Debunking Electric Vehicle Myths
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Debunking Electric 
Vehicle Myths 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debunking Electric Vehicle Myths 
 
Friday, October 13th, 2023 
As Electric Vehicles (EVs) gain more popularity with the passing of days, more 
questions and myths begin to arise. In this article, we are going to debunk some of the 
most common Electric Vehicle myths and questions. 
 
1: Electric vehicles harm the environment more than gasoline cars due to power 
plant emissions. 
FACT: Electric vehicles generally have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, 
even when considering the electricity used for charging. 
Electric vehicles (EVs) are renowned for producing zero tailpipe emissions. 
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Nevertheless, the process of generating electricity to charge EVs can result in carbon 
pollution, with the extent of emissions varying according to the energy sources used 
for electricity generation. Coal and natural gas power plants emit carbon pollution, 
while renewable sources like wind and solar do not.  
Surprisingly, even when accounting for these electricity emissions, research indicates 
that, on average, an EV is responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) 
than a typical new gasoline car. As more renewable energy sources are integrated into 
electricity generation, the GHGs associated with EVs could decline further. In 2020, 
renewables became the second-largest source of electricity in the United States. 
To determine the energy mix in your area, you can simply enter your zip code. The 
EPA and the Department of Energy's (DOE) Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator can 
help you estimate the greenhouse gas emissions linked to charging and driving an EV 
or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in your region. By selecting an EV or PHEV 
model and entering your zip code, you can see the CO2 emissions and how they 
compare to those of a gasoline car. 
2: Electric vehicles are more detrimental to the climate than gasoline cars 
because of battery manufacturing. 
FACT: Over the lifetime of the vehicle, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with 
electric vehicles are typically lower than those of an average gasoline-powered vehicle, 
even when factoring in manufacturing. 
 
Some studies have shown that the production of a typical EV can create more carbon 
pollution than that of a gasoline car. This is largely due to the additional energy 
required for EV battery manufacturing. 
Nonetheless, when considering the entire life cycle of the vehicle, including 
manufacturing, charging, and operation, EVs generally result in lower GHG emissions 
compared to gasoline cars. This is because EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and 
typically have significantly lower GHG emissions during operation. 
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory estimated emissions for gasoline cars and 
EVs with 300-mile ranges. While GHG emissions from EV manufacturing and end-of-
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life are higher (as shown in orange), the overall GHGs for the EV still remain lower 
than those for the gasoline car. Efforts are also underway to reduce emissions by 
recycling EV batteries, which can decrease the need for new materials. 
3: The surge in electric vehicles will overwhelm the U.S. power grid. 
FACT: Electric vehicles come with charging strategies that can prevent grid overload 
and, in some cases, enhance grid reliability. 
It is true that the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) will lead to increased 
electricity demand. However, the impact on the grid will depend on several factors, 
such as the power level, the time of day for charging, and the potential for vehicle-to-
grid (V2G) charging. 
EVs can be charged during off-peak times, such as overnight when electricity rates are 
often lower. Research indicates that even with a mix of charging times (not all at 
night), there should be sufficient capacity to accommodate the increasing number of 
EVs in the coming years. As renewables become a larger part of the energy mix in 
many regions, transitioning to more daytime charging (when some renewables like 
solar generate energy) with energy storage capability should enable the grid to 
manage increased EV charging. 
California, which has over 1 million electric vehicles, sees EV charging accounting for 
less than 1% of the state's grid load, even during peak hours. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) 
charging allows EVs to act as a power source by feeding energy back to the grid from 
the EV battery, contributing to grid reliability. 
In the long term, the higher demand for electricity resulting from EV growth may 
necessitate upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure, a possibility that 
is already under consideration. 
4: There are limited charging options for electric vehicles. 
FACT: Electric vehicles can be charged using the same outlets as household 
appliances, and there are over 51,000 public charging stations across the U.S. 
 
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For many people, charging an EV at home with a standard 120 Volt (Level 1) outlet 
meets their driving needs. To expedite charging, a dedicated 240 Volt (Level 2) outlet 
or charging system can be installed. For individuals residing in apartments or 
condominiums, EV charging stations are increasingly being integrated into building 
amenities. 
The availability of EV charging is set to increase significantly in the coming years 
thanks to government initiatives established as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure 
Law. This includes an investment of up to $7.5 billion to establish a national network 
of electric vehicle chargers along highways, in communities, and in neighborhoods. As 
of February 2023, significant progress was made toward the development of a 
national network of EV chargers made in America. To estimate the charging needs in 
your state or metropolitan area as EV adoption grows, you can use the DOE's EV Pro 
Lite Tool. 
5: Electric vehicles lack the range for daily travel. 
FACT: Electric vehicles offer more than enough range for typical daily use in the U.S. 
Electric vehicles come with sufficient range to cover the average daily travel of a 
typical household in the U.S., which is approximately 50 miles per day on average. The 
majority of households, about 85%, travel fewer than 100 miles in a typical day. Most 
EV models can travel over 200 miles on a fully charged battery, and nearly all new 
models can cover more than 100 miles on a single charge. The automotive industry is 
also planning to introduce more long-range models in the coming years. 
The range of an EV is influenced by driving habits and conditions, such as weather. 
Cold temperatures and the use of heat can reduce the average range by 
approximately 40%. 
6: Electric vehicles are exclusively available as sedans. 
FACT: Electric vehicles are now available in various shapes and sizes. 
EVs and PHEVs are no longer confined to small sedan or compact models. Currently, 
there are over 50 PHEV and EV models on the market, with more models expected to 
be released in the future. This diversity in vehicle classes is set to expand further. 
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7: Electric vehicles are less safe than gasoline vehicles. 
FACT: Electric vehicles are subject to the same safety standards as conventional 
vehicles. 
All light-duty cars and trucks sold in the United States are required to meet the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, regardless of whether they operate on 
gasoline or electricity. These standards necessitate an extensive and well-established 
testing process. Additionally, EV battery packs must adhere to their own testing 
standards. Furthermore, EVs are designed with added safety features that disable the 
electrical system in the event of a collision or short circuit. 
If you have any other questions related to EVs, this other article may be insightful: Top 
EV-Related Questions Answered 
 
 
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