The planet is changing, and so is the climate. Despite some vocal protests from certain politicians and companies, there’s no denying it. The science is firm, and it paints a picture of a world that is getting hotter by the year. However, you can make a difference. Many people are actively working to lower their carbon footprint. Solar panels on your house’s roof is one way to lower your emissions and save money on your power bill. Other ways can be choosing green power companies or paying extra for sustainable goods or carbon-neutral services.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by driving an electric vehicle – either a full EV or a hybrid model. However, many misconceptions and misinformation exist concerning electric cars, such as the Kia EV6. In this informative article, we will debunk the six most common misconceptions about these types of vehicles.
Read on to learn more.
1. Charging EVS is More Polluting Than Petrol Vehicles due to Power Plants
A common myth about electric vehicles is that they actually pollute more than fuel-powered vehicles because power plants need to create energy to charge them.
However, a fully electric vehicle has no tailpipe emissions whatsoever. As they are powered by a rechargeable battery and don’t burn fuel, driving the car does not pollute the atmosphere at all.
Now, the power generation that is required to charge an electric vehicle may cause pollution, yet this will vary depending on how the electricity was generated. For instance, a wind farm doesn’t pollute compared to a coal-burning plant.
Even with power-generating emissions factored in, the science shows that an electric vehicle will not pollute anywhere as much as a petrol-powered vehicle will.
Furthermore, there are zero emissions if an electric vehicle is powered by solar-generated energy. You can see how this myth is simply not true.
2. Electric Vehicles Don’t Have Enough Range for Daily Driving
Another common misconception that is bandied about is that an electric vehicle is useless for daily driving due to its limited range between charges. Again, this is untrue.
The average driver tends to drive between work and home, with maybe a stop or two along the way. On the weekend, they may drive more if they have events to attend or need to drive their kids from place to place.
Whatever the trips for an average week, an electric vehicle is more than up to the task. An electric vehicle can travel for hundreds of kilometres/miles without a recharge, which is more than enough for the average driver on a typical week.
3. Electric Vehicles are Only Available as Sedans or Hatchbacks
This is another common myth that you will hear about the traps. While the majority of electric vehicles tend to be smaller, SUVs and larger cars are coming onto the market as either plug-in hybrid or hybrid, with full electric capacity only a few short years away. We will even see utility vehicles and vans available as fully electric in the future. Who knows, perhaps eventually we will see electric semi-trailer trucks once technology advances?
4. You Won’t Find a Charge Station Anywhere
Again, this is simply not correct. Many major cities worldwide are investing heavily into charging stations as they are preparing for the phasing out of fuel-powered cars. In fact, the average electric car owner will, in most cases, only ever need to charge at home, and any home powerpoint is capable of powering an electric car. Even if you go on a trip, you’ll be able to charge from your destination or find a charging station nearby.
5. Battery Manufacturing is Worse for the Climate Than Oil Refining and Fuel Emissions
Yet again, this is a misconception. Research shows that over the typical lifespan of an electric vehicle – from manufacturing to ownership, the total emissions are less than a comparable fuel-powered vehicle.
When you compare this to a fuel-powered automobile, the car’s exhaust emissions combined with oil refining and fuel production emissions equal a much larger carbon footprint than an electric vehicle.
Furthermore, recycling technology allows battery components to get reused for other purposes, further reducing emissions.
6. Electric Vehicles are Unsafe When Compared to Fuel-Powered Cars
Have you heard this? If so, guess what? That’s right, this is simply untrue. Whether they build fuel-powered vehicles or electric vehicles, all car manufacturers have to conform to the same safety standards. All vehicles are tested for safety, and the safety rating will indicate how safe they are. You’ll find that an electric vehicle is as safe as a fuel-powered car.
A Car Carbon Conclusion
You can see how these six common misconceptions about electric vehicles are simply not based in fact. The research and scientific methods behind electric vehicle production and battery manufacturing are less polluting than the oil industry and fuel-powered cars. So, next time you’re having an argument about electric vehicles and emissions, you can back up your position with these debunked myths.