Electric Vehicle Myths and Facts

Even with the rapid advancements in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, we’re still in the early days, particularly regarding their acceptance and understanding by consumers around the world. Shifting to a completely different fuel source can be an intimidating idea, so naturally many myths have been formed about Electric Vehicles. Furthermore, many of these myths perpetuate the idea that EVs are risky or unreliable vehicle purchases. So here, we will break down the top myths and rumors about EVs and even share some typically unknown facts about them.

Myth: EV Charging Stations Could Collapse the U.S. Power Grid

This claim resides in a fear that the rush to supplant the U.S. with charging stations too quickly will have consequences. While it is true that an increase in EVs on the roads will lead to increased electricity demand, it is drastic to claim it will lead to disaster. All EVs are built with charging techniques that can prevent any overload and support grid reliability.

When an EV is left connected and charging somewhere like an at-home charging station, it can detect the most optimal time to charge. This is usually overnight when rates are usually cheaper. Research also exists that proves that sufficient capacity exists to support a growing EV charging network throughout the U.S. California currently leads the country in EV adoption, and EV charging currently makes up less than 1% of the state’s grid total.

Additionally, Vehicle-to-Grid charging exists to support EVs acting as a power source and to push energy back to the grid from an EV battery. This is achieved by allowing EVs to charge when electricity demand is low and then returning energy to the grid when demand is high.

Myth: There Aren’t Very Many Charging Stations

As of 2024, there are nearly 65,000 EV charging stations across the U.S., which is already a 20% increase over the previous year. The U.S. has declared intentions to have 500,000 EV chargers available across the country by 2030. The network of charging stations is massive and growing constantly.

Most drivers can typically meet their charging needs by plugging up at home. Most EVs can be charged with a typical 120-volt outlet, and only require a 240-volt outlet if the owner wishes for faster charging speeds. For apartment residents, complimentary charging stations are available and becoming quite common.

Myth: You Can’t Travel Far without Charging Up

It may be true that an EV won’t get you across a multi-state road trip without needing a charge, the truth is that modern EVs travel much farther than most people think. Kia’s two current premiere EVs have excellent range on a full battery. The compact EV6 can go an estimated 310 miles on a charge. And even the larger EV9 gets an impressive 304 miles of estimated range. Data shows that the average household travels between 50-1oo miles in a single day, which falls well underneath the typical EV range. At the end of the day though, everyone’s needs are different, so someone hoping to haul trailers across the country will have to be very mindful about charging station locations.

Myth: Electricity for EVs isn’t Better for the Environment than Gas

There remains a misconception that just because some electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, that power isn’t necessarily clean. But in the modern age of EVs, and increasingly every year, electricity becomes more and more renewable. This also ties back to the smart charging capabilities mentioned above. Many newer EVs are designed to detect when energy is not only the cheapest but also the cleanest. And if you want to ensure this yourself, you can choose to manually charge the vehicle at peak clean energy hours, rather than leaving your vehicle plugged in. There are many resources available to consumers to know when peak clean energy hours are. One excellent example is the Apple Home ecosystem, which can tell you when clean energy hours are, without the need to have a Homekit system installed in the home.

There are also similar concerns that EV batteries are just going to pile up in landfills after they die. In truth, there are a few ways that EV batteries are recycled and repurposed. This includes using them as energy storage units for homes or businesses. Homes can use them to store energy from renewable sources like solar panels. On a larger scale, retired EV batteries can be used to power manufacturing plants and streets. Overall, this shows that EV batteries support a sustainable environment when in use and even in retirement.