13 Truths About Electric Vehicles No One Wants To Hear
These days, EVs have a “ready or not, here we come” attitude. If you were considering investing in an EV after seeing your neighbor’s brand-new Tesla, think again.
Having a clear picture of what lies beneath the promise of a greener future is important. Besides the federal tax credits and the latest trends, many things get swept under the rug.
So, here are 13 lesser-known facts about the future of the electric industry that are indeed true.
1. Range Anxiety is A Big Problem
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.
Despite recent advancements in EV battery technology, EVs still have a long way to go before catching up to traditional gas vehicles. Range anxiety—the fear that your new shiny EV will run out of power before you reach your destination, is still a major concern.
Most EVs are advertised as having nearly 300 miles of range on a full charge. However, as of December 2023, more than 50% of EVs have failed to meet their EPA-estimated range estimates, according to Consumer Reports. This only highlights the
2. Charging Infrastructure Needs Work
While urban areas and mainstream cities boast many EV chargers, rural and suburban regions often lag behind. This inconsistency can make long-distance travel a nightmare for every EV owner. Not to mention, even in areas with charging stations, this will remain a big problem.
Why? As EVs become more popular, the not-so-common charging stations will get crowded. Issues like broken chargers and long waiting times are just the tip of the iceberg. The peace of mind of knowing that there’s always a gas station around the block just isn’t there for EV owners yet.
3. Charging Time Is No Pit Stop
It takes five to seven minutes to refuel a gas vehicle completely, pay the gas station attendant, and pull out. But recharging an EV? It can take hours, depending on the charger and the vehicle. Even with the best DC fast chargers, you’re still looking at around 30 minutes to an hour for an 80% charge.
That’s a long coffee break when you’re used to a five-minute drive to the gas station. This waiting period can turn a quick errand into a time-consuming task and suck all the fun out of road trips.
4. The Price Tag Is Steep
EVs are expensive. While you may think government incentives and tax credits are available, the upfront cost is still higher than almost all traditional gas vehicles. It is also crucial to remember that only some people qualify for these programs.
This makes EVs a luxury and inaccessible to many of the population. The savings on fuel and maintenance are appealing, but the initial investment can be a barrier for many would-be EV owners.
5. Home Charging Isn’t Exactly Cheap
Your only options for home charging are Level 1 and Level 2 charging. On average, Level 1 charging can add up to three miles of range to your EV in an hour. On the other hand, Level 2 charging can be added anywhere from 30 to 45 miles to your EV. Level 1 and 2 chargers typically cost between $400 and $1,200.
You’ll also need to budget for installation, which can run an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the setup and local labor rates. Oh! And this only works if you have a private garage or driveway for a home charging station.
6. Battery Degradation Over Time
Like any other device with a battery, an EV’s battery degrades over time. This means reduced range and fuel efficiency as the years go by. Replacing the battery is also costly and not exactly environmentally friendly.
This gradual but imminent performance decline is frustrating and adds to the long-term cost of owning an EV. It also highlights a new problem: the uncertainty about how much a used EV is worth. The wear and tear on a battery aren’t as visible as on an engine, making it harder to decide if it’s time for a new battery.
7. Environmental Impact of Battery Production
The greener future EVs promise has a few holes in it. While your EV may be eco-friendly on the road, making its battery can be pretty damaging. Creating EV batteries comes with its own set of environmental hazards. Mining for lithium, cobalt, and other essential materials can harm ecosystems and often expose laborers to harsh conditions.
Plus, the geopolitical implications of sourcing these materials can’t be ignored, as it can lead to resource conflicts and exploitation in some regions. These details often get overlooked in the shiny green marketing of EVs.
8. The Hidden Carbon Footprint
Even though it looks like EVs have zero emissions on the road, there is another side to this. Their overall carbon footprint also includes manufacturing and the source of the electricity used to charge them.
In areas where electricity comes from fossil fuels, the environmental benefits of EVs aren’t as clear-cut. To truly realize the green potential of EVs, manufacturers, and automakers need to switch to cleaner energy sources altogether.
9. Electric Grid Strain
As more and more electric vehicles continue hitting the road, the demand on our power grid will inevitably grow. The existing infrastructure might not be equipped to handle this surge, potentially leading to increased electricity costs and the need for major overhauls.
With their high energy demand and aging grid systems, states like Florida could be particularly vulnerable to these challenges. This is a pressing issue in winter when everyone has their own space heater plugged in.
10. Cold Weather Performance Issues
Anything with electricity needs some heat to be functional, and EVs are no different. EVs struggle in cold temperatures. Low temperatures affect battery performance, reduce range, and require longer charging. Plus, heating the cabin in winter draws further power, leaving you with less range.
The issue isn’t just about reduced range; the battery’s chemical reactions slow down, affecting its overall performance. Driving an EV can be a serious drawback if you live in a chilly country like Canada.
11. Charging Stations Aren’t Very Durable
As of May 2023, 21.4% of EV owners reported that they could not charge at a charging station. The reason? Chargers were always either crowded, malfunctioning, or straight-up offline. Now, imagine if gas pumps had to be replaced every few years.
The upkeep of these charging stations, especially as they become more common, is essential to keeping the EV ecosystem running smoothly. It’s simple: if you can’t get a charging booth, you’ll have to find a wall socket to plug into.
12. Terrible Resale Value
According to experts at CarEdge, EVs lost nearly half of their original value on day one when they walked off the lot. Simultaneously, internal combustion engine cars saw a 6% decline in overall value over 18 months in 2022.
As newer EV models with better ranges and features hit the market, older ones can depreciate even faster. Your EV’s resale value might be lower than you expect, making it a risky investment.
13. The Future of EVs Is Uncertain
Technological advancements, regulatory changes, and market dynamics will all play a role in shaping the landscape. It’s a bumpy road, and besides the marketing campaigns, the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
From possible success in battery technology to shifts in government regulations, the future of EVs can present opportunities and challenges for how EVs affect our lives. Staying updated and evolving might be the only way for consumers and the electric vehicle industry to survive.
Author
