Debunking Electric Car Myths
Electric vehicle technology has continually rise into the mainstream. However, there are false concerns that try to mislead the market when it comes to electric cars. Let’s talk about what the facts say about these myths.
Electric vehicles yield the same pollution as conventional cars
A claim says that even though electric vehicles do not release toxins from the tailpipe, they release the same pollution from the electricity generation. Citing from the 2012 report of United of Concerned Scientists, disbelievers even point out that electric vehicles are not as green as people thought it to be. However, the same study correctly states that electric vehicles yield lower global warming emissions than gasoline-powered cars. In fact, studies on “well to wheels” analysis show that electric vehicles lead to less carbon dioxide emissions significantly than the pollution coming from the oil of conventional ones, even though coal covers almost half of the electric power source.
Electric car batteries cause problem in recycling
Modern electric vehicles have lithium-ion, lithium-iron-phosphate or lithium-iron-cobalt batteries. These types of batteries are non-toxic, which possess more valuable and recyclable metals and yield even beyond the life span of the car. The useful battery life of electric vehicles is 10 years. After that, the battery’s capacity will be reduced to 85%, making it not usable to electric cars but good for energy storage for another things at home. It will be functional for another 10 years, after which the battery is almost completely recyclable.
Electric vehicles are more expensive than traditional cars
The upfront purchase price of electric vehicles is higher than conventional ones. Moreover, it results to becoming a cheaper option in the long run. As compared to gasoline, electricity costs for EVs will save you up to $1600 in a year. Also, average drivers can save about 46% of maintenance costs. According to the 2012 McKinsey report, it is estimated that the cost of batteries for electric vehicles will dramatically decline by 2020. This would positively affect the sticker price of EVs. When you have a charging station installed at home, you will also get to enjoy the luxury of having your own equipment whenever you need to charge your vehicle.
Charging electric car cause a lot of headache and hassle
There are many options that you can choose from when it comes to charging your electric car. You can slow charge it at home for about 10 hours. But now, you can charge your EV for as fast as 20 minutes at fast DC charging stations. Hence, there is much convenience with charging electric cars whether at home, at work or any public charging station nearby. Although electric charging for 20 minutes is still longer than pumping gasoline for 5 minutes, the gap is about to close with promising innovations on electric vehicle technology.
Electric vehicles may not be suitable to everybody’s preferences, lifestyle and budget. But the fact remains that the technology for electric cars are evolving. With this, people should value knowledge rather than belief on unreliable myths.
