Are Electric Cars Worth It? 10 EV Myths Debunked

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, governments worldwide are taking stringent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many states, such as California, have already set dates to end the sale of gasoline cars, which significantly contribute to air pollution. The United States government also offers incentives to people who purchase electric vehicles.

While this has led to a surge in interest in electric vehicles, many people still don't believe EVs are better than gasoline vehicles. In fact, a Pew Research Center survey shows only 38% of adult Americans would consider an EV for their next vehicle. This has been attributed to the vast amount of misinformation circulating online. In this article, we'll debunk 10 myths about electric cars and give you the information you need to determine whether electric vehicles are worth it.

Myth 1: EVs can't travel far enough

While this used to be a concern, times have changed, and the battery range has significantly improved. In 2010, the average EV range was just under 80 miles, which was still sufficient for daily commuting as an average American drives 37 miles per day, according to Department of Transportation statistics.

Currently, the average EV range is 211 miles, and you can expect it to improve further in the coming days. As you can see, you cannot deplete your battery within the same day. Therefore, the myth of being stranded on the road because you depleted a full battery is false. Nevertheless, if you travel far enough to deplete this battery, you can buy an EV with more range. Examples of EVs with higher range include;

• Lucid Air: 410 Miles
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range: 390 miles.
• BMW i7 xDrive60: 387 miles
• Hyundai Ioniq 6: 300 Miles

Myth 2: Electric vehicles are too expensive

The price tag of an EV at the dealership will be higher than that of a gasoline car, but this should not be the only cost to consider. First, consider the government incentives and tax breaks available. For instance, there is a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs. If your dream car meets the requirements, this could significantly lower the upfront cost.

In addition, EVs are much cheaper to operate and maintain, as they don't require oil changes or other routine maintenance. When you consider the total cost of ownership, EVs will be cheaper than gasoline cars in the long run.

Myth 3: EVs are bad for the environment

This myth often stems from misconceptions about electricity generation and the battery production process. It's true that extracting lithium, cobalt, and other battery materials is harmful to the environment due to pollution, habitat destruction, and high energy use. Power plants also produce emissions depending on how the electricity is generated. However, you need to understand that EVs don't have tailpipe emissions, which allow for significantly improved air quality compared to gasoline cars.

Even when you consider the environmental impact of battery and electricity generation, EVs are generally cleaner than gasoline cars. This is particularly due to the power grid transitions towards more renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. There is also ongoing research to develop more sustainable battery production methods and source materials responsibly so you can expect less impact in the future.

Myth 4: There aren't enough charging stations

Many car buyers are concerned by the number of charging stations available in their countries. According to Statista, as of April 2024, there were 168,300 public charging outlets in the U.S. While it will take longer before EVs changing stations match the number of gas stations available, their number is rapidly increasing.

Fortunately, homeowners don't have to rely on public charging stations 100%. They can install home charging stations to charge their cars overnight. While the initial cost is relatively high, they'll save money in the long run.

Myth 5: Electric cars are not as safe as gasoline vehicles

EVs undergo the same rigorous safety testing as gasoline cars. In fact, some EV safety features offer potential advantages. For instance, instant torque from electric motors provides better acceleration for quicker reaction times in emergencies. Additionally, the placement of batteries in the car's undercarriage creates a lower center of gravity, which can enhance stability and reduce the risk of rollovers.

Myth 6: Electric car batteries take forever to charge

Of course, charging an EV takes longer than refilling gas. However, it doesn't have to be very long. Charging times vary depending on the car's technology and charging curve, the charger you use, and your current battery level.

When using a level 1 charger, it'll take more than 24 hours to get a full charge, while it will take 3 to 8 hours to charge a 60 kWh battery from empty to full using a level 2 charger. However, it will only take just 30 minutes to 3 hours to charge at a public station, depending on the size of your battery.

Myth 7: Electric car batteries can't handle cold weather

Cold weather can slightly reduce an EV's range, but it's not as dramatic as some might believe. It does this by slowing down the chemical reaction process and battery performance. However, preheating your car while still plugged in can help mitigate range loss and improve charging time. Furthermore, not all EVs experience this problem, and colder temperatures won't significantly impact most everyday commutes.

Myth 8: Used electric cars lose range too quickly

Many people worry about the cost of replacing an EV battery due to degradation, a natural process that happens slowly over time. While you will need to replace your EV battery at some point, it may take 10 to 20 years before you have to. A used car battery will not have the range of a new battery, but it will only lose 5% to 10% of its power in the first five years.

However, you should note that fast charging and exposure to extreme temperatures can affect your car range. Luckily, most EV manufacturers offer an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, so you don't need to replace the battery unless the damage is caused by something not covered by the warranty.

Myth 9: There aren't enough varieties of electric cars available

Gone are the days when EVs were all sedans. Automakers now offer diverse electric vehicles to suit various needs and budgets. There's an EV option for nearly every driver, from sedans and SUVs to trucks and even high-performance sports cars.

Myth 10: Electric vehicles' popularity will end soon

Some people believe EVs are just a wave that will pass soon. They don't realize that governments worldwide are giving incentives to encourage the use of EVs. Furthermore, most countries around the world have designed plans, goals, and laws to ban the sale of gasoline vehicles in the next 10 years.

Are electric cars worth it?

Electric cars are a compelling option, but the answer depends on your financial situation and lifestyle. EVs boast lower running costs, eco-friendly benefits, and exciting performance. However, the upfront cost can be a bit steeper, and charging infrastructure isn't yet as widespread as gas stations.

An EV shines if you mainly drive short distances and have home charging. If you frequently make long road trips, opt for an electric vehicle with a higher range and plan your trips accordingly. Ultimately, weigh the benefits against the cons of buying an EV and consider factors like driving habits, changing infrastructure, and budget to see whether it fits you well.

Conclusion

The electric revolution is upon us, and while some myths persist, the facts are clear: electric vehicles offer a compelling path toward a cleaner future. Whether you're an eco-conscious driver seeking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply looking for a powerful and efficient vehicle, electric cars offer a practical and exciting solution.

Are you considering switching to an electric car? Don't wait! Online lenders like myAutoloan offer many exciting deals to make owning an electric vehicle more attainable.