Breaking Down Electric Vehicle Myths And Misconceptions That Still Persist in 2025

Electric vehicles have reached a tipping point, with global sales hitting 14.1 million units in 2024 and representing over 20% of new car sales worldwide. Despite this remarkable growth and technological advancement, persistent myths continue to influence public perception and purchasing decisions.

Articles like this are challenging to write since the landscape changes so quickly. In fact, I originally wrote this article back in 2020 and then 2023 and now just two years later in 2025 stuff has changed again. It's difficult to get 100% accurate information but the important thing to consider is that the trends continue to favor EV adoption - despite the current state of skepticism among some folks in our government who would prefer an economy powered by fossil fuels.

So, with that said, let's take a look at some of the most common myths and misconceptions that I hear about EV cars and trucks ...

Electric Vehicles Create More Pollution Than Gas Cars

Environmental data conclusively demonstrates that EVs produce significantly lower lifetime carbon emissions than gasoline vehicles. Research shows that an EV is typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new gasoline car, even when accounting for electricity generation. Studies indicate that if all new cars transition to zero-emission vehicles, it would prevent 2.79 million pediatric asthma attacks and save hundreds of infant lives by 2050.

The manufacturing carbon footprint, while initially higher due to battery production, gets offset within the first 15,000-20,000 miles of driving. EVs are about three times more energy-efficient than the best internal combustion engines, with typical EV well-to-wheel efficiency of 70-80% compared to 20-30% for modern gasoline cars.

EVs Cannot Handle Long Road Trips

Modern electric vehicles excel at long-distance travel, making them perfect for guys trips and family road trips. Many EVs can travel over 300 miles on a single charge, with models like Tesla's Model S capable of over 400 miles. The UK alone has 15,874 rapid or ultra-rapid charging devices across 6,176 locations, while the US maintains over 200,000 public charging stations.

The EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation mandates fast-charging stations every 60 km along major highways by 2025. Planning tools and smartphone apps make route planning seamless, often adding just 15-30 minutes to traditional road trip schedules.

Electric Vehicle Batteries Die After a Few Years

Battery technology has advanced dramatically, with most EV batteries now warranted for 8-10 years or 100,000+ miles. Most electric vehicle batteries are expected to last much longer than their warranties, with continually improving lifespans. Real-world data shows many EV batteries retain 80-90% capacity after a decade of use.

Battery pack prices are expected to fall by an average of 11% annually from 2023 to 2030, with Goldman Sachs predicting prices will reach £75 per kilowatt hour by 2025. When batteries do reach end-of-life, they find second careers in home energy storage systems.

EVs Will Overload the Power Grid

Grid strain concerns represent perhaps the most persistent myth about electric vehicle adoption. If 80% of all passenger cars become electric, this would lead to a 15-25% increase in total electricity consumption—still representing less than 1% annual growth through 2050 with managed charging. According to Consumer Reports, electrifying all passenger vehicles by 2050 would require less than 1% annual growth in overall electricity generation.

Smart charging technology and vehicle-to-grid systems actually help stabilize electrical grids. EVs can push power back from car batteries to the grid to balance variations in energy production and consumption. The transition happens gradually over decades, giving utilities ample time to adapt infrastructure.

Electric Vehicles Cost Too Much to Own

Total cost of ownership calculations favor EVs significantly. Research shows that owning an electric car can save $12,000 or more compared to a gas car over the vehicle's lifetime due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. The average American driver spending $2,000 annually on gasoline would pay just $560 on electricity to charge an EV at home.

EVs are expected to reach price parity with internal combustion engines starting in 2027, with battery costs now at $115/kWh and continuing to fall. Federal tax credits up to $7,500 plus state incentives further reduce upfront costs, while EVs never require oil changes or major engine repairs.

EVs Perform Poorly in Cold Weather

Cold weather performance has improved substantially with thermal management systems and improved battery chemistry. While range can decrease on average to 80% of rated range in winter conditions (with individual models ranging from 5% to 32% loss), the same efficiency challenges affect gas vehicles due to factors like increased heating demands and thicker fluids. Just like gasoline-powered cars, this doesn't mean you can't use electric vehicles in cold weather conditions.

Pre-conditioning while plugged in, using seat heaters instead of cabin heat, and parking in garages help maintain optimal performance. Many EVs include heat pumps that work efficiently even in sub-freezing temperatures, maintaining comfort during winter off roading adventures.

There Are No Places to Charge EVs

Charging infrastructure expansion has accelerated dramatically. Over 75,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations operate in the United States as of February 2024, hosting approximately 215,000 individual charging ports—more than doubling since 2020. 86 new charging hubs opened in the first quarter of 2025 alone in the UK.

There were 79,654 electric vehicle charging points across the UK as of April 2025, with rapid chargers growing 68% year-over-year. Workplace charging, destination charging at hotels and attractions, and home charging options continue expanding rapidly across urban and rural areas.

EVs Lack Power and Performance

Electric powertrains deliver instant torque and impressive acceleration that gas engines cannot match. Many EVs accelerate from 0-60 mph faster than sports cars, making them thrilling for spirited drives and highway merging. The instant torque delivery provides excellent low-end power for towing and off roading applications.

Electric motors generate maximum torque immediately, unlike gas engines that require RPM buildup. This characteristic makes EVs particularly responsive for city driving, mountain roads, and overtaking maneuvers during road trips.

EV Manufacturing Damages the Environment More Than ICE Cars

While EV battery production does require mining lithium, cobalt, and other materials, lifecycle analysis shows substantially lower environmental impact than oil extraction, refining, and combustion. One ton of mined lithium emits nearly 15 tons of CO2, but this gets offset quickly through clean operation.

Laws ban battery disposal in landfills, and manufacturers actively address environmental concerns with stricter regulations and transparency. Battery recycling programs recover 95% of materials, while oil products get burned once and create permanent pollution.

Electric Vehicles Are Too Complicated to Maintain

EV maintenance proves remarkably simple compared to internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gas-powered counterparts, meaning fewer opportunities for breakdown and repair. A 2020 study found that EV drivers pay about half what drivers of gas-powered vehicles pay for maintenance and repairs.

No oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, timing belts, or transmission maintenance required. Brake pads last longer due to regenerative braking systems. Software updates delivered over-the-air often improve performance and add features, similar to smartphone updates.

The Road Ahead for Electric Mobility

EVs are projected to account for approximately 25% of light-vehicle sales by 2025, growing to 30% by 2030 under current policies (with higher projections of 65% possible under accelerated net-zero scenarios). Battery technology continues advancing with solid-state batteries promising even greater range and faster charging speeds. Smart grid integration and renewable energy expansion will further reduce environmental impact while improving convenience. As charging infrastructure reaches ubiquity and costs continue falling, the transition from myth to mainstream adoption accelerates toward an electric future that delivers superior performance, lower costs, and cleaner air for everyone.