EV Myths Busted

Martin Wahl

Figure 1: An average new gasoline vehicle emits almost FOUR TIMES as much GHG as a Mustang Mach-E in Montpelier.

In this article we examine six common misconceptions about electric vehicles (EVs) the EPA deals with on their website (https://bit.ly/EV-myths-1):

• Myth #1: Electric vehicles are worse for the climate than gasoline cars because of the power plant emissions.
• Myth #2: Electric vehicles don’t have enough range to handle daily travel demands.
• Myth #3: Electric vehicles only come as sedans.
• Myth #4: There is nowhere to charge.
• Myth #5: Electric vehicles are worse for the climate than gasoline cars because of battery manufacturing.
• Myth #6: Electric vehicles are not as safe as comparable gasoline vehicles.

Myth #1- Power Plant Emissions Make EVs Worse for the Environment

Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.

• Between 57% and 100% of the electric power generated in Green Energy Times’ readership area (NY, VT, NH, and ME) is sourced from greenhouse gas (GHG)-free sources so their carbon footprint is relatively small. Non-GHG sources include hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear. Northern tier states also import power from Canada; most of it hydro-electric sourced. The percentage of power generated from non-GHG producing sources in March 2022 is shown below. Details are available at www.eia.gov/state:

• • Maine – 75%

  • New Hampshire – 83%

  • New York – 57%

  • Vermont – 100%

• The EPA’s GHG Emissions Calculator (www.fueleconomy.gov) shows total GHG emissions per mile traveled, including “upstream” emission from the production and distribution of gasoline and electricity, for the typical gasoline powered car and the many EVs available today.

Myth #2 – EVs Don’t Have Enough Range

• Fifty electric vehicle models priced under $60,000 (including destination charge) have estimated ranges between 210 and 358 miles. Note that these EVs, except those from Tesla and General Motors, qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 against income tax owed.

• Visit www.insideevs.com to see a variety of vehicle prices and ranges. Disclaimer: InsideEVs is a commercial site that aggregates manufacturer and EPA data and provides links to EV sellers.

• The EPA website provides a variety of vehicle performance comparison tools: www.fueleconomy.gov

To see a list of EV models priced below $60,000, sorted by price with ranges, use this link: Electric Vehicle Ranges + Prices.

Myth #3 – EVs Only Come as Sedans

Today there are many SUV/crossover EVs available with prices ranging from $34,000 to $133,000. For a list showing vehicle type, price, range, and drive configuration, visit Non-Sedan EV Types, Prices, Ranges

• If you add plug-in hybrids to the mix, there are plenty more to choose from.

• Of course, the first Tesla was an electrified sports car, a modified Lotus Elise, and Tesla promises a new version (for $200,000) next year; and Polestar’s 02 Roadster concept car comes with a cinematic drone to document your driving experience – just don’t deploy the drone before entering a tunnel.

Myth #4 – There is Nowhere to Charge

Here is a screenshot from the U.S. Department of Energy website’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station interactive map showing charging stations in the Green Energy Times readership area:

Visit that site (afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html) to zoom in on your area. Also, try PlugShare’s website (www.plugshare.com) to see facility details on their interactive map.

• While most of the East Coast in general is well-covered, there are some areas in the Northeast that need more public charging stations.

• Generally urban areas and their suburbs are well-supplied.

Myth #5: EVs are Worse for the Environment Than Gas Cars Because of Battery Manufacturing

• While some studies show that making a typical EV can create more carbon pollution than making a gasoline car due to the additional energy required to manufacture batteries, over the lifetime of the vehicle total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with manufacturing, charging, and driving an EV are typically lower than those associated with a gasoline car. That’s because EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are responsible for significantly fewer GHG emissions during many years of operation.

• This is especially true for residents of ME, NH, NY & VT where electricity is from 57% to 100% GHG-free sources (see Busted Myth #1, above)

• An exhaustive study by Ford and the University of Michigan further assessed the differences between sedan, SUV and pickup truck vehicle types also differentiating between Internal Combustion (ICE) Hybrid Electric (HEV) and Battery Electric (BEV) powertrain types.

Myth, # 6: EVs Are Not as Safe as Gas-Engine Cars

While Teslas and other electric vehicles catching fire do make the headlines, this may be primarily due to their novelty.

• A recent Forbes article (link HERE) summarized the points about fire danger succinctly:
  • Gas-engine and plug-in hybrid cars are more likely to catch fire than EVs
  • EV fires are, however, more difficult to manage and extinguish
• Crash tests reveal that EVs are at least as safe as others. Two EVs earned IIHS safety awards.
• Additionally, an updated analysis of insurance data shows injury claims are substantially less frequent for EVs than gas-engine cars.

Hopefully, these myths have been laid to rest. Because there is such a wide variety of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to choose from, in both the new and used car markets, readers are encouraged to research models they are interested in to assess their suitability, reliability, and availability. Right now, thanks to Covid and the associated chip shortage, it is a vehicle seller’s market, so you may want to put off a purchase until supply rebounds. It is not too early, however, to start researching the best alternatives available to you.

After a career in data product management, Martin Wahl has worked in biofuels since 2006, currently with Lee Enterprises Consulting, a large bio-economy consulting group. Dividing his time between California and New Hampshire, he serves on Corte Madera, California’s Climate Action Committee and is a Newfound Lake Region Association member.