7 Electric Car Myths

As the world prepares for the future of vehicular transportation, it is time to revisit the reality of plug-in electric cars. Are we ready to break-up with the gasoline pump? Who is with me in embracing the clean, green possibilities of PEHVs?

Gas-powered cars are familiar and comfortable. We know what we have when we buy or drive one of them. Most of us have probably grown up not having any other experience than that at the gas station – refueling our vehicles with refined petroleum. It is so much easier to point to the hurdles of switching to alternative fuel-based or electric cars, rather than jump in to save the planet and achieve energy independence. Really, its not going to be as tough a switch as you might think.

Let’s go through the 7 electric car myths:

1. Myth: Electric cars won’t be able to go far enough on a single charge. Fact: Currently, the new Chevy Volt which will be available in 2010 will be able to go 35-40 miles (the distance of 80% of commutes) before fuel is used for the electrical charge. However, many estimate that the range will be improved to 80 miles before any gasoline will be burned. The cars can be plugged in and recharged during the day for a gasoline-free commute home in the evening.

Chevy Volt - All Plugged in

2. Myth: Electric cars are wimpy and not fast enough. Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth! Speeds up to 100 miles per hour can be reached, and the Chevy Volt can go from 0-60 in 9 seconds with a 150-HP equivalent engine.

3. Myth: I can’t fit my entire family into an electric car. Fact: Auto manufacturers are developing electric SUVs, as well as sedans. There is no reason to compromise on leg and luggage room. Check out the Phoenix Motorcars SUV or the Hyundai Santa Fe Electric.

4. Myth: Electric cars are too expensive and I won’t make up the difference by saving gas. Fact: While it is true that you’ll spend from $2000-$4000 more for a plug-in electric hybrid, the cost gap may be addressed in part through incentives, subsidies and rebates. And it is not just about the cost for the vehicle – PEHVs may be allowed by local government to have access to car-pool lanes. Over the life of the car, you’ll spend far less time at gas stations and can expect lower maintenance costs than with your gas-guzzler. Of course, there are significant environmental benefits too, that we simply cannot put a price on. As explained on the Cal-Cars website:

We say above that you can fill up your “electric tank” for less than $1/gallon. How? Using the average U.S. electricity rate of 9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 30 miles of electric driving will cost 81 cents. If we optimistically assume the average US fuel economy is 25 miles per gallon, at $3.00 gasoline this equates to 75 cents a gallon for equivalent electricity. Compared to a regular hybrid’s real-world 45 miles per gallon, it’s effectively $1.20/gallon.

PHEVs are meant to plug-in at night. In many areas of the country, overnight power is available at a lower cost. As PHEVs start to enter the marketplace, we’ll see increasing support from electric utilities, as they’ll offer reduced nighttime rates to incentivize off-peak charging. In some areas where wind and hydropower is wasted at night, the rate can be as low as 2-3 cents per kWh. That’s 20-25 cents a gallon.

5. Myth: The hype over electric cars will pass and then I’ll have an obsolete vehicle. Fact: No, this time no one will “kill” the electric car. Gas prices have gone up too much, our national debt is too high, and unrest in the Middle East simply is not worth our addiction to oil. Auto manufacturers, government and influential corporations like Microsoft are all working to get PEHVs on the road, with appropriate infrastructure to ease consumer use. Not only that, but celebrities like Tom Hanks are also spreading the word. Here is Tom Hanks debunking some common electric car myths in the David Latterman show:

6. Myth: I don’t have the right kind of plug for an electric car. Fact: Yes you do! PEHVs are plugged right into ordinary household outlets (120 volts). Most can be re-charged in 30 minutes or less. Government agencies and employers are leading the charge (if you will) to install re-charging stations on streets, in parking garages and at park-and-ride facilities to increase convenience.

7. Myth: Owning an electric car will not really have less of an impact on the environment. Fact: Battery electric vehicles emit 67% less greenhouse gases than gasoline cars, and this figure can climb even higher if renewable energy sources such as solar power are used instead of coal to generate electricity. Plus, PEHVs get cleaner as they age because the power grid is continually getting cleaner, as well. In short, even on a coal-based grid, electric cars are better for the environment. Add in the potential for alternative fuels to be used (ethanol or bio-diesel) instead of gasoline, and the green factor goes up even more.

The Bonus Myth: Electric cars are boxy and ugly. This electric car myth is unfair, considering the current options. Fact: Watch the following video to change your mind: