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Electric cars are surrounded by myths about their environmental benefits, safety and longevity. Here, we debunk 8 of these concerns and show why electric vehicles are more reliable than many believe.
Like it or not, electric cars are quickly becoming the future of automotive transportation. While some people are still reluctant to embrace the idea of electric-powered vehicles, electricity, the world's largest automakers have already committed to investing more and more in the manufacture of EVs. Because of this, it is important to highlight some myths about electric vehicles.
Many companies even plan to abandon gasoline internal combustion engines completely in the near future. However, despite the growing popularity of electric cars, there is still a significant amount of skepticism surrounding them.
These myths about electric cars, often based on outdated or simply erroneous information, continue to influence public opinion and hinder the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
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To help dispel these fallacies and set the record straight, we’re going to debunk the eight most common myths about electric vehicles and explain why they’re wrong.
Myth 1: EVs have a larger carbon footprint
One of the most common and damaging myths about electric vehicles is that, due to the manufacturing process and the extraction of minerals for batteries, they have a larger carbon footprint than gasoline-powered vehicles.
It’s true that manufacturing an electric vehicle requires more natural resources, especially metals like lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are needed to produce their batteries. However, this superficial analysis ignores the bigger picture.
Detailed studies show that when we consider the entire life cycle of a vehicle — from manufacturing to daily use and final disposal — EVs are significantly cleaner than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. This is because electric cars emit no greenhouse gases while driving, while gasoline-powered vehicles release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants with every kilometer driven.
In fact, according to a study published by The Washington Post, even considering emissions during battery production, electric vehicles still generate less than a third of the total carbon emissions when compared to gasoline cars.
Over the lifetime of an electric vehicle, the reduction in CO2 emissions can be so significant that it easily offsets the higher emissions during the manufacturing process.
Myth 2: EV batteries don’t last long and need to be replaced frequently
Another common concern among EV skeptics is that the batteries in these cars don’t last very long and need to be replaced frequently, which would increase maintenance costs in the long run. However, this idea is far from reality.
All major automakers that make EVs offer substantial warranties on their vehicles’ batteries, often covering a period of eight years or 100.000 miles (about 160.000 kilometers). This demonstrates the companies’ confidence in the durability of their batteries.
Furthermore, recent studies suggest that electric vehicle batteries could last even longer. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average lifespan of an EV battery could be between 12 and 15 years, depending on usage conditions and proper maintenance.
In some cases, batteries can even outlast the car itself, especially considering that the average lifespan of a vehicle in the United States is approximately 12,6 years.
Cutting-edge technology companies such as China's CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.) are already developing batteries that can last up to 15 years and travel nearly 1 million miles. (about 1,6 million kilometers). These technological advances indicate that the durability of electric vehicle batteries is not a cause for concern.
Myth 3: EV batteries end up in landfills, causing environmental problems
One of the most persistent fears about EVs is that their batteries, once they reach the end of their useful life, will end up in landfills, polluting the environment and creating new environmental problems. While this concern is understandable, it does not reflect reality.
In fact, electric vehicle batteries rarely end up in landfills because they are highly recyclable and valuable.
EV batteries contain precious metals such as lithium and nickel that can be extracted and reused in new products. Specialist battery recycling companies like Redwood Materials are leading the way in ensuring these batteries are dismantled and recycled effectively.
Redwood Materials, founded by a former Tesla executive, recycles the equivalent of 25.000 electric vehicle batteries a year, repurposing the precious metals to be used in new batteries.
Furthermore, many electric vehicle batteries, even after losing part of their storage capacity, can be reused in other applications.
For example, they can be used as energy storage systems for homes equipped with solar panels, prolonging their usefulness and preventing them from being discarded prematurely.
Myth 4: Electric cars will overload the power grid and cause widespread blackouts
As electric vehicles become more popular, many fear that the increased demand for electricity will overload the power grid and cause widespread blackouts.
However, detailed studies show that the power grid is prepared to handle increased demand, especially as new renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are incorporated into the energy mix.
According to a Consumer Reports, even if all new vehicles sold from 2035 onwards are electric, it will take until 2050 for all cars on the road to be fully electric.
During this time, electricity demand could increase by about 26%, which would require electricity generation to grow at an average rate of only 1% per year. This growth rate is considered manageable within the current capacity of the U.S. electricity infrastructure.
Additionally, many governments and energy companies are taking steps to encourage drivers to charge their vehicles during periods of low demand, such as at night when the power grid is not being used extensively. This helps prevent overloads and ensures that electricity supplies remain stable.
Myth 5: Electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire
Electric vehicle fires often make sensational headlines in the media, but it's important to understand that the risk of fire in an EV is no greater than in a gasoline-powered car — in fact, it's actually lower.
According to National Transportation Safety Board, the fire rate of electric vehicles is significantly lower than that of gasoline vehicles. For every 100.000 electric vehicles sold, there are only 25 fires, while gasoline cars have a rate of 1.530 fires per 100.000 vehicles.
Although lithium-ion batteries can catch fire under extreme circumstances, the likelihood of this happening is quite low.
Additionally, EV battery fires are handled with specialized techniques by firefighters and rescue teams, and automakers are continually improving their battery safety systems to mitigate these risks.
Myth 6: Electric cars don't have enough range for long trips
“Range anxiety” — the fear that the vehicle will run out of battery before finding a charging point — is one of the biggest obstacles to EV adoption. However, this concern is quickly being overcome with advances in battery technology.
Many electric vehicles on the market today are capable of traveling more than 300 miles (about 480 kilometers) on a single charge, which is more than enough to cover most drivers' average daily driving.
Additionally, the public charging network is growing rapidly, especially with the support of government programs such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) of the United States. The plan is to expand charging infrastructure across the country, further facilitating the use of EVs on long trips.
Myth 7: Electric vehicles are too expensive for most people
While electric vehicles still have a higher initial purchase price than gasoline cars, the cost is steadily decreasing as mass production and competition increase.
Additionally, consumers should consider the total cost of ownership of an EV, which can be significantly lower than that of a combustion vehicle.
EV owners spend less on maintenance since these vehicles don’t have complex engines, exhaust systems, or regular oil changes. Additionally, the “fueling” costs for electric vehicles are much lower than for gasoline, resulting in significant savings over the life of the vehicle. Government incentives such as tax credits and subsidies also help reduce the purchase price of EVs.
Myth 8: Electric cars are too heavy for the roads
Due to the weight of the batteries, EVs tend to be heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, the idea that these vehicles will damage roads and bridges is overblown.
Highways and bridges are designed to support much larger loads, such as those from freight trucks, which can weigh up to 80.000 pounds. By comparison, electric vehicles are relatively light.
While the additional weight of EVs could theoretically shave a year or two off the lifespan of certain roads, this impact is considered minimal and manageable within current infrastructure maintenance standards.
Myths about electric vehicles are based on misinformation and resistance to change, but the reality is that EVs are becoming an essential part of the future of sustainable transportation. They are cleaner, more efficient and more economical than many believe, and as the technology continues to advance, their benefits will only increase.
By debunking these myths, we hope more people will embrace the electric vehicle revolution, helping to create a greener future for everyone.
