Unveiling the Truth: Common Misconceptions About Electric Vehicles
Or why you can’t always believe what you hear about EVs.
In the world of electric vehicles, misconceptions abound. While many people are eager to embrace the green technology of EVs, they are often met with skepticism fueled by common myths. In this week’s episode of The EV Musings Podcast, we tackle the most frequent concerns surrounding EVs, debunking the myths and shedding light on the realities of electric vehicle ownership.
There are many facets of EV ownership that are seized upon by the sceptics and used as ‘gotchas’. But many of what they raise as issues really aren’t. There are also aspects of EV ownership that are often deemed to be ‘played down’ by EV owners. Let’s go through some of these.
Charging Time - A Misunderstood Necessity
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that EVs take too long to charge. Critics often compare the charging process to refueling a traditional vehicle, stating that they can fill their diesel vans in mere minutes. However, charging an EV is not a serial activity; it’s a parallel one. You can plug in your car and go about your life, whether that means sleeping, working, or simply relaxing.
For example, during a recent trip, I stopped at a Tesla Supercharger - open to the public - for just 18 minutes, and later for 25 minutes, for nearly 500 miles of travel. Most of that time was spent doing other activities, proving that charging is often more convenient than it seems.
Environmental Impact - The Bigger Picture
Another common argument against EVs is their environmental footprint during production. Critics claim that manufacturing EVs damages the environment more than traditional vehicles. While it’s true that battery production is resource-intensive, the long-term environmental benefits outweigh these initial costs. If all we did is manufacture cars and sit them in a parking lot for the rest of their lives a EV would be worse for the environment. But we don’t do that. We drive them. And every mile driven by a ICE vehicle is more polluting than a EV. So much so that - depending on the grid mix where you charge - the carbon footprint of manufacture is completely offset within about 20,000 miles. Moreover, advancements in battery recycling now allow for up to 99% of materials to be reused, further reducing the carbon footprint. In a recent episode of the podcast Robin Brundle from Recyclus Group told me that using recycled materials cuts down the carbon footprint of new batteries by around 25%
The Cost of Running EVs
Many individuals believe that running an EV is more expensive than a petrol car, especially if they cannot charge at home. While this may hold true in certain scenarios, it’s crucial to evaluate the cost per mile. For instance, diesel vehicles may cost around 14 pence per mile, while public charging can vary. Charging prices can range from as low as 39 pence to over 75 pence per kWh, depending on the provider and time of use. i have episodes in the back catalogue where drivers without home charging have found cost-effective charging solutions, often paying under 15 pence per mile.
the proposed eVED tax of 3p/mile (planned for initiation in 2028) will still make driving an EV cheaper than an ICE vehicle because the fuel duty on wet fuels is being unfrozen this year adding a further 7p/ litre (27.8p/gallon) onto running costs.
Long-Distance Travel - A Feared Limitation
There’s a persistent myth that EVs cannot handle long-distance journeys. Many people still assume that electric cars are limited to short trips. However, modern EVs can easily match the distances covered by traditional vehicles. The range is not inherently limited by the vehicle itself, but rather by the availability of charging infrastructure. I’ve mentioned many times on the show that I’ve done long distances with minimal issues. This includes several single-day journeys of 1000km (600 miles), multiple journeys to and from European destinations such as Paris, Geneva and Amsterdam, and, of course, there’s the Guinness World Record breaking trip of Chris and Julie Ramsey who took an electric Nissan Ariya from the North to the South Pole, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding electric vehicles, many of the issues raised are based on misconceptions rather than facts. Charging times can be managed effectively, the environmental impact is decreasing with advancements in technology, and the cost of running an EV can be competitive with traditional vehicles. Long-distance travel in EVs is not just possible; it can be done efficiently with the right planning. By addressing these myths, we can help more people embrace the benefits of electric vehicles and contribute to a greener future.
Tags: Electric Vehicles, EV Myths, Charging Time, Environmental Impact, Cost of Ownership, Long-Distance Travel, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Living