While dipping your toe into the electric car world, you may stumble upon some common misconceptions. We’ve laid out the most common misconceptions below to assuage your worries.
Myth 1: EVs Are Unsafe
Safety is a concern no matter the type of car you’re driving. Just like their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, EVs are rigorously tested by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). For detailed information about specific vehicles, we suggest that you take a look at the aforementioned organizations. Generally speaking, EVs have a lower center of gravity than ICE vehicles, which makes them less likely to roll over and often improves the quality of the ride.
Myth 2: EVs Are Slow
Some might compare electric cars to their hybrid (no plug) predecessors that have no get-up-and-go, but, have no fear, that is a thing of the past! Electric cars are surprisingly fast. In fact, electric cars accelerate much faster than gas-powered cars because of their instant torque. Still unsure? Check out this video of a Kia EV6 and Lamborghini Aventador drag racing!
Myth 3: They Have Short Driving Range
Lots of people are afraid of running out of change, but range anxiety is a thing of the past! Manufacturers are consistently producing electric vehicles that get more than 250 miles per charge and the variety of cars keeps increasing. 250+ miles of charge is more than enough to do normal weekly activities. Using charging apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner makes it easier to charge your car on the go and combat range anxiety. There's also more and more charging being built all the time.
If you find yourself still worried about range, plug-in hybrids make a great alternative. To compare the range of current all-electric and plug-in hybrid models, visit our shopping tool.
Myth 4: They're Too Expensive
Electric cars are cheaper than you may think. Because of existing rebates and incentives, the final cost for a new electric car will likely be significantly under MSRP, and MSRPs are decreasing over time as battery prices decrease. In addition, there are an increasing number of available used electric vehicles and incentives for them too. To learn more, visit our pages on the federal tax credit and state rebates.
All of these incentives really add up; check out Drive Green to see how those incentives can stack up for specific vehicle models. (Electric cars have lower fuel and maintenance costs too!)
Myth 5: They're Bad for the Environment
Electric cars are much better for the environment than gas-powered cars. When running on electricity, electric cars have zero tail-pipe emissions, and they’re significantly cleaner even when you take into account electricity generation. A plug-in hybrid plugged into the electric grid in New England is responsible for less than half of the emissions of a gas-powered car, while a pure battery electric vehicle is responsible for less than a quarter! That's not to say that EV mining has no detrimental effect. See our blog about EV mining to get a better picture of this environmentally adverse practice.
Plus, the electricity grid is getting cleaner and cleaner every year with laws like the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Standard that require utilities to increase the amount of renewables in their portfolio every year.
Still curious? Check-out our page on environment and health.