May 12, 2022

Common Electric Vehicle Myths Debunked

4 Min. Read

Whether you’ve purchased an electric vehicle (EV) or are still considering it, you’ve likely heard about the supposed drawbacks and disadvantages of trading in your gasoline-powered car for an electric one. Driving an EV is different from driving a conventional vehicle, but the so-called disadvantages of electric cars are myths and misconceptions.

Most EV myths originated when battery technology was crude and supporting infrastructure was nonexistent. Several high-profile EV project failures tainted the reputation of electric vehicles and branded them as impractical and less stylish than conventional vehicles. For some background, consult the list of electric vehicle myths compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Despite these myths, the EV market is booming. All signs point to continued growth as EV sales jump and drivers make the switch every day. Read on to learn more about EV myths and why they don’t hold water.

Common EV myths debunked

EVs are always expensive, limited-use vehicles like Teslas

The sticker price is often cited as one of the disadvantages of electric cars. While Tesla sells expensive and sporty EVs, many new EVs are neither pricey nor sport sedans. Major car builders offer EVs in various models, configurations, and price points.

While some electric vehicles are costly, there is an EV that fits most budgets and a model that meets the needs of most drivers. Like the prices of conventional cars, EV prices vary, but affordable options are increasing.

New models are being introduced almost daily, and trucks, SUVs, and more are available as electric models. EV trucks like the new electric Ford F-100 Lightning are trendy. They sell before leaving the factory and have an MSRP comparable to their gasoline-powered counterparts.

EV manufacturers are also working to reduce sticker prices and bring average EV prices in line with their conventional offerings. For instance, a GM and Honda partnership aims to produce EVs that sell for around $30,000 starting in 2027.

This myth doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.

EVs have a minimal range

One of the most persistent supposed disadvantages of electric cars is that they don’t have enough range for most drivers. Critics claim that drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles will consider an EV too limited and that EVs won’t fit their commuting and driving patterns.

The U.S. Department of Energy found that as of 2020, the median EV range exceeded 250 miles per charge. The AAA New American Driving Survey estimates that drivers average about 30 miles per day, meaning many EV drivers could go the entire week before needing to recharge their batteries.

So we can consider this one debunked as well.

Charging stations are hard to find

One of the commonly heard disadvantages of electric cars is that charging them is inconvenient and time-consuming. Again, it’s not true. EV drivers have more charging options, and with a Level 2 Charging Station installed at home, charging is more accessible than going to the gas station.

Research indicates that 70% to 80% of EV drivers charge their vehicles at home. Drivers come home and plug in their EV, and it’s ready in the morning when they are. With home charging, drivers waste no time “fueling up” like they would with a conventional vehicle.

Drivers need public charging stations without a home charger, but options are available. As demand for EV charging increases, so does supply. More public charging stations appear in office parking lots, gas stations, and multi-family buildings. Even in rural areas, both private and public initiatives promise to increase public charging stations dramatically.

Government funding is being allocated to build new charging stations, especially in urban areas where most EV drivers live and work. Anticipated legislation on both the federal and state levels promises to accelerate the build-out of public charging infrastructure.

EVs are more expensive than gasoline-powered cars to drive and maintain

Especially with gas prices going through the roof, it’s not true that conventional vehicles are less expensive to keep on the road. The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) study shows that EVs cost less per mile than gasoline-powered vehicles, 3-5 times given current gas prices. For instance, a conventional gasoline-powered Ford F-150 pickup truck costs $0.20 per mile vs. $0.06 for an electric F-150. Since the study was published, gas prices have continued to rise, so the cost differential is now even more significant.

Further, EV maintenance is cheaper than gas-powered vehicle maintenance due to more straightforward engineering that is less prone to wear and tear over time. EVs don’t need oil and filter changes and fewer repairs, so EV operating costs over the lifespan of a vehicle are anticipated to be $6,000 to $10,000 lower than a conventional car.

Again, this one is debunked.

EV myths aren’t true

As the EV movement gains momentum, the myths surrounding the disadvantages of electric cars continue to dissipate. After some false starts, EV technology and infrastructure have come a long way, and EV drivers can disregard these myths, knowing they are irrelevant to the EV driving experience.

Getting expert advice and installation assistance

If you drive an EV or are about to buy one and want the convenience of Level 2 home charging, you will need to find an installer. Qmerit simplifies installation for EV drivers across the U.S. and Canada with our unsurpassed network of certified installers specializing in EV charging technologies. Get started today by providing information about your home and a few photos to receive an upfront pricing estimate.