Electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a promising solution to help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. But despite their growing popularity, many people are hesitant to buy or remain unconvinced on their performance, due to popular misconceptions and myths. Whether these myths are driven by political agendas or by a simple lack of understanding, we’re going to examine some of the more common misconceptions about EVs and set the record straight.
Let’s begin with one of the most common accusations leveled at electric vehicles…
They simply can’t travel far enough
This may have been true once upon a time. However, the notion that EVs have limited range is a relic of the past. While early electric cars did indeed face range limitations, significant advancements in battery technology, coupled with the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, have rendered this myth obsolete. Today, many EV models boast impressive ranges, with some capable of traveling over 300 miles on a single charge.
When you couple this with data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics that reveals 52% of daily trips in the United States are less than three miles, ’range anxiety’ is quickly dropping down the list of modern concerns. Even if you’re a regular long-distance driver, the proliferation of EV charging stations—such as those on the West Coast Electric Highway in the Pacific Northwest—is making extended EV journeys easier to achieve than ever.
With over 168,000 charging outlets already in place in the U.S. and the government's commitment to expanding the charging network by building at least 500,000 charging stations nationwide by 2030, you can afford to worry about something else now as you drive.
Next on the list….
They’re too expensive
While it's true that electric vehicles may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, this perspective fails to account for the total cost of ownership (TCO). When considering factors such as fuel and maintenance expenses, EVs often prove to be more economical in the long run. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing processes and economies of scale are significantly reducing the production costs of EVs, with EVs projected to reach price parity with their petrol or diesel counterparts within the next 5 years.
In the meantime, innovative pricing strategies, such as dynamic pricing and leasing options, are making EVs more accessible to consumers of all income levels. By focusing on the TCO rather than just the sticker price, EVs offer a compelling value proposition, even for consumers who aren’t especially concerned about the environment.
Their batteries need replacing every 5 years
One of the most persistent myths surrounding EVs is the belief that their batteries degrade rapidly and require frequent replacement. Again, this idea is based on outdated information. Modern EV batteries are engineered to last for many years, with most manufacturers offering warranties ranging from five to eight years. In practice, EV batteries often outlast their warranty periods, with many vehicles experiencing minimal degradation even after a decade of use.
What’s more, when EV batteries do eventually reach the end of their usable life, they can be repurposed for secondary applications, such as energy storage for renewable energy systems, meaning their story doesn’t end in a landfill.
It takes too long to charge them
Charging an EV is undeniably different from refueling a conventional vehicle, but recent developments in charging technology have significantly reduced charging times. With access to rapid chargers, such as those capable of delivering 100kW of power, EVs can add substantial range in a relatively short amount of time. For example, rapid chargers can deliver enough energy for an additional 120 miles of travel in about 20 minutes—the time it takes to grab a cup of coffee.
Furthermore, the majority of EV charging occurs at home overnight, where slower charging speeds are less of a concern. By incorporating charging into their daily routines, EV owners can ensure their vehicles are consistently topped up and ready for action.
The electricity used to charge EVs is created by burning fossil fuels
While it's true that electricity generation has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, that landscape is changing rapidly. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, with data from the World Economic Forum showing that power capacity from clean energy sources comprised 40.6% of US electricity in 2022. As a result, the carbon intensity of electricity generation has declined substantially, reducing the environmental footprint of EVs.
EVs break down far more than normal cars
Contrary to popular belief, EVs are generally more reliable than their internal combustion engine counterparts. With fewer moving parts, EV drivetrains are inherently simpler and less prone to mechanical failure. Additionally, regenerative braking systems reduce wear and tear on brake components, further enhancing reliability.
In addition, EVs require less maintenance compared to traditional vehicles, as they don’t have complex engine systems or require frequent fluid changes.
Moving on from the myths
When it comes to misconceptions about EVs, perhaps ‘myths’ is the wrong word. Many fallacies about electric vehicles are rooted in the truths of the past. However, if there’s one area that is advancing rapidly, it’s the technology at the heart of electric vehicles, so you can forgive people for not keeping up-to-date.
With the phenomenal pace of change in EV technology and its supporting infrastructure, electric vehicles won’t just create a cleaner and greener future for generations to come, they’re going to do it affordably too.