Common myths about EVs, debunked

Quick insights

• Car manufacturers are coming out with a range of fully electric and hybrid electric models every year, but oftentimes there are myths about them.
• Electric and hybrid cars may have some benefits to a consumer, such as requiring less maintenance.
• It’s important to understand how these new cars work to help you make the right choice.

Electric and hybrid vehicles present new and different questions for car buyers, and Chase Auto is here to help you navigate the quickly accelerating world of electric driving. Below are a few common misconceptions—and real stories—about electric vehicles (EVs).

Myth: EVs require more maintenance than gas-powered vehicles

Fact: EVs need less servicing—except in one important area

Without all the fluids and parts that go into an internal combustible system, EVs require less routine maintenance, such as oil changes and transmission repairs. Due to the regenerative braking system in EVs, there’s also less wear and tear on brakes and brake pads.

EVs do typically require more maintenance than traditional cars in one area: the tires. Because the EV battery is so heavy, tires on EVs can wear out faster. Most tires last 50,000 miles; EV tires may need to be replaced after 25,000. Technicians also typically recommend more frequent tire rotation.

Learn more about EV maintenance.

Myth: EV batteries need to be replaced frequently

Fact: Most EV batteries stay healthy for more than a decade

EV owners will likely see a 1-2% degradation in battery health each year—similar in some ways to how cell phone batteries slow down over time. But generally, EV batteries should last 12-15 years, or 100,000-200,000 miles, in a moderate climate, according to research from U.S. Department of Energy.

Just as there are ways of keeping your engine happy in a gas-powered car, there are ways of maintaining battery health in an electric car:

• Avoid driving or parking the car in extreme heat or cold
• Don’t let the charge drop to zero; ideally, keep the battery at a 20-80% charge to optimize long-term battery health
• Limit direct current (DC) “fast” charging

Learn more about EV battery health.

Myth: Charging an EV takes a long time

Fact: There are fast—and faster—ways to charge

It’s true that charging an EV takes longer than filling up at the gas station—but drivers have multiple charging options that might be just as convenient (and faster than you’d think).  

Charging options are categorized by three “levels,” with Level 1 being the slowest and Level 3 being the fastest. Very few drivers use Level 1, which refers to a standard wall outlet, because it is relatively slow.

Most EV drivers charge at home with Level 2—a 240-volt outlet, like the one needed for clothes dryers, which can bring most EVs from empty to 80% charge in 4-10 hours. This is convenient for those who charge overnight and use the car for daily commutes.

Those in need of a faster charge—typically when on the road for a longer drive—can utilize Level 3 “fast chargers,” which can bring most EVs from empty to 80% in just 20 minutes. Drivers have reported using this time to “make a pit stop”—stretching, using the restroom, grabbing coffee, visiting a convenience store, or making a call.

Charging capabilities are constantly evolving and will likely become even faster and more accessible in the future.

Learn more about EV charging times.

Myth: EV charging stations are few and far between

Fact: Charging ports are easier to find than ever—and more are on the way

Even though most EV owners charge at home, prospective EV buyers often cite worries about the ability to charge on the road. Fortunately, public charging stations are becoming more and more common.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of charging ports nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023, and more are on the way as the result of a $7.5 billion investment from the federal government in 2023. The goal: 500,000 public EV charging stations by 2030.

Learn more about the growing EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.

In summary

Common myths surrounding EVs relate to maintenance, battery health, charging times, and public charging availability. Knowing the facts can help prospective EV buyers navigate the quickly accelerating space of electric cars.