Electric cars are still considered a thing of the future and something that is not for the current environment. But EVs are coming up and pretty fast. Companies such as Tesla are giving conventional automakers a run for their money and becoming popular day by day. Tesla even became the highest valued car marker in the world. But now even the conventional car makers are jumping on the electric bandwagon as well. And with the rise in awareness about global warming even the governments are promoting electric vehicles in order to reduce the harmful gas emissions and going completely electric is the way they see forward.
Inspite of electric cars becoming popular, people still feel to have misconceptions and happen to believe rumours about EVs. Here we are going to look at a few and get rid of those misconceptions:
1. You can’t travel far off with an EV:
With respect to developing countries like India where this might be true, but in the developed nations like USA, it is completely possible to travel long distances. The infrastructure that has been developed for charging stations helps in the long- distance travel. But at the same time the car batteries have become so efficient that the range varies from 150 miles to over 400 miles. The more expensive ones have higher range for example Tesla Model 3 has over 300 miles (480kms) of range, Tesla Model S has 335 miles (536kms) of range. Even the affordable cars like the Nissan Leaf has 150 miles (240kms) of range, or with the Indian context, Tata Nexon EV has 312kms of range which is a 195-mile range, which is enough for a drive to a nearby spot for the weekend. Taking into consideration at the pace at which new battery technology is developing, EVs will have a higher range at the same or lower cost. The Tesla Roadster is expected to have a 620-mile range (992kms) per charge.
2. EVs are slow and boring:
This is so not true. EVs have one of the fastest 0-60mph or 0-100kmph times of all cars. This is because EVs have fewer moving parts as compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and they have no gears. This gives them instant torque as the power comes in from 0 rpm and has near 0 transmission lag. Whereas in ICE, they have more moving parts and gears to change in the car, leading to transmission lag during the gearshifts. The Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s have slower 0-60mph times than a Tesla Model S Performance which has a time of 2.5 seconds. The Tesla Roadster is said to have 0-60mph timing of 1.9 seconds. The ICE cars can churn up close to the 2.5 second mark but beating the sub-2 second mark is yet a farfetched phenomenon for ICE cars.
3. EVs take ages to charge:
EVs do take time to charge if they are charged through a 3-pin socket which would take 16-18 hours on an average. But companies provide with wall mounted home chargers or at their office spaces which would take 6-8 hours which is convenient for people when they come home at night. There are even quick charging stations available which can charge cars within an hour which is helpful when people travel distances and can charge them while they take a break.
4. EVs are expensive:
Yes, EVs are expensive but only at the initial purchase. EVs tend to be expensive due to the cost of the battery packs. But EVs have fewer moving parts which reduces the cost of maintaining and repair as compared to ICE engine vehicles. At the same time the battery life is way longer than an ICE car. So, you can use an electric vehicle longer than you would keep an ICE car. The cost of electricity is lower than the cost of fuel making it cheaper to run on a mpg (miles per gallon) basis.
5. EV batteries don’t last long and will generate waste:
EV batteries are mandated to have separate battery pack warranties for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles (1,60,000kms). EV batteries last longer than they’re expected to. A Tesla is said to retain 90% of the battery capacity after 200,000 miles (3,20,000kms). Nissan Leaf is said to retain 75% of battery capacity after 120,000 miles (1,92,000kms). This is way more than people usually keep cars for. These battery packs also are similar to normal car batteries and 99% can be recycled.
So, no need to think twice before becoming a green and responsible citizen. Not only are EVs considered cool now but also make you feel more responsible towards the environment. And while you’re at it, like and share the blog and let us you know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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