There are still many questions and concerns that arise when it comes to electric vehicles. Despite over 2 million cars on the road in the U.S. being electric, there is still some confusion about how reliable they are as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. To help clear up some of the uncertainty, let’s go over some of the most common misconceptions about electric vehicles and the truths behind them.
Myth #1: They don’t get enough mileage.
Perhaps one of the greatest fears people tend to have about EVs is how far they can drive before needing to recharge. Range of mileage matters a lot when planning road trips, especially since it isn’t desirable for anyone to stop what they’re doing and wait at a charging station for a few hours. For one thing, most EVs reach between 200 and 300 miles (the Chevy Bolts that Floshare uses get around 250 miles of range). Some new EVs are starting to reach 400 and 500, and manufacturers may continue to raise the bar.
As for the apprehension that electric charging stations take a lot longer than gas pumps, the best way to get around any inconvenience is to plan accordingly. Apps such as PlugShare and ChargePoint exist to help drivers find charging stations along their journey routes. As electric infrastructure evolves, we can also expect Level 3 fast charging stations (which take about a half an hour to charge) to become more widely available.
Myth #2: They’re not really better for the environment.
It has been questioned just how environmentally friendly electric vehicles are, and if they actually make a difference in helping to limit climate change. The truth is that they really are always more eco-friendly than gasoline-powered vehicles, but the extent varies. If the grid used to power them is made up of clean, renewable energy, it’s going to leave a better impact on the environment than a grid powered by fossil fuels and coal. Either way, less carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere with an electric car.
Myth #3: They’re too expensive.
The next popular myth comes from a financial standpoint. Over the years, many people have shrugged off the option of purchasing an EV due to the initial buying price. The vehicles have often been perceived as being too expensive to bother. Luckily, this is becoming less of a problem, as the costs of electric vehicles are gradually decreasing. The 2023 Chevy Bolt is the perfect example to showcase this, since it was recently announced that it will be sold for thousands of dollars less than the 2022 Chevy Bolt. The brand new vehicle will cost $26,595, perhaps setting a future standard for the EV market. It is also worth mentioning that switching to electric saves thousands of dollars per year on gas, even more so now that gas prices are drastically rising.
Myth #4: They need a lot of maintenance.
Another common misbelief about electric vehicles is that they are far harder to maintain than gasoline-powered vehicles. It makes sense to think that way since they’re so much newer and people do not have as much knowledge about them, but it’s also easy to understand why this misconception is not true. EVs do not have many of the parts that traditional vehicles do. They don’t have engines, spark plugs, valves, belts, mufflers, or many of the other parts that gasoline-powered vehicles have, plus they don’t use oil. This means EVs do not have to go into the shop as often for tune-ups, oil changes, or repairs. The bottom line is simple. Since electric vehicles contain less parts, they require less maintenance.
Myth #5: There’s nowhere to put the batteries once they die.
Lastly, what about the batteries? Once they stop working, won’t they just end up in landfills? This is a valid concern! Many scientists have been weary of this over the past few years. The good news is that money from all around the world from governments and companies is being invested into battery recycling. Mandates that state batteries have to be recycled are starting to appear, and recycling plants are gaining more support. Only time will tell how well this issue gets resolved, but improving battery recycling and reuse is currently a key main focus.
While we may hear from others that a certain service or product is good, it’s always okay to question things. It’s also important to know exactly what we’re supporting by doing the research and experiencing things for ourselves.
