We’re all aware of how prevalent electric vehicles are becoming on our streets, but it’s fair to say that many myths still make people unsure about them. From fears about the range to the costs involved, we’ll debunk these common misunderstandings regarding EVs.
Myth 1: Electric cars can’t be driven for long trips
Perhaps the biggest falsehood surrounding EVs is that it’s a bad idea to take one for a longer journey, due to the fear that you’ll run out of electricity and be stranded.
While it’s true that some earlier EV models had a limited range and were suited more for inner-city driving (where charging stations are easy to find), some of today’s electric models from smart, for example, let you drive a good 283 miles on a single charge.
Certainly, it doesn’t hurt to have charging stations along the way of your trip just for peace of mind, but you needn’t worry that you’ll be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any way to juice up your EV (as long as you’ve fully charged the vehicle before departing).
Many fast-charging stations can charge your EV to 80% in roughly 30 minutes, which gives you the chance to rest and grab a drink while your EV charges somewhere along your journey. The newer the EV, the better storage capability it will have to let you drive long distances.
Myth 2: Electric vehicles are far too expensive to buy
Certainly, buying an EV requires some thought into your finances, but this is no different from purchasing any other petrol or diesel car. Owing to the improved battery technology and demand in major cities worldwide, EV prices have dropped considerably to be more affordable for all incomes.
In many ways, EVs are overall cheaper in the long run, as there is often less maintenance compared to cars running on fossil fuels, such as no oil changes and fewer parts to replace. Plus, EVs are cheaper to refuel, especially when you charge at home, and government incentives offer grants for the initial purchase of a new EV.
Myth 3: Charging takes an incredibly long time
Many vehicle owners worry that charging an EV will take too long, especially for spontaneous trips. It’s true that charging your electric vehicle requires a bit of planning ahead and it’s slower than directly adding petrol from a service station. Still, EV technology is getting faster all the time and long waits are often exaggerated.
The charge will depend on the charger itself, as you can fill your EV’s battery overnight using a 7kw wall box while you sleep. There are fast chargers across major cities, which can juice up your battery to 100% in roughly one hour.
Myth 4: EVs are not as enjoyable or powerful to drive as petrol cars
Electric vehicles are becoming just as fast and smooth as regular petrol cars these days. EVs have instant torque with rapid acceleration, not to mention good handling and stability due to the lower centre of gravity. Regardless of whether you drive on the motorway, country lanes, or city streets, an EV gives you a fun driving experience wherever you are.
Myth 5: Bad for the environment because of the batteries
Many critics of EVs say the carbon footprint is terrible due to the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries. Of course, the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries requires energy and the production isn’t carbon-neutral. Still, batteries don’t appear out of nowhere and they need to be created somehow, but the production of one as well as recharging will still be less than a petrol or diesel car over both lifetimes.
There are roughly 1.4 million full EVs in the UK, which is a promising sign for more vehicle owners switching to electric. As there are no tailpipe emissions, grid technology will only get greener and renewable in the future, and battery recycling is on the rise, EVs will be even more eco-friendly in the coming years.
