Limited range and taking a long time to charge are common EV myths. Even though technology and infrastructure have vastly improved in the last few years, this electric vehicle misinformation persists.
If you still think EVs can barely cover a 50-mile range or require overnight charging, we put together this myth vs. reality guide for you.
10 Common EV Myths vs. Reality
- Electric vehicles are too expensive
- EVs have a limited range
- Charging an EV takes forever
- EV batteries need to be replaced too often
- Electric vehicle batteries can only go to landfills
- There aren’t enough public charging stations in Australia for EVs
- EVs aren’t that environmentally friendly
- The grid can’t support the increased demand from electric vehicles
- EVs break down more often than vehicles with internal combustion engines
- Electric vehicle batteries are manufactured to fail
1. EVs Are Too Expensive to Afford
One of the biggest misconceptions about electric vehicles is that they are extravagantly priced. The initial investment may be higher, but the fuel savings and lower cost of ownership can make them cheaper to own in the long run.
- Myth: EVs are too expensive compared to internal combustion (ICE) vehicles
- Reality: Electric vehicles can be cheaper to own in the long run, thanks to fuel savings and reduced running costs
2. Electric Vehicles Can’t Go Far
This myth is extremely outdated, but we still hear it all the time: EVs have a limited range.
Fortunately, electric vehicle technology has been rapidly advancing in the last few years, with a special focus on increasing range.
- Myth: EVs can’t travel far
- Reality: Technological advances now enable impressive ranges, with dozens of models boasting ranges of 200+ miles or more
3. Charging an EV Takes Forever
Charging an EV does take some pre-planning, but it doesn’t necessarily require the overnight charging many people assume. Advancements in EV technology have rapidly improved charging times.
- Myth: Charging an electric vehicle takes hours or even overnight
- Reality: Charging speeds have rapidly increased in the last few years, with some newer models able to get 100+ miles out of 20 minutes on a rapid charger. Many DC charging stations can charge an EV to around 80 percent in just 20 minutes.
Learn More: How Fast Do Electric Vehicles Charge? Our Charge Time Guide
4. EV Batteries Need to be Replaced Too Often
EV batteries requiring replacement every 5 years or less is another common misconception.
Fortunately, EV companies are continually improving battery lifespan. Many EVs on the market now offer a minimum 5-year warranty, with many boasting 8 or 10-year warranties.
- Myth: EV batteries need to be replaced every 5 years or less
- Reality: Most EV batteries have 5 or more year warranties and are expected to last even longer
5. EV Batteries Only Go To Landfills
A small portion of EV batteries in Australia do end up in landfills, but the amount is minimal. Repurposing and recycling EV batteries are the main priorities. Australia is continually striving to improve EV battery recycling programs and capabilities.
- Myth: EV batteries end up in landfills and cannot be recycled or repurposed
- Reality: Intense efforts are underway to improve recycling and repurposing options for EV batteries and recycling infrastructure; some EV batteries are recycled domestically, and others are shipped overseas for processing
6. There Aren’t Enough Public Charging Locations in Australia for EVs
As EV usage continues to expand, so does public charging infrastructure throughout Australia. Federal and state initiatives are continually investing in improved charging infrastructure.
Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council expects the vast majority of Australians will have access to public EV charging before 2030.
- Myth: There aren’t enough public charging stations in Australia
- Reality: Public EV charging stations are on the rise throughout Australia
You May Also Like: 14 Tips for EV Charging Etiquette in Australia
7. EVs Aren’t That Environmentally Friendly
Another misconception is that EVs are not as environmentally friendly as they are marketed to be. Critics argue that battery sourcing and production techniques are damaging to the environment. However, lifetime emissions of standard petrol vehicles still outweigh an EV’s lifetime emissions.
- Myth: EV vehicles do not reduce climate change due to production techniques
- Reality: EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and emit fewer emissions over their lifetimes than petrol cars
8. The Grid Can’t Support the Increased Demand from EVs
Another EV myth is that the grid cannot handle the extra demand of more electric vehicles charging. However, Australia is continually expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Myth: The grid can’t support the increased demand placed on it by electric vehicles
- Reality: Australia’s EV infrastructure is rapidly expanding to support the increased grid demand of electric vehicles
9. EVs Break Down More Often Than Vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines
Another big EV misconception is that they break down often and more frequently than vehicles with internal combustion engines. In fact, EVs do not require more frequent service centre visits than ICE vehicles.
EVs can also require less maintenance since they have fewer fluids. Regenerative braking can also help EVs’ brake systems last longer.
- Myth: EVs break down more than cars with internal combustion engines
- Reality: EVs do not need to visit service centres more often than petrol cars.
10. EV Batteries Are Deliberately Designed to Fail
The last EV myth we are covering is that the batteries are designed to fail. The required replacements then boost manufacturer profits. However, there is no evidence showing that EV batteries are non-upgradeable or designed to fail to boost profit.
- Myth: EV manufacturers specifically design batteries to fail so they can boost their profits
- Reality: Many EV batteries are designed to have a 10+ year lifespan
EV Myths vs. Reality At a Glance
| EV Myth | EV Reality |
| Myth #1: EVs are too expensive | Reduced maintenance and fuel costs can make EVs cheaper to own in the long run |
| Myth #2: EVs can’t go far | Advancing technology has rapidly improved EV distance ranges in the last few years |
| Myth #3: Charging takes too long | Many public DC fast charging stations can charge an EV battery to 80 percent in 20 minutes |
| Myth #4: EV batteries have to be replaced too often | Battery technology continues to improve, with many models offering 5 to 10 year warranties |
| Myth #5: Electric vehicle batteries only go to landfills | Repurposing and recycling EV batteries is a priority to prevent EV batteries from going to landfills |
| Myth #6: There aren’t enough public charging stations in Australia | Australia continues to add more public EV charging stations |
| Myth #7: Electric vehicles aren’t that environmentally friendly | EVs reduce greenhouse gases and emissions and support a push toward increased sustainability |
| Myth #8: The grid can’t support the increased demand from EVs | Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is continually expanding |
| Myth #9: EVs break down more often than vehicles with internal combustion engines | EVs do not require more frequent service visits than ICE vehicles |
| Myth #10: EV batteries are designed to fail | EV batteries are designed to last for years; often for a decade or more |
Join Us as We Shift Toward a More Sustainable Future
The EVs on the roads today are more advanced than just a few years ago. With longer ranges, faster charging times, and improved charging infrastructure, we can understand why EVs continue gaining popularity.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for convenient residential EV charging or a fleet manager, we can support your sustainability efforts. Contact our team of in-house A-Grade electricians to learn more about our installation and servicing of leading EV charging brands and products.
