Busting Five EV Charging Myths
There are two qualities that tend to attract myth and misinformation. First, controversy is rooted in either ideals or money. Second, topics awash in complex technical or scientific information. Given that EV charging falls under both these categories, it’s no surprise that a bevy of myths has built up surrounding EV charging. Worse: These myths are like barnacles, incredibly hard to dislodge from the industry’s hull.
We would like to change that. Here, we want to briefly address several myths about EV charging and give people the facts and understanding necessary to make well-informed decisions. To have a chance of convincing you, though, we need to start by addressing some fundamental details about these myths.
Myth, Misunderstanding, and Misinformation
Whether it’s mythology, misunderstanding, or outright lies, most false stories build themselves around a kernel of truth. This kernel of truth is what makes the myths so convincing. As such, when confronting EV charging myths, it’s important to acknowledge that just because that kernel remains true, it doesn’t mean the whole story is solid. Let’s take a look at common EV charging myths, and identify the truth that they are missing.
Myth 1: EVs Are Just as Environmentally Disastrous as Gas Cars
This is the most prevalent and distressing myth about EVs, and it tends to come in roughly two forms: concerns over the electricity that powers our vehicles and concerns about the resources needed to manufacture EVs.
In the case of the former, the myth holds that electric vehicles will result in increased use of fossil fuels to power the electrical grid. As such, any benefits of reduced emissions will be outweighed by increased fossil fuel consumption. While it’s true that increased power plant needs are a concern, it’s not a concern that outweighs the emissions benefit. This is because, firstly, power plants capture particulate emissions that vehicles don’t, and these emissions are responsible for rampant health problems in the United States. And, second, we’re rapidly moving away from fossil-fuel based electricity generation, rendering the concern of increased power consumption moot.
Concerns about EV manufacturing are more complex. First, the batteries are recyclable. Second, concerns about the mining process can be solved with better mining practices, and aren’t an inherent problem with the vehicles or their manufacture. These mining practices also aren’t substantially better than the practices used to find and transport fossil fuels, which have a long history of environmental disasters.
Myth 2: EV Charging Is (or Will Be) More Expensive Than Gasoline
For a moment, let’s put aside the fact that climate-related health costs in the United States are estimated at around $820 billion. While the myth of higher expense to charge EVs may be true in the case of wildly inefficient electric vehicles or wildly efficient gas cars, it’s false on its face. The EPA tested two comparable vehicles (one gas and one electric) and found that the cost to go 25 miles is almost 2.5 times higher for a gasoline vehicle.
As for the future? Renewables and EV charging are new fields awash with the competition that can help push prices down. Moreover, gasoline is a very limited resource and must be processed and shipped from areas that aren’t guaranteed to always be accessible, meaning it’s prone to extreme price fluctuation. It’s very unlikely that charging will ever be as expensive as gasoline.
Myth 3: The Grid Can’t Take the Added Strain of EVs
This is an understandable worry considering the blackouts and brownouts that dominate the modern news cycle. Switch every car over to electric and it seems like more power issues are inevitable.
Except, many modern EVs can actually solve this power demand problem. They can serve as batteries to bolster the grid during high demand and prevent failures like the kind seen in Texas. Moreover, this is a problem that could be made moot with the sorts of improved grids we need anyway, and aren’t an inherent flaw of EVs.
Myth 4: EVs Don’t Have the Power for X Task!
This is a frequent concern of those who require the torque and power of diesel vehicles. And, 10 years ago, it was true. But that’s no longer the case. For example, the Department of Defense is now building all electric military vehicles and hybrid tanks.
If EVs are powerful enough for a tank or a Humvee, they’re powerful enough for anything.
Myth 5: EV Chargers Are Too Expensive
Again, 10 years ago this might’ve been true. But between advances in charging tech and batteries and widely available federal, state and local incentives, it’s becoming almost cost-efficient to install them. Not only can companies install these chargers with little trouble or financial overhead, but they’ll also begin drawing a net profit in short order.
Conclusion
Some EV charging myths are intentional fabrications designed by people who, due to pride or profit, want the industry to fail. Some are things that were once true but no longer hold. Still, others are simple misunderstandings. In any case, once you wipe the myths away, you’re left with an inescapable conclusion: Electric vehicles and the chargers that power them are the next steps in personal transport, offering both health and financial benefits for everyone involved while helping to stave off climate destruction. Come check out EV Connect’s charging solutions for yourself, and learn from an industry leader!
Sources
Environmental Protection Agency - Electric Vehicle Myths
ACS Publications - Reducing Mortality From Air Pollution in the United States by Targeting Specific Emission Sources
JD Power - 5 EV Charging Myths Debunked
Defense News - Here’s What Industry Is Offering To Meet Army’s Electric Vehicle Needs
McKinsey & Company - Renewable-Energy Development in a Net-Zero World