Top 10 EV Myths That Need to Be Busted

The final myth worth busting is the idea that electric vehicles are only for the wealthy. While luxury EVs get a lot of attention, there are now dozens of affordable electric car models on the market. From compact hatchbacks like the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf to midsize crossovers like the Hyundai Kona Electric, buyers have more entry-level choices than ever.

Many manufacturers are rolling out sub-$30,000 models, and with tax incentives, the effective price can be even lower. Additionally, the growing used EV market offers significant savings, making the technology accessible to a wider range of drivers. Leasing options and EV-specific financing programs also help reduce barriers to ownership.

As battery prices continue to fall and economies of scale improve, electric vehicles will only become more accessible. The narrative that EVs are exclusive or unattainable is no longer valid in 2025. Whether you want a stylish urban commuter or a family SUV, there’s an electric vehicle at nearly every price point, and availability is only getting better.

Some drivers worry that EV maintenance will be just as costly and complex as gas-powered vehicles. In reality, one of the biggest benefits of EV ownership is reduced maintenance. Electric cars have fewer moving parts, no oil or fuel filters, no timing belts, and no transmission systems that require frequent servicing.

Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the car while recovering energy. Battery systems are designed for longevity and monitored with smart diagnostics that flag issues early. Over-the-air software updates fix many performance and efficiency problems without a trip to the garage.

Service intervals are fewer and simpler—rotating tires, replacing cabin air filters, and occasional coolant checks for battery thermal systems. When issues do arise, most are software-based and fixable remotely. The outdated belief that electric vehicles are maintenance nightmares is a misunderstanding of how EVs function. In fact, reduced maintenance costs are one of the strongest arguments in favor of making the switch.

There’s a lingering notion that electric vehicles are only suitable for short urban trips and can’t handle long-distance or rural driving. While this may have been somewhat true during the early years of EV development, modern electric vehicles are built for versatility. Many now offer extensive highway ranges, advanced navigation systems, and support for ultra-fast charging.

Whether you’re commuting across a city or planning a cross-country trip, today’s EVs are up to the task. Vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T are proving that electric trucks and SUVs can handle rugged terrain and long road trips with ease.

Charging infrastructure is expanding along highways and in remote regions, thanks to both private investment and government programs. And because EVs don’t rely on oxygen intake or oil lubrication, they’re often better suited for extreme climates and high-altitude conditions. The idea that electric cars can’t handle rural or long-distance travel is increasingly inaccurate as range, infrastructure, and off-road capabilities continue to evolve.

A common fear is that millions of EVs charging at once will crash the power grid. While the concern sounds logical, it overlooks the planning and adaptability of modern electrical infrastructure. Utilities and grid operators around the world are actively preparing for increased electricity demand by investing in smart grid technology, renewable energy sources, and demand management systems.

EV charging is typically spread out over time, with most charging done overnight during periods of low grid demand. Smart chargers and time-of-use rates encourage drivers to charge during off-peak hours, further easing the load. Additionally, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is on the horizon, allowing EVs to send electricity back to the grid during high demand, effectively acting as distributed storage.

The transition to electric mobility is gradual, giving utilities time to scale capacity and optimize distribution. In reality, EVs can enhance grid stability when integrated properly. The idea that the electric grid is unprepared for EV growth is a myth that fails to consider technological progress and energy policy initiatives currently underway.

Many people still assume that electric cars are weak performers, suitable only for short city drives or low-speed commutes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, EVs often outperform gas vehicles when it comes to acceleration and torque. Thanks to the instant delivery of electric power, even modest EVs can deliver thrilling 0-60 speeds, while performance models like the Tesla Model S Plaid rival supercars.

The lack of gears means smoother acceleration, and the placement of batteries low in the chassis provides excellent weight distribution and handling. Vehicles like the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and even the Kia EV6 GT have proven that electric vehicles can be fast, agile, and luxurious all at once.

Whether you’re looking for city efficiency or track-level thrills, there’s an EV for every kind of driver. The stereotype of the underpowered electric car is rooted in early models that lacked refinement and performance tuning. Today’s market is filled with high-performance electric vehicles that compete—and often win—against traditional combustion engines in speed, handling, and refinement.

A persistent myth claims that electric vehicles pollute more overall than gas cars because of the environmental impact of battery manufacturing. While battery production does require significant energy and materials, studies show that over their lifetime, EVs are significantly cleaner. The emissions from driving a gas vehicle far outweigh the initial footprint of building an EV battery.

Once on the road, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and benefit from increasingly cleaner electricity grids. As more countries shift to renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint of charging an EV continues to shrink. Even in regions reliant on coal, EVs tend to have a smaller total environmental impact when factoring in long-term emissions.

In addition, automakers are improving the sustainability of battery supply chains, incorporating ethical mining practices, and exploring new technologies like solid-state batteries and recycling programs. The idea that EVs are “just as bad” or worse than gas cars ignores the full lifecycle emissions and the evolving landscape of clean energy. When assessed holistically, electric vehicles are undeniably better for the environment than their combustion-engine counterparts.

Battery degradation is a concern for many considering the switch to electric, but the idea that EV batteries wear out in just a few years is misleading. Modern EV batteries are designed to last well over 150,000 miles, and many manufacturers offer warranties of 8 to 10 years or more on the battery pack. In fact, real-world data shows that most EV batteries retain over 80% of their capacity even after a decade of use.

Technological advances in battery chemistry, thermal management, and smart software have significantly improved battery lifespan. Regenerative braking systems also reduce strain on the battery while improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, manufacturers are investing in second-life battery programs and battery recycling, which reduce environmental concerns and lower replacement costs in the long term.

While battery replacement can be costly, it’s an infrequent event—and often unnecessary within the typical life of the car. Many EVs still perform admirably on their original batteries after years of daily use. The fear that EVs will require costly battery swaps every few years simply doesn’t align with current industry data or owner experiences.

The idea that EV charging infrastructure is lacking is another myth that deters many would-be adopters. In reality, the global network of charging stations has grown rapidly over the last five years. In the United States, for example, there are now tens of thousands of public charging locations, including ultra-fast DC chargers strategically placed along highways.

Apps and in-car navigation systems make it easy to locate the nearest charger, whether you're in a major city or on a long road trip. Companies like Electrify America, ChargePoint, and Tesla’s Supercharger network continue to invest heavily in coverage, speed, and reliability. Most urban areas have charging options at grocery stores, parking garages, office buildings, and shopping centers.

What’s often overlooked is that most EV owners do the majority of their charging at home. Unlike gasoline vehicles that require detours to refuel, electric cars can be topped off in your driveway or garage overnight. This at-home convenience makes public chargers more of a backup than a necessity for daily life. While infrastructure still has room to grow, especially in rural areas, the belief that charging stations are impossible to find is becoming increasingly outdated.

Another widespread myth is that electric vehicles are unaffordable, especially when compared to traditional gas-powered cars. While early EVs were indeed pricey due to limited production and emerging technology, prices have dropped significantly. Today, numerous models are priced competitively or even lower when you account for total ownership costs.

It’s crucial to consider the long-term savings associated with EV ownership. Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline in most regions, especially for overnight charging at home. EVs also have fewer moving parts, which means lower maintenance costs—no oil changes, fewer brake repairs, and no exhaust systems to worry about. Over five to ten years, the cost of owning an electric car often comes out lower than a comparable gas model.

Additionally, government incentives, rebates, and tax credits can further reduce the upfront cost. In many markets, buyers can receive thousands of dollars in incentives for purchasing or leasing an EV, making them accessible to a broader audience. The outdated belief that EVs are prohibitively expensive ignores these financial factors and the growing number of budget-friendly electric car options hitting the market.

One of the most common myths surrounding electric vehicles is the belief that they lack the range to support typical driving needs. While it’s true that early EV models had limited battery capacity, today’s modern electric cars are far more capable. Many now offer over 250 miles per charge, with high-end models like the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 pushing well beyond 350 miles.

The average daily driving distance for most people is under 40 miles. That means a fully charged EV can often last an entire week without needing a recharge, especially when paired with overnight home charging. For city dwellers, short-range EVs are more than sufficient, and for long-distance travelers, the rapidly expanding fast-charging infrastructure ensures you can stay on the road with minimal downtime.

Range anxiety often stems from a lack of familiarity with how EVs fit into daily routines. But once drivers experience the convenience of charging at home, range stops being an issue. Instead of detouring to gas stations, you plug in overnight and start the day with a “full tank.” The myth that EVs aren’t suitable for daily use simply doesn’t reflect the real-world capabilities of today’s advanced electric vehicle batteries.