See acceleration of EV penetration in India in 2025-26: HMIL COO Tarun Garg
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July 24, 2024
Introduction
For a number of years, electric cars, or EVs, have been the talk of the town and are being hailed as the wave of the future. Still, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about them, even with their increasing popularity and the notable technological advances. These misconceptions frequently discourage prospective customers and cast doubt on the practicality and advantages of EVs. We’ll dispel some of the most widespread fallacies about electric cars in this extensive article and offer an accurate, unbiased viewpoint.
The idea that electric cars are only good for quick journeys inside cities and have a small range is among the most widespread ones. According to this misconception, if there isn't a nearby charging station, driving an EV will leave you stuck.
Early electric cars did had short ranges; a typical charge would get them around 100 miles. Modern EVs, however, have made great progress in this area. For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt has a range of more than 250 miles, and the Tesla Model S Long Range can drive more than 370 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles is quickly developing, with over 100,000 public charging stations accessible in the United States alone.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that Americans travel fewer than 40 miles per day on average for their commute. For daily usage, this implies that even EVs with smaller ranges are more than enough. Furthermore, the usefulness and convenience of EVs for longer trips are constantly being improved by developments in battery technology and the expansion of fast-charging facilities.
Another widespread misconception is that only the rich can afford electric cars since they are so expensive.
Although the initial cost of ownership of certain electric cars may be higher than that of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, this is not always the case. The affordability of electric vehicles is influenced by several factors, including decreased maintenance costs, cheaper fuel prices, and tax benefits.
According to a Consumer Reports survey, an electric vehicle's lifetime total cost of ownership can be substantially less than that of a comparable gasoline-powered car. For example, the study found that compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle, the owner of a Tesla Model 3 can save between $6,000 and $10,000 over the course of the car's lifespan. Furthermore, the initial purchase price may be lowered by several thousand dollars through federal and state subsidies.
There is a persistent misconception that electric cars are less performant and slow than their gasoline-powered equivalents.
Compared to conventional cars, electric vehicles are frequently quicker and more responsive. Since EVs provide immediate torque, they can accelerate rapidly out of a stop. Many EVs have amazing performance figures that rival or surpass those of high-performance sports automobiles.
For instance, the Tesla Model S Plaid is among the quickest production vehicles in the world, reaching 60 mph from 0 mph in less than 2 seconds. Additionally, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S sports a 2.6-second 0-60 mph pace. Not only do premium vehicles possess these performance attributes, but even more reasonably priced EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, provide a fun and speedy driving experience.
A widespread worry is that the batteries in electric vehicles would soon deteriorate and require costly repairs.
Modern EV batteries are built to survive for years and come with guarantees to provide owners piece of mind. The lifespan and dependability of EV batteries have been greatly increased by developments in battery technology and management systems.
Most EV manufacturers provide battery warranties for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world data also demonstrates how long-lasting EV batteries are. For example, an annual loss of 2.3% in the capacity of an average EV battery was discovered in a Geotab research. This indicates that an EV battery would still have about 90% of its initial capacity after five years.
Some opponents say that electric cars are not as ecologically beneficial as advertised, noting the environmental effect of battery manufacture and power generation.
Although EVs can have an environmental impact, studies have shown that over the course of their lifespan, they often produce far less pollution than conventional cars. The environmental benefits of EVs become more obvious as the energy system grows greener.
Even after taking into consideration the construction of the battery and the power needed to charge the car, electric vehicles emit less than half the emissions of equivalent gasoline vehicles over the course of their lifetime, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Furthermore, as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar grow more prevalent in the energy mix, the emissions connected with EVs will continue to decline.
There is a concern that widespread adoption of electric vehicles will overwhelm the electrical grid, leading to blackouts and power shortages.
The electrical grid is capable of handling the increased demand from electric vehicles, especially with ongoing upgrades and the implementation of smart grid technologies.
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that even if all passenger vehicles in the United States were to be replaced with electric vehicles, the increase in electricity demand would be manageable with current and planned infrastructure improvements. Moreover, smart charging solutions and time-of-use pricing can help balance the load on the grid, encouraging EV owners to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours.
A frequent complaint is that charging an electric vehicle takes too long compared to refueling a gasoline car.
While charging an EV does take longer than filling a gas tank, the convenience of home charging and the availability of fast-charging stations mitigate this issue. Many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight, similar to charging a smartphone, which eliminates the need for frequent stops at charging stations.
Fast-charging stations can provide a significant amount of charge in a short period. For example, a Tesla Supercharger can add up to 200 miles of range in about 15 minutes. Additionally, public charging infrastructure continues to expand, making it easier to find and use charging stations on the go.
Many people believe that there are not enough charging stations to support widespread EV adoption, leading to "range anxiety."
The number of charging stations is growing rapidly, and there are already thousands of public charging locations available. Apps and websites make it easy to locate charging stations, and many businesses and employers are installing chargers to support their customers and employees.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are over 100,000 public charging stations across the country, with thousands more being added each year. Additionally, charging networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America are continuously expanding their coverage, making it easier than ever to find a charging station when needed.
Some people feel that electric vehicles are less safe than regular automobiles, citing worries about battery fires and overall vehicle safety.
The strict safety regulations that apply to conventional cars also apply to electric vehicles, and they frequently surpass them. EVs offer distinct safety features, including as low centers of gravity, which can lessen the likelihood of rollovers.
Several electric cars have received good safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For instance, the NHTSA gave the Tesla Model 3 a 5-star safety rating, and the IIHS recognized it as a Top Safety Pick+. Moreover, EV battery fire incidences are statistically less frequent than fuel car fires.
Some critics argue that electric cars are only a fleeting trend that will ultimately be supplanted by newer models or go out of style.
Electric cars are here to stay and will play a major role in transportation in the future. Governments everywhere are putting regulations in place to encourage the shift to electric transportation, and major manufacturers are making significant investments in EV technology.
Several automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen, General Motors, and many more, have made the commitment to electrify their fleets and will launch dozens of new EV models in the upcoming years. Governments are also assisting in the transition to electric cars by funding infrastructure, enacting rules, and offering incentives. For instance, several U.S. states are pursuing goals akin to the European Union's ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion engine automobiles by 2035.
Stereotypes regarding electric vehicles are rapidly being dispelled by real-world data and experiences, since these vehicles have come a long way in a short period of time. The advantages of EVs will only increase with advancements in infrastructure and technology. We can better grasp the actual potential of electric automobiles in fostering a more sustainable transportation future by separating fact from fiction.
When looking for your new vehicle, keep these disproved fallacies in mind and investigate the numerous benefits that EVs provide. Electric cars have more efficiency, less maintenance expenses, and more convenience, thus they’re going to take over the automotive industry. With an electric future, things will be brighter than ever.
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