The electric vehicle industry is growing at a rapid rate, thanks to Tesla and Elon Musk who have pushed this auto genre to the fore. Yet some people still mistakenly believe the old-age myths of EV performance. This article clears up inaccurate perceptions and will convince you that EVs part of our realistic future.
YOU CAN’T TRAVEL FAR ON AN EV
Studies show that the average American drives about 40 miles a day. An EV with the shortest can in fact travel double that distance before needing a charge. The lower range electric vehicles like Nissan Leaf has an average range of 150 miles and the Chevy Bolt EV can do 238 miles. Tesla models start at a range of 258 miles with premium models offering at least 310 miles. For those with deep pockets, Tesla’s Roadster is expected to offer a staggering 620 miles per charge.
DRIVING AN EV IS EQUIVALENT TO DRIVING A GOLF CART
This is a big myth we can squash right now. Electric-powered cars are actually quicker than gas-powered ones. An EV generates 100% of its torque when the driver pushes on the accelerator. Tesla’s top Model S can go from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds when set to Ludicrous mode. There’s no golf cart out there that can compare.
EVs ARE NOT GREENER THAN ICE VEHICLES
Wrong again. Electric motors convert 75% of its chemical energy to its source of power. ICE vehicles only convert 20% of the energy stored in gas. Additionally, EVs don’t emit any direct tailpipe pollutants. The Union of Concerned Scientists reported that EVs are in fact responsible for less pollution than all ICE vehicles across the US.
DRIVING AN EV DOESN’T SAVE IN LONG-TERM COSTS
Compared to gas-powered cars, it’s more inexpensive to run an electric car. The maintenance on ICE engine parts, oil changes, spark plugs, muffler/tailpipe, clutch (you get the picture) as well as gas costs far exceed the expenses for maintaining an EV. A study done on an average EV and average electricity rates, you can expect to pay around $500 for every 15,000 miles travelled. That’s $5,000 less than what it costs in fuel over a 5-year period.
EVS WILL INCREASE MY ELECTRICITY BILL
Yes, your electricity will see an increase now that you’ll be charging another big device. But what you spend on electricity you’re saving big time on gas. Driving an all-electric vehicle 15,000 miles annually at an electricity rate of $.12 per kilowatt hour, your electricity costs will be around $500. But there are also off-peak incentives for charging and this will help lower your electricity payments.
WIDE EV ADOPTION CAN'T BE SUSTAINED WITHOUT A FULLY ESTABLISHED INFRASTRUCTURE NATIONWIDE
Firstly, you can charge your EV at home. However, Tesla has been innovative in this arena installing thousands of charging stations across the country and internationally. Third party electric charger providers are also doing their bit to get EV charging stations set up. You will find a charging station within a 100 mile radius and they all exist today.
EV BATTERIES DON’T LAST LONG
Electric vehicles are mandated to carry battery warranties for a minimum of 8 years or 100,000 miles. The Nissan Leaf models used as taxicabs kept 75% of their battery capacity after 120,000 miles. Tesla owners have reported to retain 90% of their battery life after 200,000 miles. But, like most batteries found in ICE vehicles, they can be recycled. EV power cells can store solar and wind energy, or be broken down to reuse some of their valuable elements.
POWER GRIDS WON’T BE ABLE TO HANDLE THOUSANDS OF EVS ON THE ROAD
Navigant Research ran a study and found the US would be able to add millions of electric cars to the road that use the current power system without there being any need to build new power plants. This is also due to the fact that most EVs are charged overnight or during off-peak hours when then power demands are the lowest.
