It seems that, wherever you look, electric vehicles are in the news. People either love them or hate them – there’s no in between! A lot of the “hate” seems based upon misconceptions (or myths) and unrealized benefits of EVs. We like busting myths at WiTricity so here goes:
Common EV Misconceptions You Might Have Heard About
Myth: Range anxiety – EVs don’t have enough range.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans drive an average of 40 miles a day. Even the shortest-range electric vehicles can travel more than twice that distance before needing to be charge. Many can now travel over 200 miles on a charge with the Lucid Air surpassing 500 miles. Unless you drive very long distances regularly, you may be surprised to learn how well an EV can fit into your routine.
Myths: There is nowhere to charge.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 80% of charging occurs at home. That’s because while you don’t have a gas pump in your garage or carport, you have electricity. You may find that the Level 1 charger that comes with your car gives you enough juice overnight, or you may want to add a faster Level 2 charger. If you live where you don’t have a dedicated spot to park or to charge on the road, you’ll find over 51,000 stations in the U.S. available to the public. Granted, there are many rural areas where EV chargers are few and far between and drivers typically travel longer distances. The Inflation Reduction Act is focusing on filling in these gaps. In the meantime, a hybrid (or plug-in hybrid) may be the answer for you.
Myth: Electric vehicles are not as safe as comparable internal combustion (gasoline) vehicles.
We’ve all seen the stories of EV battery fires. But how often do you hear about ICE vehicles catching fire? Although you may not hear about them, they do, and have been for decades – it’s what’s new that gets all the attention. That’s why it’s good to know that electric vehicles must meet the same safety standards as conventional vehicles. All light duty cars and trucks sold in the United States must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Separately, EV battery packs must meet their own testing standards.
Myth: EVs are as slow as molasses (or golf carts).
First, there’s a difference between “quick” and “fast.” Quick means how long it takes to get from Point A to Point B. Fast means the top speed a vehicle reaches. Electric vehicles are generally quicker from 0 to 60, which can make a difference when merging into traffic. Why? EV motors generate 100% of their available torque instantly. When the driver of an EV pushes down on the accelerator, the transition from stationary to speed is almost instantaneous. But yes, a gas vehicle can maintain a faster top speed.
Myth: EV batteries don’t last long.
A recent survey showed that the average new car buyer holds onto their car for 8.4 years (some longer, some less of course). Depending on what you read – or what you’ve heard – EV batteries last 8-10 or 15-20 years. With electric vehicles federally mandated to carry separate warranties for their battery packs for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, the average new EV car buyer shouldn’t have to worry about their battery. You can also take steps to maximize the life of your battery.
Benefits of EV Driving: Why the Pros Outweigh the Cons
Now that we’ve busted a few myths, let’s look at the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.
Benefit: Save on fuel costs.
Although gas prices go up and down (more up recently, than down), electric car charging costs roughly half the price of powering a standard gasoline car for driving the same distance. Many electric utilities offer special time-of-use rates that vary based on the time of day when energy is used. Off-peak rates offer much lower charging costs, and electric cars can be programmed to charge when you want.
Benefit: Save on maintenance costs.
Since electric motors have far fewer moving parts and never require oil changes, new spark plugs or fuel filters, you save on vehicle maintenance. Regenerative braking also extends the lifespan of brake pads by using the electric motor to decelerate the vehicle.
Benefit: You help save our planet.
There’s a lot of talk about carbon emissions, air pollution, and saving the planet. Whether you believe EVs help save our planet or not (though the evidence suggests they help), an electric car (in full electric mode) produces zero tailpipe emissions. The result is lower smog and greenhouse gas emissions. This is true even after accounting for the power plant emissions from the electricity to charge them. In over a year, just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2.
Benefit: Do you really like going to the gas station?
Unlike a gas-powered vehicle, where getting gas is the destination, you can charge many of the places you already go – shopping, restaurants, banking, etc. Even while sleeping. Each time you stop, you can power up your vehicle and extend your range. No need to go to the gas station. Ever.
Benefit: EVs are quiet.
EVs are so quiet that car manufacturers have had to add sound when EVs are put into reverse! Many drivers find a quiet drive to be a less stressful drive. As do your neighbors when you leave for work early in the morning.
Bonus benefit of ev ownership will soon be the opportunity to charge it wirelessly. No need to get out of the car to charge, nor hassle with the cord or plug. Simply park and charge™. Learn more.
While we’re on the topic of benefits, there are a lot of benefits to wireless charging. No more having to remember to charge. No more getting out of the car to charge. And no more wrangling with a cord in a dark place. Just to name a few. Like EVs, themselves, many myths surround wireless charging. Check out the Related Assets below.
Related Assets:
