
11 Myths That Will Change Your Mind About Electric Cars
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, several myths and misconceptions persist about their practicality, cost, and impact both on daily life and the environment. This article aims to dispel these common misconceptions by examining facts and data about EV charging times, affordability, safety, and much more. By addressing these myths, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of the significant advantages and real-world capabilities of electric vehicles.
11. You Have to Wait Hours to Charge Your EV on Road Trips

Contrary to popular belief, EV charging on road trips doesn’t always mean waiting for hours. DC fast chargers can fill a battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour. Planning ahead and using apps to locate charging stations can minimize downtime, making EV road trips more efficient.
10. EVs Will Cause the Power Grid to Collapse

Contrary to popular belief, EVs won’t cause the power grid to collapse. While EV charging does increase electricity demand, utilities are planning for this growth. By 2035, EVs are expected to account for 6-8% of total electricity demand, up from 0.5% today. Effective management and smart charging strategies can mitigate peak power demand.
9. EVs Are Too Expensive to Buy New

Contrary to popular belief, not all EVs are pricey. The 2024 Nissan Leaf S starts at $29,280, and the Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT is priced at $27,495. These affordable options, along with federal tax credits, make EVs more accessible. The average EV price has also decreased, now at $56,351, down from its peak in June 2022.
8. EVs Are Not Safe in Accidents

Contrary to the myth, EVs have shown impressive safety records. Tesla’s Q2 2024 vehicle safety report reveals one crash for every 6.88 million miles driven with Autopilot, and one crash for every 1.45 million miles without Autopilot, significantly outperforming the U.S. average of one crash per 670,000 miles.
7. EV Batteries Need to Be Replaced Every Few Years

Contrary to popular belief, EV batteries are designed to last a long time. Most EV batteries can last between 8 to 12 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, with some manufacturers offering warranties that cover battery degradation up to 70% of original capacity.
6. EVs Lose Significant Range in Cold Weather

While it’s true that EVs lose range in cold weather, the extent can vary. Research shows that cold temperatures can reduce EV range by about 25% when cruising at 70 mph compared to mild weather. This is due to the impact on battery chemistry, cabin heating, and maintaining battery temperature. Preconditioning the cabin and battery while charging can help mitigate this effect.
5. There Are Nowhere to Charge Your EV

Contrary to this myth, EV charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding. As of February 2024, there are over 61,000 publicly accessible EV charging stations in the U.S., with a more than twofold increase since 2020. Additionally, 95% of the American public lives in a county with at least one public EV charging station.
4. EVs Are Only Available as Sedans

Contrary to the myth, electric vehicles come in a variety of body styles, including SUVs, trucks, and even coupes. For example, the Porsche Macan Electric is an all-new electric SUV, while the Ford F-150 Lightning is a full-size electric pickup truck. The Polestar 4 offers a coupe-like SUV design.
3. EVs Will Run Out of Power While Stuck in Traffic

Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles can preserve their battery power well even when stuck in traffic with the heating or air conditioning on. A study by Which? found that a Volkswagen ID.4 lost only 2% of its total charge after 1 hour and 15 minutes with the air conditioning, stereo, and headlights on. This means you’d have to be stuck for almost 50 hours before the battery would be completely drained. Modern EVs are equipped with energy-efficient heat pumps and features like heated seats to minimize energy consumption, making them capable of handling prolonged traffic jams without significant battery drain.
2. EVs Don’t Have Enough Range for Daily Travel

Contrary to this myth, most EVs have ample range for daily commutes. The median EV range is 270 miles, which is more than enough for the average weekly commute in the US. In fact, the average American drives only 37 miles per day. With many EVs offering over 300 miles of range, daily travel is well covered.
1. EVs Are Worse for the Environment Than Gasoline Cars

Contrary to this myth, electric vehicles (EVs) typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging. Studies show that EVs contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetimes, with lifecycle emissions savings ranging from 60% to 69% compared to gasoline-powered cars.
Conclusion

Dispelling these myths about electric vehicles reveals a future where sustainable transportation is not only feasible but highly beneficial. From affordable pricing and expanding charging infrastructure to impressive safety standards and environmental advantages, EVs offer compelling solutions for modern transportation needs. As public perception shifts away from outdated misconceptions, the transition to electric vehicles is set to accelerate, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient driving future.