Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity as technology continues to improve in the automotive industry. While some legitimate factors may discourage a driver from considering buying his EV, there are also various misinformation and fears surrounding the EV market.
Recently, US News compiled a list of the biggest misconceptions potential consumers have about owning an EV, doing their best to assuage the fears surrounding EV purchases. Here are his five reasons people aren't buying electric cars and why those reasons are misunderstood.
One of the biggest misconceptions about EVs is the idea that range is a big issue for everyday ownership. It's true that older EVs often had double-digit range, according to US News, but newer EVs can drive much longer without needing a charge. One of the cheapest EVs on the road today, the Chevrolet Volt boasts over 250 miles of range on a single charge. A small internal combustion engine car like the Chevy Spark has a maximum range of about 300 miles on a full tank of gas, and the difference is barely noticeable.
2. Batteries deteriorate and are expensive to replace
In fact, in any electronic device, the battery degrades over time and loses capacity. However, many consumers are seeing cell phone batteries deteriorating and worry that the same will happen with EVs. The automaker builds these battery packs to last, and many companies offer his 100,000-mile or eight-year full warranty on the batteries. According to a recent study, data shows that a Tesla car loses only about 8% of its battery capacity after his 150,000 miles. This means that a Tesla car can retain his 80% of its original capacity at his 500,000 mile mark. That's a lot more distance than any petrol car.
3. Electric car catches fire
French Autolib electric pickup service vehicle goes up in flames | Samantha Dubois/AFP via Getty Images
While it's true that sensational articles have been published about the dangers of EV fires and several EV fires have made the news recently, it's true that gasoline vehicles have more flammable components than EVs. There are countless fires caused by gasoline vehicles rather than EVs. EVs use lithium-ion batteries, just like your cell phone or computer, but are you worried about them catching fire? Probably not, so you don't have to worry about your EV catching fire either.
With electric vehicles becoming commonplace on the streets today, EV repairs and service are available at virtually any dealership network nationwide. You don't need an expert to repair your Chevy Bolt. Just take it to your Chevrolet dealer. Other companies such as Rivian and Tesla bring repair teams to your door to fix your EV while you wait at home, making servicing electric cars much more convenient than gas-powered ones.
As with other aspects of electric vehicle ownership, many cautious consumers believe that owning an electric vehicle will make them late for work as they wait for it to be fully charged for their morning commute. That's not true at all. For most drivers, refueling takes place in a different time frame. Gasoline cars typically spend several minutes a week refueling the gas pump, but with EVs all charging happens at work or at home when the car is not in use. busy with other things. For road trips, technology has advanced and many vehicles can recharge hundreds of miles in just 15 minutes at a fast charging station.
Don't be afraid to jump into owning an electric car!
Technology continues to advance each year, and advances have made electric vehicles a viable option for more and more Americans over time. It's what happened. If you want to take EV ownership, take the leap now! You may never know. It just might be the perfect car for your lifestyle!
