Below, you can find electric cars-related myths as categorized under the following topics:
1. EV Range Myths
2. EV Charging Myths
3. EV Battery Myths
4. EV Price & Cost Myths
5. EV Emissions Myths
1. EV Range Myths
Americans like to push their cars to the limit. This is why top speed, horsepower, and 0-60 times are so popular with combustion engine cars. With electric cars, range has become another key performance metric. While the basic concept of range is easy to understand, some common myths need to be addressed.
Myth: Electric Cars Have a Short Range?
Not true. The average electric car range today is around 250 miles. This is more than sufficient for most drivers.
For example, the average daily round-trip commute in the US is around 41 miles. 250 miles is thus sufficient for the average American to commute six days in a row without a need for charging. Put another way, the average 250-mile range is sufficient for driving from Orlando to Miami, from San Bernadino to Las Vegas, or from New York to Washington, DC.
With today's public charging networks and easy-to-implement at-home charging, this means that the average EV range is more than enough for most consumers – even on those long weekend road trips.
For example, the average daily round-trip commute in the US is around 41 miles. 250 miles is thus sufficient for the average American to commute six days in a row without a need for charging. Put another way, the average 250-mile range is sufficient for driving from Orlando to Miami, from San Bernadino to Las Vegas, or from New York to Washington, DC.
With today's public charging networks and easy-to-implement at-home charging, this means that the average EV range is more than enough for most consumers – even on those long weekend road trips.
Myth: Electric Cars Don't Work in Cold Weather?
Not true. While cold weather can decrease an electric car's range due to the increased need for heating and the cold weather's impact on the battery's ability to store and release energy, this impact is relatively small.
Typically, the range reduction from freezing weather conditions varies between 3% to 33%. While this may sound like a significant decrease, it's good to remember the average full range of EVs hovers around 250 miles, leaving 200+ miles of range for most EVs, even in freezing temperatures. It's also good to remember that even gasoline and diesel vehicles consume more fuel and reach shorter distances in cold or hot temperatures.
Typically, the range reduction from freezing weather conditions varies between 3% to 33%. While this may sound like a significant decrease, it's good to remember the average full range of EVs hovers around 250 miles, leaving 200+ miles of range for most EVs, even in freezing temperatures. It's also good to remember that even gasoline and diesel vehicles consume more fuel and reach shorter distances in cold or hot temperatures.
Myth: Electric Car Batteries and Range Degrade Rapidly?
Not true. While electric cars' batteries will experience some degradation and range loss over time, this is a slow process and the effects on range are generally minimal. Based on historical data, electric car batteries tend to lose around 2% of their maximum capacity per year.
Myth: Using A/C Will Drain My EV Battery?
Not exactly true. It is true that A/C consumes energy, which will shorten an electric car's range. However, in mild conditions from freezing point to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, this impact is very limited.
Even in more extreme temperatures below freezing or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit A/C and heating usage will not drain your entire battery. Based on AAA research, using A/C in extremely high outdoor temperatures may decrease driving range by around 17%.
While this may sound like a significant decrease, it's good to remember the average full range of EVs hovers around 250 miles, leaving 200+ miles of range for most EVs, even in freezing temperatures. It's also good to remember that also gasoline and diesel vehicles consume more fuel and reach shorter distances in cold or hot temperatures.
Even in more extreme temperatures below freezing or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit A/C and heating usage will not drain your entire battery. Based on AAA research, using A/C in extremely high outdoor temperatures may decrease driving range by around 17%.
While this may sound like a significant decrease, it's good to remember the average full range of EVs hovers around 250 miles, leaving 200+ miles of range for most EVs, even in freezing temperatures. It's also good to remember that also gasoline and diesel vehicles consume more fuel and reach shorter distances in cold or hot temperatures.
2. EV Charging Myths
Most people charge their electric cars at home or at work. This makes sense as cars sit idle for hours, providing drivers with plenty of time to charge their vehicles. Charging at home is also affordable and makes charging-related logistics easy and convenient.
A growing network of public Level 2 and Level 3 chargers makes it easy to charge while running errands or going out for dinner. This helps EV drivers who do not have access to at-home charging or who need a faster charge before embarking on a longer drive.
A growing network of public Level 2 and Level 3 chargers makes it easy to charge while running errands or going out for dinner. This helps EV drivers who do not have access to at-home charging or who need a faster charge before embarking on a longer drive.
Myth: EV Charging Is Expensive?
Not true. Charging an electric car is significantly cheaper than fueling up a traditional gasoline or diesel car. Charging an electric car from 0% to 100% typically costs around $5 and $25. This is around $0.02 to $0.05 per mile, saving roughly 75% compared to the monthly fuel costs of traditional gasoline and diesel cars.
Myth: EV Charging Is Slow?
Not exactly true. Charging your electric car from 0% to 100% takes between 20 minutes and 50 hours. It's a wide range, but the good news is that you can choose whether to fully charge your vehicle in 20-60 minutes or 40-50 hours.
The time required to charge your electric car depends on a few key factors. These factors include the car's technology and charging curve, your current battery level, and the type of charging station you use.
Generally, charging at Level 3 charging stations, also known as DC fast charging or Tesla Supercharging, will take only 20-60 minutes. These stations are typically available along highways and population centers.
Charging with Level 2 chargers will require slightly more time, around 4-10 hours. Even this is relatively fast as one can simply park and plug in while running errands or going out for dinner. Plugging in for even an hour or two will thus give a nice boost in range.
Charging with Level 1 chargers will require the most time, but is perhaps surprisingly the most popular mode of charging. Typically, Level 1 charging happens at home or the office while the car sits idle before the next drive. Many consumers find this the most convenient and affordable way to juice up their vehicles.
The time required to charge your electric car depends on a few key factors. These factors include the car's technology and charging curve, your current battery level, and the type of charging station you use.
Generally, charging at Level 3 charging stations, also known as DC fast charging or Tesla Supercharging, will take only 20-60 minutes. These stations are typically available along highways and population centers.
Charging with Level 2 chargers will require slightly more time, around 4-10 hours. Even this is relatively fast as one can simply park and plug in while running errands or going out for dinner. Plugging in for even an hour or two will thus give a nice boost in range.
Charging with Level 1 chargers will require the most time, but is perhaps surprisingly the most popular mode of charging. Typically, Level 1 charging happens at home or the office while the car sits idle before the next drive. Many consumers find this the most convenient and affordable way to juice up their vehicles.
Myth: EV Charging Is Difficult?
Not true. Charging your electric car is pretty much as easy as charging your phone. You can plug your car in at home overnight, and it will typically be 100% charged and ready to drive in the morning. Alternatively, you can charge at one of the over 140,000 public Level 2 and Level 3 chargers around the country.
While charging your EV at public charging stations requires you to download the right charging application to your mobile phone, for most consumers this is a straightforward and fast task. Once you learn the basics about public charging, it's very easy and convenient.
While charging your EV at public charging stations requires you to download the right charging application to your mobile phone, for most consumers this is a straightforward and fast task. Once you learn the basics about public charging, it's very easy and convenient.
Myth: My Vehicle Cannot Charge at Most Stations?
Not true. You can typically use any Level 3, Level 2, or Level 1 charging station to charge your electric car. The only difference is between Tesla and non-Tesla chargers and vehicles.
If you are driving a Tesla, you can charge at Tesla stations without the need for an adapter. You can also charge at any non-Tesla charging station by using Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter (for Level 3 chargers) or Tesla SAE J1772 Charging Adapter (for Level 2 chargers).
If you are driving a non-Tesla vehicle, you can generally charge at any non-Tesla charging station without the need for an adapter. In the past, Tesla Superchargers have not been accessible by non-Tesla vehicles, but this is only charging as Tesla is working on opening its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs.
If you are driving a Tesla, you can charge at Tesla stations without the need for an adapter. You can also charge at any non-Tesla charging station by using Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter (for Level 3 chargers) or Tesla SAE J1772 Charging Adapter (for Level 2 chargers).
If you are driving a non-Tesla vehicle, you can generally charge at any non-Tesla charging station without the need for an adapter. In the past, Tesla Superchargers have not been accessible by non-Tesla vehicles, but this is only charging as Tesla is working on opening its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs.
3. EV Battery Myths
Perhaps the most widespread EV myths have to do with the battery. Everyone has experience with charging their phone, laptop, or other batteries. A cell phone battery will typically start degrading significantly after just a couple of years. This leads to a common misbelief that an electric car's battery will do something similar just as quickly.
Myth: Electric Cars and Batteries Will Not Last For Long?
Not true. Typically, electric cars and their batteries last for longer than their gasoline and diesel car counterparts. New electric cars are also covered under 4-year bumper-to-bumper vehicle warranties and 8-to-10-year/100,000-mile battery and drive unit warranties, provided by the manufacturers.
Overall, electric cars have fewer moving parts and fluids, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and the need for routine maintenance. Electric car batteries also last time relatively well. On average, electric car batteries tend to lose around 2% of their maximum capacity per year, lasting for 10-20 years before a need for replacement. For the average consumer and your typical EV, battery degradation during a 3-to-5-year ownership period doesn't thus make a significant difference.
Overall, electric cars have fewer moving parts and fluids, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and the need for routine maintenance. Electric car batteries also last time relatively well. On average, electric car batteries tend to lose around 2% of their maximum capacity per year, lasting for 10-20 years before a need for replacement. For the average consumer and your typical EV, battery degradation during a 3-to-5-year ownership period doesn't thus make a significant difference.
Myth: Tesla Batteries Degrade Fast?
Not true. Tesla batteries average 90% of their maximum capacity after 200,000 miles. This can, however, vary based on your driving and charging habits.
Myth: I Cannot Trust a Used Electric Car?
Not exactly true. As discussed above, electric cars and their batteries tend to last for longer than their gasoline and diesel car counterparts. It follows that you should be able to trust pre-owned electric cars more than your typical gasoline or diesel car.
That being said, there are some EV-specific considerations that are worth addressing. Thus, we recommend relying on electric car experts when purchasing or servicing your EV. This will ensure your next EV has been properly inspected, its estimated battery health is sufficient, and you get all the help and ancillary products you need.
That being said, there are some EV-specific considerations that are worth addressing. Thus, we recommend relying on electric car experts when purchasing or servicing your EV. This will ensure your next EV has been properly inspected, its estimated battery health is sufficient, and you get all the help and ancillary products you need.
Myth: I May Have to Replace an Expensive EV Battery?
Not exactly true. You can expect an electric car battery to last for 12 to 20 years. Most batteries lose about 2% of their maximum capacity per year. The battery needs replacing only when the driving range is significantly reduced. When that time comes, the battery needs replacing, costing around $5,000 to $15,000.
If your electric car requires battery replacement sooner than 8-10 years and 100,000 miles, the replacement is typically covered by the manufacturer's battery and drive unit warranty.
If your electric car requires battery replacement sooner than 8-10 years and 100,000 miles, the replacement is typically covered by the manufacturer's battery and drive unit warranty.
4. EV Price & Cost Myths
Electric cars have held a reputation for being expensive. In 2023, this may no longer be the case. Especially when looking at the overall costs of ownership, from purchase price to financing, charging, and maintenance, EVs are very cost competitive compared to traditional gasoline and diesel cars.
Myth: Electric Cars Cost More Than ICE Cars?
Not exactly true. It is true that purchasing a new or used electric car can be, on average, slightly more expensive than purchasing a gasoline or diesel car. However, all-things-considered, electric cars can be the more economical option.
When purchasing an electric car, you can take advantage of available tax credits for new EVs and used EVs. You can also expect a 50-75% decrease in monthly fuel (charging) expenses as well as an up to 50% decrease in annual maintenance and servicing costs. This quickly adds up and we expect EV owners to save around $1,000 per year compared to comparable gasoline car owners.
Additionally, prices of new electric cars have come down dramatically. Many industry experts expect electric vehicle prices to match gasoline car prices by the end of 2023 already.
When purchasing an electric car, you can take advantage of available tax credits for new EVs and used EVs. You can also expect a 50-75% decrease in monthly fuel (charging) expenses as well as an up to 50% decrease in annual maintenance and servicing costs. This quickly adds up and we expect EV owners to save around $1,000 per year compared to comparable gasoline car owners.
Additionally, prices of new electric cars have come down dramatically. Many industry experts expect electric vehicle prices to match gasoline car prices by the end of 2023 already.
Myth: Electric Car Parts and Repairs Are Expensive?
Not exactly true. While it may be true that individual EV parts may be more expensive than your typical gasoline car expenses, the need for maintenance and repairs is significantly less frequent for EVs.
Electric cars have fewer moving parts and do not require typical oil or transmission fluid changes, tune-ups, and engine air filter replacements. Electric cars also don't require drive belts, radiator fluid, sparkplugs, and other components that need regular inspection and repair in ICE cars.
On average, this leads to around $400 in savings due to the lower maintenance costs of EVs compared to gasoline cars.
Electric cars have fewer moving parts and do not require typical oil or transmission fluid changes, tune-ups, and engine air filter replacements. Electric cars also don't require drive belts, radiator fluid, sparkplugs, and other components that need regular inspection and repair in ICE cars.
On average, this leads to around $400 in savings due to the lower maintenance costs of EVs compared to gasoline cars.
5. EV Emissions Myths
Those skeptical of electric cars tend to be suspicious about their claimed sustainability. However, a simple look at the fully-loaded lifecycle emissions of both electric cars and internal combustion engine cars can shed light on how much more sustainable electric cars are.
Myth: Electric Cars and Batteries Are Worse for the Environment?
Not true. Electric cars have significantly lower life cycle emissions compared to similar gasoline or diesel cars. This holds even when accounting for both how the electricity used to charge EVs is generated and how much energy and materials are consumed in producing electric cars and their batteries.
Based on most recent scientific studies, battery electric vehicles incur around 50-70% lower greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle – when compared to similar, modern gasoline cars. Additionally, EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, allowing for significantly improved air quality in urban areas.
Based on most recent scientific studies, battery electric vehicles incur around 50-70% lower greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle – when compared to similar, modern gasoline cars. Additionally, EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, allowing for significantly improved air quality in urban areas.
Myth: Electric Cars and Batteries Pose an Increased Health Risk?
Not true. Electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions, allowing for significantly improved air quality compared to gasoline and diesel cars. Recent scientific studies have indeed linked increasing EV adoption with less air pollution and improved health.
Additionally, at the end of their useful life powering an electric car, batteries can be first reused and repurposed, then recycled.
Additionally, at the end of their useful life powering an electric car, batteries can be first reused and repurposed, then recycled.
In Short: Concerns About EV Range, Charging, Batteries, Costs, and Sustainability Are Unnecessary
Today's EVs provide more than sufficient range for the average consumer and the latest EV models are breaking range-related records every year.
Charging is not just easy and convenient but also extremely affordable compared to similar internal combustion engine cars' fuel costs.
Electric cars and their batteries tend to last for much longer than their ICE counterparts. Both vehicle manufacturers and electric vehicle specialized retailers also provide extra assurances to make sure you can purchase your next EV with peace of mind.
Prices and costs of EVs are coming down rapidly. On average, an electric car owner can save around $1,000 per year compared to owning a similar gasoline car. Combined with EV price reductions and tax credits, these cost savings make EVs a very economical option.
Lastly, EVs are a significantly more sustainable and healthy option when comparing their lifecycle emissions and local air pollution to similar gasoline or diesel cars.
Charging is not just easy and convenient but also extremely affordable compared to similar internal combustion engine cars' fuel costs.
Electric cars and their batteries tend to last for much longer than their ICE counterparts. Both vehicle manufacturers and electric vehicle specialized retailers also provide extra assurances to make sure you can purchase your next EV with peace of mind.
Prices and costs of EVs are coming down rapidly. On average, an electric car owner can save around $1,000 per year compared to owning a similar gasoline car. Combined with EV price reductions and tax credits, these cost savings make EVs a very economical option.
Lastly, EVs are a significantly more sustainable and healthy option when comparing their lifecycle emissions and local air pollution to similar gasoline or diesel cars.