6 Electric Vehicle (EV) Myths Debunked
As the price of petrol continues to rise, car owners are motivated to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide. Statistics from the International Energy Agency showed that, from a mere 39,000 battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in 2011, the number jumped to 7.3 million BEVs and 2.9 million plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) sold in 2022.
That said, the surge in popularity of EVs has been accompanied by a host of myths that often deter potential owners. Let's unravel these misconceptions and shed light on the reality of owning an electric vehicle.
1. EVs Lack the Range on a Single Charge
One persistent myth surrounding EVs is the fear of being stranded due to limited range. Contrary to this belief, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the range of electric vehicles. Modern EVs can comfortably cover long distances on a single charge, putting range anxiety to rest.
According to Statista, the average EV battery range increased from 243 km in 2017 to 349 km in 2021. The organisation, Electronic Vehicle Database, lists available EV models and their battery range. It reveals that the Lucid Air Dream Edition R model has the highest range of 685 km, while the city cars, Renault Twingo and Fiat 500e are listed as having the lowest range of 135 km.
2. EVs Are Slower Than Conventional Vehicles
Another myth suggests that EVs compromise on speed and performance. However, the truth is that this is quite the opposite. Many electric models boast impressive acceleration and torque. They provide a dynamic driving experience that’s comparable to a sportier vehicle. In fact, EVs are breaking records in terms of acceleration, which proves that speed and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The typical mass-market EV has an average speed of 110 miles per hour, more than enough speed for you when driving on highways and expressways. Meanwhile, when it comes to high-performance EVs, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore takes the top spot, clocking in at an astounding 320 kmh or 199 mph.
3. EV Chargers Are Few and Far Between
The misconception that charging infrastructure is inadequate is swiftly fading. That’s because public charging stations are on the rise, offering convenience and peace of mind to EV owners. In the UK, there were a total of 53,906 charging points installed in 31,056 locations by the end of December 2023. This is a 45 per cent increase from the same period last year.
Moreover, EV have the option of installing home charging points, thus eliminating the need to find charging stations on the way to work or other appointments. With an EV home charging point installation, charging your vehicle becomes a simple part of your daily routine, much like charging your phone.
Best of all, governments are offering grants to cover a significant portion of your installation costs. This makes it so much more affordable and convenient to opt for the EV option. So, if you want to find a local EV charger installer near you, you can always do a search online and see if there are any in your area.
4. EV Batteries Have a Short Lifespan
Concerns about the lifespan of EV batteries are debunked by constant technological advancements. Batteries are lasting longer than ever, with continuous improvements that ensure increased capacity and durability. Many EVs boast high mileage with well-maintained batteries. This challenges the myth that these power sources have a short lifespan.
Unlike laptop and phone batteries, EV batteries lose only about 1 to 2 percent of their range each year. In fact, studies project that EV batteries can last 100,000 and 200,000 miles of use. This is equivalent to 15 to 20 years, which means the battery may even outlast your EV.
5. EVs Are Significantly More Expensive Than Petrol Cars
While the upfront cost of some EVs may seem higher, a comprehensive analysis of total ownership costs tells a different story. In the US, the cost of EVs is typically higher, roughly USD 12,000 more than a conventional vehicle. However, fuel and maintenance savings over time make EVs more cost-effective. In fact, according to some consumer reports, you can save as much as USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 if you consider the lifetime consumption of electricity vs. petrol for conventional vehicles.
What’s more, government incentives like the UK’s Plug-In Grant further provide financial incentives for aspiring EV owners like you to choose EVs over petrol cars. While this particular grant for cars expired last Mar 2023, the grant for vans was just extended through to 2024. So, if you were planning on buying an electric van in the UK, now’s the best time to do so.
6. The Power Grid Cannot Support EV Adoption
Concerns about the power grid's capacity to support widespread EV adoption are unfounded. Ongoing developments in grid infrastructure, coupled with smart charging solutions, are addressing this issue.
Palo Alto, California, for example, boasts the highest rate of EV adoption in the US. The city intends to increase the local electricity generation capacity through innovative solar panel solutions, as well as exploring EVs as distributed energy resources, also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connections. Indeed, innovations in grid optimisation are paving the way for a seamless transition to an electrified future.
Debunking these common myths about EVs can break the barriers against faster EV adoption. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the reality of EV ownership is becoming more attractive and feasible. It's time for you to embrace the electric revolution and contribute to a sustainable and efficient future on the roads.