While there have been more than one million electric vehicles sold in the United States, there are still some common misconceptions that many Americans have. We, as EV drivers, can help address these and educate people about the benefits of driving electric.
What other misconceptions have you encountered? Let us know in the comments below!
Myth: Electric vehicles are only for rich people
When thinking of electric vehicles, the first brand that comes to mind for many Americans is Tesla, which was originally known for luxury vehicles. However, there are now 40 models of EVs on the market, with some starting as low as $24,000. After including financial incentives and savings on gasoline and maintenance, EVs can be very affordable for many families. Used EVs are also available at reasonable prices. To compare vehicles and learn more, visit PlugStar.com.
Myth: EVs are like golf carts
When behind the wheel of an EV for the first time, many drivers are blown away by the power that comes with instant acceleration, making them extremely fun to drive. Some EVs can go from 0 to 60 in as little as 2.5 seconds. Plus, they offer a smooth, silent, powerful ride that is far superior to gasoline vehicles.
Myth: There aren’t enough places to charge and it takes too long
Unlike gasoline cars, EVs don’t need to be taken to a designated location to refuel. In fact, most EV drivers charge their vehicle at home overnight, just like charging a cell phone, and wake up to a full “tank” every morning. EVs can even be charged with a standard 120-volt outlet, so anywhere there’s an outlet, there’s an opportunity to recharge!
During those times when EV drivers do need to recharge away from home, there are now approximately 66,000 public EV charging outlets across America, including DC fast charging stations, which can recharge 80% of a car’s battery in as little as 30 minutes.
Myth: EV batteries are expensive and need to be replaced often
For new EVs bought in 2019, it’s unlikely that you will need to replace the battery. Most new EVs come with a battery warranty of eight to ten years and they are expected to last even longer than that. On average, Americans typically keep their vehicles for seven years, so most original owners will never need to replace the battery.
If you do eventually need to replace your battery, the costs are declining so rapidly that it’s difficult to say what the cost will be in 2030 or 2035, but it will certainly be less than today. For more information on how batteries perform over time, see our battery surveys.