The Most Common Myths about Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles, or EVs for short, have gained popularity among drivers worldwide, especially those seeking smoother driving experiences and wanting a cost-effective and eco-friendly form of transportation. Electric vehicles are powered exclusively by electricity instead of gasolene or diesel fuel. Instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE), it has a battery (hence, it is sometimes referred to as BEV), which holds the electric charge.

As battery-powered electric vehicles become more popular, concerns over their safety, motor efficiency, and durability have also caused an increase in the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. Here are some of the most common myths about EVs and the facts you need to make an informed decision about your choice of vehicle, according to project eDrive.

MYTH 1: Jamaica’s electric vehicle charging stations are not enough.

Jamaica’s charging station landscape is growing with the infrastructure provided by the JPS Charge ‘n Go network and the Evergo Network of stations. Currently, JPS Charge ‘n Go EV charging stations are strategically located at 10 service stations islandwide with plans to increase that number to 22. Several of the charging stations are being constructed in partnership with gasolene retailers, whose sites host the stations. So far, partners have included Total in Kingston, St Ann, Portland, Montego Bay, and Westmoreland; Texaco in Kingston and Westmoreland; and Boots Gas Station in St Ann. Meanwhile, 57 Evergo charging stations are at various locations across the island.

MYTH 2: EV charging is expensive.

Compared to fueling an ICE vehicle, EV owners currently benefit from lower costs to charge. On average, a subcompact ICE SUV like the Kia Sonet will cost about $10,000 in petrol from empty to full. On the other hand, a subcompact all-electric vehicle like the BMW iX1 can be charged to full capacity (100%) at a cost of approximately $3,600. While EVs currently experience a lower-range capacity than ICE vehicles, the cost to charge from 0 - 100% when doubled is noticeably less than that of a comparable gas vehicle.

MYTH 3: Charging is complicated.

The rate at which an electric vehicle charges depends on the charger type, the size of the battery, and how much power is in the battery. The charging infrastructure has evolved, and currently, there are different types of chargers and three primary charging levels: Level 1, 2 and 3.

With a low-level or Level 1 charger, an EV can take from 30 minutes to eight hours to charge. Operating at an average of 3-7 kilowatts per hour (kWh), a Level 1 charger is the slowest of the three and is meant for residential use.

Level 2 chargers, however, have a power output of 7kWh to 22kWh and charge up to 15 times faster than a Level 1 charger. To put it into perspective, a typical electric car with a 60kWh battery takes under eight hours to charge from empty to full with a Level 2 charger. These chargers can be installed in a home or commercial space by a qualified professional.

Lastly, Level 3 chargers, also known as superchargers, are generally large charging stations that can deliver over 200kWh of power and can provide full charge in under an hour.

If you drive a compact car, for example, a 2014 Nissan Leaf, which carries a relatively small 26kWh battery, it can take 20 minutes to increase the charge from 25 to 80 per cent.

MYTH 4: EVs get damaged in waterlogged areas and are dangerous to charge in the rain.

Sure, water conducts electricity. Everyone should be familiar with this fact, including the inventors of EVs. That is why the batteries and chargers made for EVs are weather-proof and water-resistant. As such, EV chargers are safe to use in the rain. The technology powering an EV is specifically designed to protect the vehicle and driver from electrical shock. Therefore, driving an EV in heavy rain or adverse weather conditions is no more dangerous than driving a conventional car. Drivers should take similar precautions in operating an EV as they would any petrol vehicle through flooded thoroughfares.

Public outdoor charging stations are built to withstand the elements, and once correctly installed, at-home chargers are also safe. Regularly inspecting charger components, including cables and plugs, is crucial to prevent potential accidents, ranging from minor electrical shocks to serious electrocutions. Signs of excessive wear and tear are indicative of the need for a new charger. In the case of a public outdoor charging station, reporting such issues to the providers and seeking an alternative source is essential for safety.

MYTH 5: Carbon emissions from an electric vehicle are more than that of a diesel or petrol-powered vehicle.

False. Electric vehicles produce significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional fuel vehicles. The proof is in the production. Most, if not all, EVs have no tailpipe emissions and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases as it is driven. Although there have been debates surrounding the energy required to manufacture battery-powered vehicles, being a contributor to carbon pollution, ongoing research shows that the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, charging, and driving of an EV are lower than those powered by gasolene over the lifetime of the vehicle.

MYTH 6: Electric vehicles are slow and have bad performance.

With the ability to produce instant torque, EVs have the inherent advantage of accelerating much faster than a conventional car. The fact that energy can go straight from the power source to the wheels, without transmission, makes driving smoother. Regular vehicles require some amount of rev for the internal combustion engine to convert the energy from the heat of burning gasolene into mechanical power.