3 myths stopping you from buying an electric car

  • 3 myths stopping you from buying an electric car

    Discussions about electric vehicles (EVs) being more than just a futuristic concept have become increasingly common. Many believe that by 2030, we will all be driving electric cars. These predictions are supported by the European Union's Green Deal and commitments to combating climate change.

    Since the transportation sector is considered one of the most polluting, it's no surprise that plans have been initiated to encourage the adoption of EVs in private transportation, aiming to phase out fossil fuels.

    However, while governments deliberate and implement policies, outdated information and persistent myths often deter individuals from considering an EV. This is somewhat natural—given how rapidly the EV sector has evolved, what was true a year ago may no longer apply to the latest models, turning yesterday's truths into today's myths.

    Let’s debunk a few common EV myths.

     

    Myth: There’s nowhere to charge an EV

    Those unfamiliar with EVs often compare charging stations to fuel stations, believing that EV chargers are scarce. While there are indeed more fuel stations, this doesn’t mean that charging stations are unavailable. In fact, the network of public EV charging stations is expanding faster than many realize.

    EVs are typically charged where drivers stop—at public stations near shopping centers, cafes, or parking lots. Many EV owners also install home charging stations. Unlike refueling at a gas station, EV drivers plan their trips to charge their vehicles while handling errands.

    Additionally, while fuel tank refills usually happen when the tank is nearly empty, EV owners tend to "top off" their batteries even when they're nearly full.

     

    Myth: EVs are only for big cities

    This myth partly stems from the misconception that there aren’t enough charging stations. However, with the rapidly expanding public charging network, nearly every city, highway, and main road in Lithuania is equipped with charging stations. Traveling from Vilnius to Palanga, for instance, is far from a challenge, as charging options are readily available.

    electric car

    Another aspect of this myth is the belief that EVs cannot cover long distances on a single charge. While this may have been true a decade ago, modern EVs come with increasingly powerful batteries and longer ranges. For example, the BMW i3 120Ah can cover 293 km, the Nissan Leaf e+ 384 km, and the Tesla Model 3 LR an impressive 560 km. These figures make the notion that EVs are limited to neighborhood driving outdated.

     

    Myth: EV repairs are expensive

    It's a common assumption that rare cars, including EVs, are costly to repair due to the perceived difficulty in obtaining parts. However, EVs differ significantly from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

    Gasoline cars have numerous moving parts that wear out faster. Components like transmissions, cooling systems, spark plugs, belts, and chains are common points of failure in traditional cars but are entirely absent in EVs, eliminating the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

    EV brakes are also more efficient, as regenerative braking reduces wear on the braking system, extending the lifespan of brake pads.

    charging cables

    When it comes to batteries, modern EV batteries are durable and long-lasting, with most manufacturers offering 8-year warranties. So, with fewer repairs and no fuel costs, EV ownership becomes a cost-effective choice.

      

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