EV MYTHS SOLVED
EVs DON’T HAVE ENOUGH RANGE. YOU CAN’T TRAVEL MUCH
Electric vehicles are frequently expected to run as long between charges as gasoline vehicles do between fill-ups, but they don’t have to. Why? Electric vehicles (EVs) are charged more regularly than gasoline-powered vehicles. EV drivers charge up wherever they go rather than going to the gas station when the tank is empty. The average Indian driver travels only 40 kilometers a day, well within the range of any EV. Even the shortest-range electric vehicles can travel more than twice that distance before needing to be plugged to the charging point. Among affordable EVs, the Tata Nexon EV can run for an average 250 kilometers on a charge, while the MG ZS EV ups the range to 350 kilometers, and the full-electric version of the Hyundai Kona boasts an operating range of 450 kilometers.
EVs ARE TOO EXPENSIVE
Though battery costs are expected to drop dramatically in the coming years, for the time being most EVs are premium priced, compared to similar gas-powered models. But most are still eligible for FAME II incentives granted to EV buyers that helps level the proverbial playing field.
If you want to drive an EV but are on a tight budget consider a used model. Pre-owned EVs are cheap these days, thanks to a combination of factors, including limited demand and the aforementioned FAME II incentives, which effectively and immediately slashes an EV’s resale value. Also, pre-owned electric cars tend to be driven fewer miles than the norm, given their inherently limited ranges, which means they’ve typically endured less wear and tear.
EV's are not environmentally friendly because electricity comes from coal
EVs cut greenhouse gas emissions in half, no matter how the energy used to charge them is produced. Electric motors convert 75 percent of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels. By comparison, internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20-35 percent of the energy stored in gasoline. What’s more, EVs emit no direct tailpipe pollutants. Some argue they still pollute the atmosphere, at least indirectly, via the power plants that produce the electricity necessary to operate them. If you live in an area that produces most of its energy from renewable sources, you can reduce your emissions even more.
ELECTRIC CARS ARE COSTLY TO MAINTAIN AND REPAIR
On the other hand, EVs cost less to keep running than ICE-powered vehicles. EVs don’t require regular oil changes or tune-ups, and there are far fewer moving parts to eventually fail and need replacing. EVs use a simple one-speed transmission and give up items like spark plugs, valves, fuel tank, muffler/tailpipe, distributor, starter, clutch, drive belts, hoses, and a catalytic converter.
EVs WON’T BE PRACTICAL TO OWN WITHOUT A FULLY ESTABLISHED INFRASTRUCTURE OF PUBLIC CHARGING STATIONS.
Most electric vehicle charging is done at home or at work. A 230-volt Level 2 chargers that take around six hours to replenish an EV’s battery pack, a growing number of Level 3 public stations, also known as DC Fast Charging, can replenish as much as 80% of an EV’s state of charge in around 30 minutes. If you’re planning a road trip, plotting a course and picking a destination with Level 3 chargers is essential.
EV batteries lose range fast
Many EVs these days have an 8-year or 150.000-kilometers battery warranty. EV batteries are generally expected to retain 70% to 80% of their capacity over 10 years. Unless you are planning to hold onto your electric car for a few decades, battery degradation should not pose a big problem for you. Once depleted, EV batteries, like 99% of the batteries found in conventional cars, can be recycled. For example, used EV power cells can be used to store solar and wind energy, or they can be broken down with their more-valuable elements reused.
EVs ARE AS SLOW
Electric vehicles are, in fact, generally quicker than their gasoline-powered counterparts. That’s because an electric motor generates 100% of its available torque instantly. When the driver of an EV pushes down on the accelerator pedal, the transition from stationary to speed is almost instantaneous. In fact, the top version of the Tesla Model S Plaid, when engaged in its so-called “ludicrous” mode, is one of the quickest production cars in the world at any price, with a 0-60 mph time clocked at a sudden 1.99 seconds.
