The Truth About EV's, Electric Vehicles, Both the Positive and the Negative

The Truth About EV's, Electric Vehicles, Both the Positive and the Negative

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a focal point in the automotive industry as the world strives towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. As the popularity of EVs continues to grow, so does the influx of information - both accurate and misleading. In this article, we will dissect the truths and myths surrounding electric vehicles, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of this revolutionary technology. We have documented and incorporated references to the source information, just click the links.

Top 10 Myths about EV's and the truth:

1. Myth: EVs are not as powerful as traditional vehicles.
   This myth is FALSE: Contrary to this myth, many electric vehicles boast impressive acceleration and performance. Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. High-performance EVs have even set records in terms of speed and acceleration.
   
   
2. Myth: EVs are more expensive than traditional vehicles.
   This myth is TRUE: The upfront cost of some EVs is MUCH higher. Over time, the total cost of ownership can be lowered as  EVs typically have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Of course, when the batteries need to be replaced, that may be a huge expense  Additionally, governments around the world offer incentives and subsidies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, making them more affordable.
   The average cost of an electric vehicle (EV) in September 2023 was over $53,000. The average starting price for the top 10 best-selling EVs in the US is $48,899. See AutoWeek Magazine for about the total costs of owning an EV.
   Here's a sampling of some current prices, high to low:
   Tesla Model X: $112,590.
   Tesla Model S: $76,190
   Lucid Air: $77,400
   Porsche Taycan: $81,250
   Audi e-Tron: $65,900
   Hyundai Kona EV: $37,390
   Chevrolet Bolt: $31,995
   Tesla Model 3: $40,390
   Polestar 2: $48,400
   Audi A6 e-tron: $70,800
   Nissan Leaf: $29,135
   Kia Niro EV Wind: $40,875
   
   
   
3. Myth: EVs are not environmentally friendly due to the manufacturing process
   This myth is TRUE: The manufacturing of EV batteries has a large environmental impact, The EV batteries' manufacture relies on lithium and cobalt.
   The magnets in the motors need neodymium and dysprosium, also samarium and terbium ; all of which are rare earth elements. These  are mostly sourced in China and the mining is very damaging to the environment.
    
4. Myth: EVs are not environmentally friendly because they still rely upon fossil fuels.
   This myth is TRUE: According to the U.S. EPA, 75% of electric energy in America comes from fossil fuels!  And this is what you use to recharge an EV! So, every time you charge an EV you are burning fossil fuels.
   
5. Myth: EVs are impractical for everyday use.
   This myth is FALSE:  For daily short commuting and short trips, EVs are highly practical. Many people find that the available range meets their daily needs, and the convenience of home charging makes them well-suited for regular use.
   But this myth is TRUE if you have a long commute. However, long-distance travel is still very impractical, and still requires careful planning due to charging infrastructure limitations outside of large cities .If you get stuck in traffic on a hot summer day with he AC running or a cold winter day with the heater on, you could easily drain the battery and be stuck on the side of the road.
   
   
6. Myth: EVs take too long to charge.
   This myth is TRUE: Charging times are much longer compared to refueling a traditional gasoline or diesel powered vehicle. There are fast chargers addressing this concern, but they are still rare and very expensive, on the order of $10,000each. In the future, perhaps high-power chargers will significantly reduce charging times, but these are still rare, and consumers report they stations are often occupied, recall when the Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm took a Disasterous EV trip. Some EV owners have been forced to abandon their vehicles when they ran out of charge and there were no chargers available. Even NPR admits this is a real problem.
   
   
7. Myth: EV batteries degrade quickly.
   This myth is FALSE: Battery degradation is a consideration for EV owners, but modern battery management systems have improved significantly. With proper care and maintenance, EV batteries can retain a high level of performance for 8 to 10 years. ''Every single battery is going to degrade every time you charge and discharge it,'' Atlis Motor Vehicles CEO, Mark Hanchett, told InsideEVs.  To help your battery last longer, avoid letting your battery drain below 10-20% of charge remaining.

These are the factors that adversely affect battery life:
• Exposure to high ambient temperatures
• Fast charging
• Storage the EV without a charge maintainer connected
EV's are still new to the marketplace, but it currently appears that the batteries last between 8 and 20 years, although after 8 to 10 years, the range is likely reduced..
 

8. Myth: EV batteries are expensive to replace
   This myth is TRUE:  J.D. Power says:
   

   EV EV batteries are costly to replace out of pocket, and the prices can generally be between $4,000 to $20,000, with your vehicle's year, make, and model directly influencing the final sum. However, the prices are expected to decrease gradually with time, and the warranty comprehensively covers any part replacement within the first eight years. 
   

   Cars.com reports:
   

   According to J.D. Power, the cost of replacing a battery in the Tesla Model 3 is approximately $13,000, which is over 30% of the sedan’s starting price. Recurrent estimates the total cost to replace the Model 3’s battery is around $15,800 when labor is included.

9. Myth: Charging stations are rare and expensive... or constantly occupied or broken
   This myth is true: Charging stations are still rare outside of urban areas, and EV charging stations are often broken (Wall Street Journal). Commercial charging stations are reported to cost about $10,00 each.  Home charging stations require power upgrades in addition to the charger, making the total cost $2,000 to $5,000. Charging stations are most common in urban areas, see the map at right, and you can search the Dept of Energy map for a charging station here.
   
   
10. Myth: EVs have a limited driving range; causing "range Anxiety"
    This myth is still mostly TRUE: While early electric vehicles did have limited ranges, technological advancements have improved battery technology. Still many EV owners have range anxiety (NY Times). Many modern EVs now offer ranges of 200 to 300 miles - when the batteries are new! As the batteries degrade over time, the range decreases, it is assumed to be about 10% loss per year. The average range of an electric vehicle (EV) is estimated to be 211 miles.  It all depends on the make and model you choose.  As you would expect, the most expensive EV's tend to have the bigger ranges. As shown in the table below, (dated December 2023) it goes from a low of 83 miles for some Fiats to for Lucid Air. See this chart with links to the source.

EV Make and Model	Range in Miles (with a new battery)
Fiat 500e 3+1 24 kWh	83.9
Fiat 500e Cabrio 24 kWh	83.9
Fiat 500e Hatchback 24 kWh	83.9
Renault Twingo Electric	83.9
e.Go e.wave X	93.2
Dacia Spring Electric 65 Extreme	99.4
Dacia Spring Electric 45	102.5
Mini Cooper SE Convertible	102.5
Mazda MX-30	105.6
Citroen e-Jumpy Combi XL 50 kWh	111.8
Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL 50 kWh	111.8
Fiat E-Ulysse L3 50 kWh	111.8
Mini Cooper SE	111.8
Opel Vivaro-e Combi L 50 kWh	111.8
Opel Zafira-e Life L 50 kWh	111.8
Citroen e-Jumpy Combi M 50 kWh	115.0
Citroen e-SpaceTourer M 50 kWh	115.0
Fiat E-Ulysse L2 50 kWh	115.0
Opel Vivaro-e Combi M 50 kWh	115.0
Opel Zafira-e Life M 50 kWh	115.0
Peugeot e-Expert Combi Long 50 kWh	115.0
Peugeot e-Expert Combi Standard 50 kWh	115.0
Peugeot e-Traveller Long 50 kWh	115.0
Peugeot e-Traveller Standard 50 kWh	115.0
Opel Combo-e Life XL 50 kWh	124.3
Peugeot e-Rifter Long 50 kWh	124.3
Citroen e-Berlingo M 50 kWh	127.4
Citroen e-Berlingo XL 50 kWh	127.4
Mercedes eVito Tourer Extra-Long 60 kWh	127.4
Opel Combo-e Life 50 kWh	127.4
Peugeot e-Rifter Standard 50 kWh	127.4
Toyota Proace City Verso Electric L2 50 kWh	127.4
Mercedes EQV 250 Extra-Long	130.5
Mercedes EQV 250 Long	130.5
Mercedes eVito Tourer Long 60 kWh	130.5
Toyota Proace City Verso Electric L1 50 kWh	130.5
Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric	136.7
Abarth 500e Convertible	139.8
Abarth 500e Hatchback	139.8
Mercedes EQT 200 Standard	139.8
Nissan Townstar EV Passenger	139.8
Fiat 500e Cabrio 42 kWh	142.9
Kia e-Soul 39.2 kWh	142.9
Fiat 500e 3+1 42 kWh	146.0
Fiat 500e Hatchback 42 kWh	146.0
Mini Cooper E	146.0
Nissan Leaf	146.0
Hyundai Kona Electric 39 kWh	152.2
Citroen e-C3	155.3
Smart #1 Pro	155.3
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Active	158.4
BYD DOLPHIN 44.9 kWh Boost	158.4
Citroen e-Jumpy Combi XL 75 kWh	161.6
Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL 75 kWh	161.6
Fiat E-Ulysse L3 75 kWh	161.6
Opel Mokka-e 50 kWh	161.6
Opel Vivaro-e Combi L 75 kWh	161.6
Opel Zafira-e Life L 75 kWh	161.6
ORA Funky Cat 48 kWh	161.6
Peugeot e-Expert Combi Long 75 kWh	161.6
Peugeot e-Traveller Long 75 kWh	161.6
Renault Megane E-Tech EV40 130hp	161.6
Seres 3	161.6
Toyota PROACE Verso L 75 kWh	161.6
Citroen e-Jumpy Combi M 75 kWh	164.7
Citroen e-SpaceTourer M 75 kWh	164.7
Fiat E-Ulysse L2 75 kWh	164.7
MG MG5 Electric Standard Range	164.7
MG ZS EV Standard Range	164.7
Opel Vivaro-e Combi M 75 kWh	164.7
Opel Zafira-e Life M 75 kWh	164.7
Peugeot e-Expert Combi Standard 75 kWh	164.7
Peugeot e-Traveller Standard 75 kWh	164.7
Smart #3 Pro	164.7
Toyota PROACE Verso M 75 kWh	164.7
Peugeot e-2008 50 kWh	167.8
Volvo EX30 Single Motor	174.0
Citroen e-C4 X	177.1
Peugeot e-208	177.1
Volkswagen ID.4 Pure	177.1
Citroen e-C4	180.2
Hyundai Kona Electric 48 kWh	180.2
Opel Mokka-e 54 kWh	180.2
Peugeot e-208 50 kWh	180.2
SsangYong Korando e-Motion	180.2
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Standard Range 2WD	183.3
Opel Corsa Electric 50 kWh	183.3
DS 3 E-Tense	186.4
MG MG4 Electric 51 kWh	186.4
Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric	186.4
Peugeot e-2008 54 kWh	186.4
Peugeot e-308	186.4
Peugeot e-308 SW	186.4
Fiat 600e	189.5
Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD	189.5
Mercedes eVito Tourer Extra-Long 90 kWh	189.5
Opel Astra Electric	189.5
Jeep Avenger Electric	192.6
Mercedes EQV 300 Extra-Long	192.6
Mercedes EQV 300 Long	192.6
Mercedes eVito Tourer Long 90 kWh	192.6
Mini Cooper SE	192.6
Peugeot e-208 51 kWh	192.6
Renault Zoe ZE50 R135	192.6
Aiways U5	195.7
Opel Corsa Electric 51 kWh	195.7
Renault Zoe ZE50 R110	195.7
Smart #1 Brabus	195.7
Toyota bZ4X AWD	195.7
Hongqi E-HS9 84 kWh	198.8
Lexus RZ 450e	198.8
MG MG4 Electric XPOWER	198.8
Subaru Solterra AWD	198.8
BYD ATTO 3	205.1
Citroen e-C4 54 kWh	205.1
Citroen e-C4 X 54 kWh	205.1
ORA Funky Cat GT	205.1
Smart #3 Brabus	205.1
Honda e:Ny1	208.2
MG MG5 Electric Long Range	208.2
Nissan Ariya 63kWh	208.2
Smart #1 Premium	208.2
Smart #1 Pro+	208.2
BYD DOLPHIN 60.4 kWh	211.3
Lexus UX 300e	211.3
NIO EL7 75 kWh	211.3
Nissan Leaf e+	211.3
ORA Funky Cat 63 kWh	211.3
Skoda Enyaq 60	211.3
Toyota bZ4X FWD	211.3
CUPRA Born 170 kW - 58 kWh	214.4
Mercedes EQB 300 4MATIC	214.4
Mercedes EQB 350 4MATIC	214.4
Smart #1 Pulse	214.4
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro	214.4
Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor	214.4
Aiways U6	217.5
CUPRA Born 150 kW - 58 kWh	217.5
Ford Mustang Mach-E SR AWD	217.5
Genesis GV70 Electrified Sport	217.5
MG Marvel R Performance	217.5
NIO EL6 75 kWh	217.5
Tesla Model Y	217.5
Tesla Model Y	217.5
Volkswagen ID.3 Pro	217.5
Zeekr X Privilege AWD	217.5
Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC	220.6
Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC	220.6
Skoda Enyaq Coupe 60	220.6
Smart #3 Premium	220.6
Smart #3 Pro+	220.6
Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor	220.6
BMW iX xDrive40	223.7
BYD TANG	223.7
Kia EV6 GT	223.7
MG MG4 Electric 64 kWh	223.7
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance	223.7
Zeekr X Long Range RWD	223.7
Genesis GV60 Sport Plus	226.8
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Standard Range 2WD	226.8
Maxus MIFA 9	226.8
MG Marvel R	226.8
Hongqi E-HS9 99 kWh	229.9
Kia e-Soul 64 kWh	229.9
MG ZS EV Long Range	229.9
Mini Countryman SE ALL4	229.9
Peugeot e-3008 73 kWh Dual Motor	229.9
Porsche Taycan 4S Sport Turismo	229.9
Volvo EX30 Single Motor ER	229.9
BMW iX1 xDrive30	236.1
BMW iX2 xDrive30	236.1
Fisker Ocean Sport	236.1
Ford Mustang Mach-E SR RWD	236.1
Genesis GV60 Sport	236.1
Jaguar I-Pace EV400	236.1
Mini Countryman E	236.1
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo	236.1
Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 130hp	236.1
Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp	236.1
Audi Q4 e-tron 50 quattro	239.2
BMW iX3	239.2
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Long Range AWD	239.2
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N	239.2
Kia Niro EV	239.2
NIO ET5 Touring 75 kWh	239.2
Peugeot e-3008 73 kWh	239.2
BMW iX1 eDrive20	242.3
Elaris BEO 86 kWh	242.3
Genesis GV60 Premium	242.3
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Long Range 2WD	242.3
Hyundai Kona Electric 64 kWh	242.3
Hyundai Kona Electric 65 kWh	242.3
Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor	242.3
Audi Q4 e-tron 45 quattro	245.4
Audi Q4 e-tron 55 quattro	245.4
NIO ET5 75 kWh	245.4
Porsche Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo	245.4
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro	248.5
Kia EV6 Long Range AWD	248.5
NIO ET7 75 kWh	248.5
Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor	248.5
XPENG G9 RWD Standard Range	248.5
Audi e-tron GT RS	251.7
Audi Q4 e-tron 40	251.7
Maserati Grecale Folgore	251.7
Mercedes EQA 250	251.7
Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE 87kWh - 225 kW	251.7
Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE 87kWh - 290 kW	251.7
Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor	251.7
Porsche Taycan Turbo Sport Turismo	251.7
Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor ER	251.7
Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD	254.8
Mercedes EQE SUV AMG 53 4MATIC+	254.8
Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo	254.8
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 45 quattro	257.9
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro	257.9
Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD GT-Line	257.9
Mercedes EQB 250+	257.9
Mercedes EQE SUV AMG 43 4MATIC	257.9
Porsche Taycan 4S	257.9
Tesla Model Y Performance	257.9
Audi e-tron GT quattro	261.0
Audi Q4 e-tron 45	261.0
Porsche Taycan	261.0
Tesla Model 3	261.0
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX	261.0
Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor ER	261.0
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 40	264.1
Audi Q8 e-tron 50 quattro	264.1
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan	264.1
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT	264.1
Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD	264.1
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore	264.1
Mercedes EQE SUV 350 4MATIC	264.1
MG MG4 Electric 77 kWh	264.1
Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo	264.1
Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo	264.1
VinFast VF 8 Eco Extended Range	264.1
VinFast VF 8 Plus Extended Range	264.1
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro 4MOTION	264.1
BMW i4 eDrive35	267.2
CUPRA Tavascan VZ	267.2
Mercedes EQA 250+	267.2
NIO EL7 100 kWh	267.2
Porsche Taycan 4S Plus Sport Turismo	267.2
Porsche Taycan Turbo S	267.2
Volkswagen ID.5 GTX	267.2
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 45	270.3
Mercedes EQE SUV 350 4MATIC	270.3
Mercedes EQE SUV 500 4MATIC	270.3
Skoda Enyaq RS	270.3
Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor	270.3
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro	270.3
Genesis G80 Electrified Luxury	273.4
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long Range AWD	273.4
NIO EL6 100 kWh	273.4
Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo	273.4
Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo	273.4
Skoda Enyaq 85x	273.4
Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 50 quattro	276.5
Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD	276.5
Porsche Taycan Plus Sport Turismo	276.5
Porsche Taycan Turbo	276.5
BMW i4 M50	279.6
CUPRA Born 170 kW - 77 kWh	279.6
CUPRA Tavascan Endurance	279.6
Kia EV9 99.8 kWh RWD	279.6
Mercedes EQE SUV 300	279.6
Nissan Ariya 87kWh	279.6
Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor	279.6
Polestar 2 Long Range Performance	279.6
Porsche Taycan GTS	279.6
Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance	279.6
Audi SQ8 e-tron	282.7
Lotus Eletre R	282.7
Mercedes EQE SUV 500 4MATIC	282.7
Skoda Enyaq 85	282.7
Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS	282.7
Tesla Model X Plaid	282.7
Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S - 4 Seats	282.7
Volkswagen ID.5 Pro	282.7
Hongqi E-HS9 120 kWh	285.8
Volvo EX90 Single Motor	285.8
XPENG P7 AWD Performance	285.8
Mercedes EQE AMG 43 4MATIC	288.9
Mercedes EQE AMG 53 4MATIC+	288.9
Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor	288.9
Rolls-Royce Spectre	288.9
Volvo EX90 Twin Motor	288.9
XPENG G9 AWD Performance	288.9
XPENG P7 Wing Edition	288.9
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor	292.0
Polestar 3 Long Range Performance	292.0
Skoda Enyaq Coupe 85x	292.0
BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan	295.2
BYD HAN	295.2
Mercedes EQE SUV 350+	295.2
Tesla Model X Dual Motor	295.2
Volkswagen ID.7 Pro	295.2
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	298.3
Ford Mustang Mach-E ER RWD	298.3
Porsche Taycan 4S Plus	298.3
Voyah Free 106 kWh	298.3
XPENG G9 RWD Long Range	298.3
BMW iX M60	301.4
BYD SEAL 82.5 kWh AWD Excellence	301.4
Mercedes EQS SUV 580 4MATIC	301.4
NIO ET5 Touring 100 kWh	301.4
Porsche Taycan Plus	301.4
Skoda Enyaq Coupe 85	301.4
BMW i7 M70 xDrive	304.5
Mercedes EQS SUV 450 4MATIC	304.5
Mercedes EQS SUV 500 4MATIC	304.5
Polestar 3 Long Range Dual motor	304.5
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long Range 2WD	307.6
Lotus Eletre	307.6
Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor	307.6
XPENG P7 RWD Long Range	307.6
BYD SEAL 82.5 kWh RWD Design	310.7
Mercedes EQS SUV 450+	310.7
NIO ET5 100 kWh	310.7
Zeekr 001 Privilege AWD	310.7
Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro	313.8
BMW iX xDrive50	313.8
Mercedes EQE 500 4MATIC	313.8
NIO ET7 100 kWh	313.8
Peugeot e-3008 98 kWh Long Range	313.8
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor	313.8
Zeekr 001 Performance AWD	313.8
BMW i7 xDrive60	316.9
Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC	316.9
BMW i4 eDrive40	320.0
Mercedes EQE 350	320.0
BMW i7 eDrive50	323.1
VinFast VF 9 Extended Range	323.1
Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S	323.1
Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 55 quattro	326.2
Mercedes EQE 300	326.2
Fisker Ocean Extreme	329.3
Fisker Ocean One	329.3
Mercedes EQE 350+	329.3
Zeekr 001 Long Range RWD	329.3
Fisker Ocean Ultra	332.4
Mercedes EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+	332.4
Tesla Model S Plaid	348.0
Tesla Model S Dual Motor	357.3
Lucid Air Touring	360.4
Lucid Air Pure AWD	366.6
Mercedes EQS 500 4MATIC	366.6
Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC	366.6
Mercedes EQS 450 4MATIC	379.0
Mercedes EQS 450+	394.6
Lucid Air Dream Edition P	413.2
Lucid Air Grand Touring	413.2
Lucid Air Dream Edition R	425.6

 

Conclusion:

Separating fact from fiction is crucial as electric vehicles become an integral part of the automotive landscape. As technology continues to advance and infrastructure expands, electric vehicles are likely to mporve,  For now, an Electric-Gasoline hybrid is a smarter choice, offering the flexibility of both options and unlimited range.

 

References:

Many references are incorporated into the text above, by the links to the sources. Below are additional references.