The rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is quite evident. According to statistics from Our World in Data, more than 20% of the cars purchased in the past year were EVs. So, besides automakers that exclusively manufacture EVs, even seasoned car companies are motivated to introduce more of these emission-free vehicles. However, there are several myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles. Despite being debunked, the inaccuracies continue to create confusion and hesitation among potential buyers.
Myth 1: EVs are Expensive to Own
This is one of the most common EV misunderstandings that keeps them out of consideration for prospective buyers. However, that is not the case when taking long-term costs into account. When considering upfront purchase prices, electric cars do have bigger price tags than gas variants. But thanks to the ever-increasing fuel prices, the latter cost more to operate than EVs.
As per a recent study by Consumer Reports, EV owners are likely to spend around 60% less on powering their cars than ICE vehicle owners. The same report also suggests that throughout the car’s entire lifespan, EV owners will save around $6,000 to $12,000, as compared to gas-powered car owners. Not to mention, EV buyers also have the benefit of claiming the federal clean vehicles incentive of $7,500 upon the purchase of the car.
Myth 2: EVs are Worse for the Climate than Fuel-Powered Cars
A lot of people are of the belief that making an EV car and manufacturing its batteries causes more carbon emissions than a gas car. That is not true. The environmental impact of EVs, even considering the manufacturing of their batteries, is much less than the negative impact a gas car can have on the environment. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the tailpipe emissions of a gas car (with an average fuel efficiency of 30.7 MPG) itself outweigh the total emissions of an EV with a range of 300 miles, including its manufacturing. So, the truth is – electric vehicles are significantly better for the climate than gas cars.
Myth 3: Charging a Vehicle Takes Hours
A key difference between a gas car and an electric vehicle that bothers most people is the time it takes to refuel. While it is true that filling a gas tank takes a minute or two, many people believe that charging an EV takes hours. This misconception is not entirely accurate.
The charging time of electric cars depends on two main factors: the battery size of the vehicle and the power rating of the electric supply. A significant advantage of EVs is that they can be charged by plugging into a standard household outlet. In this case, the charging typically takes about 5 hours, as these outlets deliver around 1 to 2 kilowatts. But at public charging stations, especially DCFC (direct current fast charging), which can deliver between 50 kW and 350 kW, an EV can be charged in as little as 20 minutes.
Myth 4: Weather Sensitivity Limits the Usability of EVs
Many individuals also believe that EVs are highly sensitive to extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures and scorching heat, which can further hinder the vehicle’s functionality. Debunking this electric car myth involves a very simple fact check. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles do not have engines that need to be warmed up before starting or cooled down after use. That said, initially, cold weather did cause a drop in EV performance due to reduced battery efficiency. However, most of the latest EV models are now equipped with battery thermal management systems that help maintain the vehicle’s performance in all weather conditions.
Myth 5: EVs Struggle with Long-Distance Journeys
This myth about EV range is outdated, yet many people believe it to be true. In the past, EVs had limited ranges and were primarily suitable for short-distance travel. But that has changed significantly. Today, most EV cars available on the market can travel over 200 miles on a single charge.
Myth 6: There are Few Charging Stations
Another common myth that deters auto enthusiasts from buying an EV car is the belief that there are not enough charging stations available. However, the reality is quite different. Currently, there are more than 75,000 stations and over 207,000 EV charging ports across the country. Additionally, users can always plug their cars into a household outlet. Although this method may charge the car slowly, it can be quite convenient if timed properly. For instance, one can connect the car to the outlet at night before going to sleep, and by morning, it will be fully charged for the whole day.
Myth 7: EVs are Not as Safe as Gas-Powered Cars
When it comes to buying and owning cars, safety stands out as one of the most important features for prospective owners, and rightfully so. It is a common misconception that electric vehicles are less safe than gasoline-powered vehicles. In reality, all cars must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before they are sold in the market, and complying with these standards is not an easy task; it involves rigorous testing. So, one can confidently trust electric vehicles for their safety features.
