4 Common EV Myths—And Why They're Wrong
Electric vehicles are on the rise, with almost every car maker producing or releasing plans for cars, trucks, and SUVs that aren’t powered by gasoline. Of course, as this massive change in the industry is happening, there are some misconceptions about owning an EV model. The Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills team is here to demystify some common myths about electric vehicles so you can decide if an EV might be right for you.
1. EVs aren’t better for the environment
Despite any environmental impacts of manufacturing, production, and charging, EVs are still a cleaner alternative than gasoline-powered cars. Gasoline-powered vehicles can only convert 20 percent of the energy stored in gasoline, while EVs can convert 75 percent of the chemical energy in the batteries. Of course, where you live and how power is generated for your home will dictate how clean the battery charging process is, but with 0 tailpipe emissions, EVs just burn cleaner.
Because EV battery manufacturing does require additional energy, many believe that EVs are still less efficient, but researchers at Argonne National Library show that for the life of an electric vehicle with a 300-mile range, overall greenhouse gas emissions are much lower than that of a gasoline vehicle.
Image Source: EPA
2. Charging isn’t widely available
Charging stations are growing rapidly, with 140,000 public chargers available at the end of 2022. That's just Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. PHEVs can easily be recharged using a simple wall outlet, and in a pinch, even EVs can be charged this way (though it won't be the most efficient). The number of charging stations increases nearly daily, and many vehicles make it easy to find your next place to charge up.
3. EVs don’t have enough range
As of December 2022, the average range for an EV on the market is roughly 211 miles. That's more than enough for most drivers' daily commutes, errands, and activities, without needing a single charge. Of course, there are models available with more or less range depending on your budget and driving needs. For drivers who aren't sold on EV range, PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles) offer a great alternative without inducing range anxiety.
4. EVs cost too much
Over the last year, electric vehicle prices have come down, as more automakers are entering the EV arena. In addition to that, there are federal, state, and local incentives that can reduce your cost and even offset the cost of installing a Level 2 charger in your home. EV drivers spend less on maintenance, thanks to lower mechanical needs for EV models as well, making the cost of ownership much lower than some gasoline counterparts.
Electric vehicles are here to stay and the Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills team is embracing this change. It may not be right for everyone, but if you think it might be right for you, contact our team online today. We're happy to answer your questions and get you into the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle today.