As with any new technology, a veil of mystery shrouds the process of charging electric cars. Several myths surround charging and using EV charging stations in general. Let’s take a look at five of the most common myths and provide some clarity on the issues. 

Myth #1: It takes too long to charge an EV

Charging an EV battery using a standard household outlet takes a long time when the charge is depleted. It’s rare to fully discharge an EV battery with a 200-mile range, or more, because most people drive less than 50 miles on average daily. This low discharge allows topping off the EV battery overnight using a household outlet an easy process.

Most people also opt to install a Level 2 home charger when they buy a new EV. This allows them to recharge their EV in 10 hours or less. There are public options for Level 2 charging stations and DC fast chargers if you cannot install a home station. A DC fast charger allows modern EVs to gain 200 to 300 miles with 20 to 30 minutes of charge time. 

Myth #2: It’s hard to find a charging station

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are nearly 50,000 public charging stations in the United States. While there are many stations, specific design elements prevent an EV from using any manufactures’ charging station. However, there are numerous public stations in every large metropolitan area. 

Myth #3: It costs a lot to charge an EV

Comparing the cost to drive 25 miles in a 2022 Toyota Prius to a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV results in the Bolt coming in at $1.43 cheaper, according to J.D. Power. Comparing EV driving costs to traditional internal combustion engine vehicle driving costs requires factoring in the price of petroleum-based fuel and the cost of electricity as well as the efficiency of the vehicles involved.

For instance, a highly efficient gas-powered car using low-cost gasoline could cost less to drive than an inefficient EV using expensive electricity, but that is a rare circumstance. Also, most EV owners charge their batteries at home overnight using less costly off-peak electric rates. 

Myth #4: Charging an EV isn’t eco-friendly

Generating electricity in the United States is not free from environmental impact. Many wonder if using the electrical grid to charge an EV is less polluting than operating a fuel-efficient gasoline car. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator shows that driving a 2022 Hyundai Kona EV produces 120 grams of C02 per mile using average US electricity for charging. In contrast, the average new gasoline vehicle produces 410 grams per mile. 

Myth #5: Adding more EV charging will overpower the electric grid

The concern of charging EVs adding to the rolling brownouts common across the US is genuine. But for the most part, it takes place during off-peak hours, which reduces the impact on the electrical grid. In addition, a properly equipped EV can provide power to your home in an emergency or during peak electrical prices when the house is set up to accommodate the influx of electricity. 

Is owning an EV a good decision?

As the purchase price of EVs continues to fall and the deployment of public stations increases across the nation, there’s never been a better time to own an EV. The lower cost of driving per mile, the reduced maintenance fees, and lowering your greenhouse gas emissions are all excellent reasons to switch from petroleum-based transportation to electric.