to 16 gallons of fuel. According to AAA, the average gas price for Tuesday sits at $4.10. That means 12 gallons of gas at the national average will run a driver $49.20.
Of course, this is based on the average for the country.
States like Indiana have gas for $3.49. For 12 gallons, that’s $41.88, and for 16 gallons, it’s $55.84.
Not everyone hates electric vehicles, but stories like this show why they loathe them being pushed as a new, innovative means of transportation that we should all be forced to get behind.
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Sam Short is an Assistant Professor of History with Motlow State Community College in Smyrna, Tennessee. He holds a BA in History from Middle Tennessee State University and an MA in History from University College London. The views expressed in his articles are his own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Motlow State Community College.
