Electric Vehicle (EV) Myths and Misconceptions

Is Disinformation Hindering the EV Adoption Curve?

There are several myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs) that persist despite increasing adoption and technological advancements. Taken at face value, it’s a grim picture, but it’s also not rooted in reality. Let’s debunk some of the top EV misconceptions: 

1. Limited Range: Many people believe EVs have a very limited range and are not suitable for long trips. While early models had shorter ranges, EVs in Canada have nearly doubled in the last six years. Many modern EVs offer ranges exceeding 400 kms on a single charge, which is adequate for most daily driving needs, and EV ranges continue to grow.
2. Lack of Charging Infrastructure: There’s a misconception that there are not enough charging stations. The charging network is expanding rapidly, and there are over 9,000 charging stations in Canada today.
3. Long Charging Times: It’s often believed that EVs take too long to charge. While charging can take longer than refueling a gasoline car, fast chargers can significantly reduce charging times, and many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight at home, similar to how they charge their phones. Tackling this misconception requires some understanding of the types of charging available for EVs:
   1. Level 1: An EV can be charged through a standard household electrical receptacle, but it’s by far the slowest option. On average, it adds around 200kms of charge per 20 hours plugged in.  Still, in a pinch, you can charge your vehicle anywhere that an outlet is available. 
   2. Level 2: The most common type of charger is a level 2. They use 240-volt outlets – the same amount of power used by home appliances like a stove or dryer – to charge anywhere from three to seven times faster than level 1. Most vehicles can fully recharge in 5 – 10 hours on a level 2 charger.
   3. Level 3: For long road trips, a level 3 charger can save you hours of time. Known as DC Fast Charging, this is your fastest option at 480 volts. In a half hour or less it can add a substantial amount of power to your vehicle to get you back on the road quickly. 
4. High Cost: Although EVs can have a higher upfront cost, prices are coming down, and they often have lower total cost of ownership due to savings on fuel, maintenance, and government incentives. There are several EVs available in Canada for under $50,000 MSRP, and federal and provincial rebates can reduce you purchase cost substantially. Our Canada EV vs. Gas Calculator allows you to compare the annual cost and total cost of ownership of an EV relative to a gas vehicle.
5. Poor Performance: Some assume EVs are slower and less powerful than traditional vehicles. In reality, EVs offer instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and smooth performance, often outperforming their gasoline counterparts.
6. Environmental Impact of Batteries: Concerns about the environmental impact of battery production and disposal persist. While battery production does have an environmental footprint, EVs still offer significant lifetime reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Advances in battery recycling and second-life applications are also mitigating these impacts.
7. Battery Life and Degradation: There’s a fear that EV batteries will degrade quickly and need frequent replacements. Modern EV batteries are designed to last for many years, often with warranties of 8 years or more, and most show minimal degradation over time.  In fact, research on 6,000 EVs suggests the battery will outlive the vehicle lifespan.
8. Safety Concerns: Some believe EVs are less safe, especially due to concerns about battery fires. EVs undergo rigorous safety testing and have strong safety records. Battery fire incidents are rare and often less frequent than gasoline vehicle fires. Another safety concern arises from the misconception that EVs are self-driving and crash into things. Yes, electric vehicles are easier for manufacturers to equip with driver-assist capabilities, but the operator has full control over the use of these features.
9. Not Suitable for Cold Climates: It’s thought that EVs don’t perform well in cold weather. While extreme cold can affect battery performance, modern EVs are equipped with thermal management systems to mitigate these effects, and they perform reliably in various climates.

Understanding and addressing these myths can help potential buyers make informed decisions. For more of our coverage for auto buyers, check out our car loan calculator, read the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing, and our recent survey on EV adoption in Canada.