As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction, distorted perceptions about EV charging remain a hindrance to mass adoption. Misinformation among prospective EV-buyers creates a sense of anxiety concerning charging availability, costs, and convenience. However, with significant improvements in charging infrastructure some would argue that electric vehicles have never been so practical and accessible.
In this article, we are going to dispel some myths surrounding EV charging, clarify major misconceptions, and offer facts with regard to cheaper charger options that would have made owning an electric vehicle easier than most consider.
Myth #1: EV Charging Is Inconvenient and Hard to Find
The most common misconception is that charging stations are pretty far away from congregating points, making it hard for the driver to identify charging areas. If that was a nay-saying concern during the early days of electric cars, charging networks have massively grown from there.
The Reality:
- The U.S. has more than 160,000 public charging stations with new stations being added every day.
- Most EV owners may be charging at home, thus charging very rarely on public stations.
- An app like PlugShare also allows drivers to pinpoint nearby stations with real-time availability.
- EVs grow within the confines of their charging infrastructure, making charging an EV on the go easier than ever.
Myth #2: Charging an EV Takes Too Long
Somewhat improperly, it is a cause for consideration that charging EV takes some hours, making road trips nasty. While charging time may differ depending on the type of charger, newer technology has cut back waiting times massively.
The Reality:
- Level 1 Chargers (household outlets): Takes a longer time but good for charging overnight.
- Level 2 Chargers (common home and public stations): Charge 25-30 miles per hour.
- DC Fast Chargers (on highways/commercials): Charge 80% of the battery in 20-45 minutes.
- New ultra-rapid technologies lower that time to just 10-15 minutes.
- During day trips, EVs are mostly charged at home, meaning waking up with the vehicle fully charged and without any waiting.
Myth #3: Charging Is More Expensive for an EV Than Gasoline
Some people believe that charging an EV costs about the same as gassing up a conventional car but is surprisingly lower than gasoline expenses.
The Reality:
- On average, the cost to fill up the electric vehicle in the home base by charging would be around $6-$12 based on the company’s electricity rate and the size of the battery.
- Free public chargers are available at many shopping center, hotel, and workplace locations.
- Commonly, for all levels, fast charging of EVs is cheaper as compared to the cost of operating the gas car with respect to fuel consumed.
- The cost for installation of home chargers is now being reduced by state incentives and rebates.
- Such a shift would gradually, save thousands of dollars from fuel.
Myth #4: EV Chargers Are Too Expensive to Install at Home
Some individuals interested in owning an EV are uncertain about installing a home charger, thinking that it’s a difficult and pricey endeavor.
The Reality:
- Level 1 Charger installation is unnecessary-the device can just be plugged into a house electrical outlet.
- Level 2 Chargers (providing faster home charging) range in price from approximately $500 to $2,000, installed.
- Many states, utilities, and the federal government offer rebates and tax credits to offset installation costs.
- Affordable EV chargers such as ApexChargers make at-home charging accessible to a larger number of drivers.
- Once installed, a home charger is a one-time investment that pays off in greater comfort and cost savings over time.
Myth #5: Charging an EV Deteriorates Battery Quality
Frequent charging or fast charging damages the batteries of an EV, leading to a reduction in lifespan, as some think.
The Reality:
- Batteries for modern electric vehicles are engineered to last long, remaining intact for anywhere between 8 and 15 years or even more.
- BMS is the term for battery management systems which prevent overheating as well as overcharging.
- Fast charging is considered to be safe for occasional use, although most manufacturers recommend that Level 2 charging would meet daily driving needs instead.
- Low-an age or a mile warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles are provided for most of the EV battery lifetimes.
- Proper charging habits and improvements in battery technology will increase the lifespan of batteries tremendously.
Myth #6: The Electrical Grid Can’t Handle More EVs
It’s a common concern: EVs overburdening the power grid and causing frequent blackouts.
Reality:
- Utilities are improving their infrastructures to provide for the adoption of EVs.
- Smart charging strategies such as load balancing and off-peak charging provide efficient allocation of electricity demands.
- Most EV chargers are getting charged at night when the demand for electricity is at its lowest.
- Solar and wind are increasingly being integrated with EV charging stations.
- Electric vehicles, instead of straining the grid, will increase the need for smarter energy management and increased investment in clean energy.
Myth #7: Only Homeowners Will Benefit from EV Charging
Some tenants and apartment-dwellers assume they cannot own an EV because there is no access to a private charger.
The Reality:
- Many cities and property owners are installing EV chargers in apartment complexes and workplaces.
- Public charging infrastructure is still in the business of making charging accessible without a garage at home.
- Portable EV chargers and shared charging stations allow multi-unit residents to charge conveniently.
- Of course, it is possible to own an electric vehicle without a home charger, with public and shared charging options on the rise.
Conclusion
Transitioning from gasoline to electric vehicles is happening rapidly, and clearing up such misinformation is critical if more drivers are to look past their noses. Accessible charging for electric vehicles is now cheaper, more convenient, and even more cost-effective than many believe. With trusted providers like ApexCharger already having access to reliable and affordable EV chargers, making the switch now is easier than ever.
The more electric vehicles that hit the road, the more charging infrastructure will improve and new technology will make owning electric vehicles even easier than it already is. Don’t let an outdated myth hold you back-they are the vehicle for the future, and the future is already here.
