5 common myths about electric cars and plug-in vehicles

In a society where interest in plug-in vehicles has completely exploded in the last decade, questions have also been raised. Many motorists are concerned about how durable an electric car is, how long they can drive on a charge and the safety of these vehicles, and a lot of false myths have arisen over the years.

In this blog post, we clarify and dispel the five most common myths about electric cars and plug-in vehicles.

Common misconceptions and myths about electric cars

Let's face it - driving is expensive in today's society. Gasoline and diesel prices are skyrocketing, and you may be one of those people who are thinking about getting an electric car or a rechargeable vehicle. Perhaps you are also a skeptic, having heard a lot of bad things about electric cars and charging, and are hesitating.

We know there are a lot of false claims out there, so we want to clear up some of the most common ones.

"The range of electric cars is limited"

Perhaps the most common misconception about plug-in vehicles is that they have a limited range. Let's make one thing clear: this is not the case, although there is a little bit of truth to it. While earlier models did have a limited range, today's EVs can often go very far on a single charge. 

Cars such as the Tesla Model S and Model 3 have a range that can exceed 60 miles on a single charge, while the most common electric car on the Swedish market - the Volkswagen ID.4 - can travel around 50 miles on one charge. 

In short: Definitely a myth - not true (anymore).

"It is expensive to have an electric car"

It is also a common misconception that electric and plug-in vehicles are significantly more expensive than diesel or petrol cars. While the purchase price may be higher for an electric car, it is important to consider the total cost in the longer term. 

In many cases, electric cars have significantly lower running costs because electricity is cheaper than gasoline or diesel. They are also cheaper to maintain as they have fewer moving parts. Many municipalities also offer tax breaks and subsidies to make EVs more affordable. Therefore, in the long term, the total cost of ownership of an electric car can be comparable to or even cheaper than a conventional car. 

In short: Partly a myth - an electric car may be more expensive to buy but the overall cost is often similar or less than a petrol or diesel car.

"Charging infrastructure is underdeveloped"

Many people believe that there are not enough charging stations for electric cars, making it difficult to charge when and where needed. In fact, the charging infrastructure both in Sweden and in Europe has grown exponentially in recent years. 

More and more charging stations have been built, both along roads and in urban areas, and EV charging has become increasingly convenient and accessible, especially in and around big cities. Moreover, most EVs can be charged at home or at the workplace. Many new initiatives are currently being taken to implement a more extensive charging infrastructure also in northern Sweden.

In short: Partly a myth - charging infrastructure is somewhat underdeveloped in northern Sweden.

"The batteries on electric cars are bad"

Modern electric cars use high-quality lithium-ion batteries and advanced battery management technology to prevent excessive discharge and overcharging, which extends battery life. In addition, many car manufacturers have warranties that cover the batteries for years or miles. Many EV drivers have reported minimal loss of range over time. In addition, battery recycling methods have become more advanced, reducing the environmental impact. 

In short: Definitely a myth - not true.

"Electric cars do not work in cold or heat"

While it's true that extreme temperatures can have some impact on battery performance and range, in general, EVs work in both cold and heat, and the vast majority of EVs are now equipped with heat pumps or air conditioning systems that help regulate the temperature of the battery pack to improve performance in extreme weather conditions, among other things. This particular feature is under constant development, with each new model handling both cooling and heating better than its predecessors. 

In short: Partly a myth - extreme heat or cold can affect performance.

HERE you can read more about the electric car market in Sweden and the different types of rechargeable vehicles.