For starters, Americans drive an average of 40 miles per day, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. And almost all EVs have a range of at least double that and can be charged at an ordinary outlet or a public fast-charger. But here’s the real myth-buster – many affordable vehicle options are on their way, cars that can travel upwards of 300 miles on a single charge. The Tesla already gets 270 miles and it’s anticipated that an upgrade could push that to 380 miles!
We expose the EV myths and focus on the realities.
EVs don’t have enough range. I will be stranded!
I need to wait until the charging infrastructure is built.
First of all, most charging actually takes place at home. However, a robust infrastructure is in the works. If not already in place. In addition, at least seven companies are competing to dominate the public-charging-station market and a trade group representing the nation’s electric utilities has pledged to “aggressively” create the infrastructure to support “full-scale commercialization and deployment” of EVs. Not only that, the San Diego region is leading the charge on many of these efforts. Or in other words, you’re covered.
Battery chemicals are bad for the environment and can’t be recycled.
Get this, 99% of batteries in conventional cars are recycled, according to the EPA. EV batteries have an even brighter future. In fact, they are commonly used in the aftermarket for use by utilities to store renewable energy or to provide residential power back-up systems. Soon, the used batteries will be up-cycled to store solar and wind power.
In addition, the metals in EV batteries are quite valuable and many recycling programs are currently in development. A Belgian company plans to use Tesla’s battery pack material to produce an alloy it can further refine into cobalt, nickel and other valuable metals as well as special grades of concrete. So all good news on the recycling front.
EVs take too long to charge.
As mentioned before, most people charge their vehicles at home at night when they are snug in their beds. Even with the slowest 120-volt outlet, the car will be charged with 40-miles of range by morning. Most new EVs can double and triple the charging speed by utilizing a 240-volt outlet. (Fast) charging stations are beginning to appear all over and significantly reduce the wait. The San Diego region has 75 public fast chargers at 40 locations. And those numbers are growing every day.
Only a Tesla can go the distance but they cost too much.
Whether you can afford a Tesla or not, there are plenty of amazing electric cars available. And many more coming. Look out for an affordable new option coming from VW with Tesla-like range. Or the technologically-advanced, yet affordable, Chevy Bolt. As for the rest, click here to compare them all.
Without a doubt, Tesla is doing great things. They are developing technologies at a rapid rate and new ways to harness energy beyond the car. We applaud their efforts for they are pushing and motivating so many other companies to accelerate their electric-vehicle programs. Nothing like a little friendly competition to keep things moving EVer Forward.
Electric Vehicles are still too expensive.
Of course, new technologies are typically more costly. Think about cell phones and flat televisions, for example. They were crazy expensive when they came out. As for EVs, they are a bit more expensive, however, there are federal and state government programs that will significantly reduce the price because they understand that a cleaner more sustainable future with more EVs on the road is worth the investment. Not to mention EVs require almost no maintenance or repair, no oil or filter changes, no tune-ups, no smog checks and of course, no gasoline.
Rebates and Incentives:
Batteries cost $15,000 to replace after a few years.
Sure the battery is the priciest part of an EV, but prices are about to drop significantly. The Auto industry is expected to be purchasing up to $25 billion in advanced batteries annually. As for replacement, not really an issue. The Chevy Volt (PHEV) will have a 10-year battery warranty that will cover battery replacement. Many manufacturers will follow suit.
Electric Vehicles will crash the electric grid.
Studies indicate that if every household had an electric vehicle, total power usage would only increase by 10% – as long as power companies employ load distribution technologies. In addition, wind holds serious promise for EV charging since wind generation principally occurs in the afternoon and night – when the majority of EV charging takes place.
EVs will not help limit greenhouse gas emissions.
They do. In a big way. Here’s how it breaks down. Hybrid Electric cars deliver an improvement of 29% less emissions, Partial Hybrid EVs deliver 49% less and full EVs deliver 55% less. And in San Diego, our electricity comes from clean and renewable energy sources instead of coal, which significantly lowers emissions for EVs.
My electricity bill will go way up.
Not exactly. You see, while you’ll spend more on electricity, the savings on gas will more than cover it. If you drive a pure electric vehicle 15,000 miles a year at current electricity rates (assuming $.12 per kilowatt hour), you’ll pay about $500/year for the electricity to charge your battery, but you’ll save about $1,900 in gas (assuming $3.54 per gallon, a 28 miles per gallon vehicle, and 15,000 miles driven). So $1,900 minus $500 equals $1,400 in savings – a 74% reduction in fueling costs.
In San Diego, EV owners are eligible lower off-peak/nighttime rates. So big picture… you’ll be saving more than just the environment.