EV Mythbusters
Every day, more and more electric vehicles (EVs) are rolled out on the market, but people still have a lot of questions about their capabilities. So, who are you going to call when you have questions about EVs? Your local electric cooperative! Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is here to help bust any myths you may have heard about owning an EV.
MYTH: EVs waste a lot of energy
Electric vehicles are more energyefficient than standard combustion vehicles, which leads to less wasted energy and reduced overall energy consumption. EVs typically convert 80% of their battery into driving power and consume very little power when stationary. Modern EV braking systems even allow the vehicle to store kinetic energy from braking for later use.
MYTH: EVs have limited range and charging options
Modern EVs are shattering the idea that you can only travel short distances at a time. Many new models offer ranges that easily exceed 200 miles and sometimes reach 300 miles on a single charge. And with an ever-expanding network of DC fast charging stations across the country, long-ranged travel in an EV is more possible than ever.
MYTH: EVs are more expensive
Let’s blast away the misconception that EVs are more expensive than traditional vehicles. EVs sometimes have a higher upfront cost, but drivers can receive up to $7,500 in tax credits with the purchase of a qualifying EV, and many current automakers have comparable price scales for EVs and their combustion engine counterparts. On top of that, EVs have little to no maintenance or fuel costs required, so you save more in the long run.
MYTH: You can't drive an EV in the winter
Most modern EVs “ain’t afraid of no winter driving” because they are equipped with sophisticated battery management systems that help maintain optimal performance even on the coldest of days. While some EVs can lose up to 40% of their standard charge on an extremely cold day, heating and performance are never compromised. The precondition option in modern EVs helps a plugged-in vehicle warm the cabin before you even get behind the wheel.