Debunking 7 Myths about Electric Vehicles

The prospects for electric vehicles (EVs) replacing traditional automobiles with internal combustion engines are getting better every day. Many people have been driving electrically powered cars and bikes for several years, and they believe in the modern technology. More than often, people refer to EVs as the ‘cars of the future’, though in reality, that future is here. The widespread myths about electric vehicles are the leading reason for the slow progress of yet another technology that is cleaner and greener.

Individuals familiar with the mechanism and performance of EVs are optimistic about their long-term impact on the environment; the change will be evident once these vehicles become mainstream. More and more EV models are gradually entering the market, but the public majority is still hesitant to shift from gasoline-powered cars. 

The widespread bias and criticism for EVs isn’t surprising, since it rests upon mere assumptions made by people who know nothing about the innovative technology, and are afraid of change. If you have thought about investing in an electric car, but have your concerns, it is time you look past the false propaganda. Let us debunk seven common myths about electric cars to help you make an informed decision based on actual facts:

1.      EVs can only be used to travel short distances

The frequent misconception about EVs is that they have limited mileage. Someone you know has probably mentioned that EVs can barely support daily travel and pose the risk of getting stranded during long journeys. Most people use their vehicles to travel no more than 40-50 miles a day, whereas the average EV can cover approximately 200 miles on a fully charged battery. If you want to use your EV for an extended road trip, all you will need is a bit of pre-planning. 

You could make stops along the way where your car can be plugged in for a quick recharge. If you think about it, the system is quite similar to that of traditional automobiles, which need a refill at one or more gas stations along the way for covering long distances. Hybrid EVs are even more reliable, as you have the option to switch to gasoline in case of emergencies. 

2.      EVs do not run on Green energy

If electric power stations in your area mainly run on coal, you should be familiar with the argument that EVs do not utilize green energy or reduce the greenhouse effect. Since both coal and petroleum products are fossil fuels, it doesn’t change the fact that your car will continue consuming unsustainable energy. The statement might make sense, but it is only half the truth. Even if the EV is indirectly operating on burned fossil fuels, it still has a smaller carbon footprint than internal combustion engine vehicles.

EVs have much lower greenhouse gas emissions; their energy conversion rate is up to 75% whereas combustion engines only yield around 20%. Therefore, when you drive an EV, you are wasting minimum fuel and considerably lowering air pollution levels. Not to mention, it is possible to charge EVs with clean energy as well. If you have access to renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, your EV will entirely run on green energy.

3.      EV batteries are toxic to the environment

It confuses me where people got the idea that lead-acid batteries are more sustainable than lithium ones. Individuals with no technical knowledge are claiming that conventional batteries are recyclable, but those used in EVs will become a nuisance for our landfills. Rest assured because lithium batteries are 99% recyclable, which is more than you can say about the old lead-based types.

Moreover, lithium-ion batteries are far more durable than the conventional kind. The price of a lithium battery is a lot higher than an alkaline battery, though it possesses a similar shelf life and lasts 8-10 times longer. 

4.      Lithium-based batteries make EVs unsafe

Lithium-based batteries are often regarded as ‘dangerous’ or ‘volatile’, which is exaggerated, to say the least. The frequency and severity of explosions from conventional batteries are in fact higher than that of lithium prototypes. All vehicle counterparts have to go through extensive testing before getting approved for public use.

EV batteries are subject to their own set of standards, which are naturally met before installation in the vehicle. Not to mention, EVs are equipped with extra safety features to shut down the electric supply in the vehicle during accidents. If EVs were actually unsafe, you wouldn’t be able to purchase insurance for them.

5.      EVs are not affordable in the long run

There is no denying that the capital cost of an EV exceeds that of a conventional automobile by a hefty margin. However, if you take operation and maintenance costs into account, driving an EV is way cheaper on a daily basis. EVs run on lithium batteries that are super expensive, but then again they have a much greater lifespan. Given the recent surge in gas prices, driving an EV is a lot more economical and convenient.

EVs are still in the development stage, so they are expected to become largely affordable once mass production begins. Every contemporary technology starts at a high price, but it gets cheaper when it becomes commonplace or widely available. 

6.      EVs lack in speed and power

Believe it or not, EVs are designed to run faster than their gasoline-powered equivalents. This revelation can be explained by the fact that an electric motor releases its entire available torque altogether. As a result, the transition from immobile to mobile is considerably quicker. The perfect example is the Model S by Tesla, which goes from zero to 60mph in under 3 seconds. 

7.      EVs are impractical without an extensive charging infrastructure

EVs can easily be charged at your home or any place providing access to an electric socket. How is that complicated in contrast to fueling up from a service station? It is only somewhat problematic for traveling exceptionally long distances, but still doable. Nonetheless, governments that are in favor of the technology are moving towards creating a sophisticated network of charging stations nationwide to increase public convenience. It takes time to adapt to new technology and convert it to a norm, and the progress of EVs is pretty good so far. 

You will obviously have to pay for the power you use to charge your car, but the money you save from not buying gas anymore will more than compensate for the increase in your electricity bill. The newer models of EVs are equipped with fast chargers, which can fully charge a car within 30-60 minutes. Once the car is completely charged, it may last a few days or more, depending on your daily usage.