Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent in our society. In urban areas, low-emission buses are being chosen for local passenger transport. Rental systems for electric scooters and bicycles are also becoming more popular. Additionally, courier services are using electric vans for package delivery, and there is an increase in the number of low-emission private cars on the roads.
Without the green license plates, an untrained observer may not notice the number of electric vehicles they pass each day.
However, despite the growing popularity of this technology, there are still many misconceptions surrounding electromobility. In this article, we will debunk the 5 most popular myths about electric cars.
As we face the challenge of meeting the growing needs of the population while also protecting the environment, it is important that we make changes to our existing habits. This problem is already here today, and we need solutions immediately. Electric vehicles are the solution to the problem of massive CO2 emissions from transportation. They are a low-emission technology that can help minimise consumption of the planet’s resources. Combined with technological advancements, electric cars have begun to meet our high expectations for reliability and range. It is interesting to note that the first electric cars were built as early as 1828 in Hungary. Additionally, the first Tesla Roadster model was launched 16 years ago in 2008.
It is worth keeping in mind the year 2025 as it could be a breakthrough. According to car market experts’ forecasts, the prices of combustion and electric cars will equalize. From then on, prices will only fall as technology becomes more widespread and production is optimized. Incentive programs, such as the ‘My Electrician’ program or low-interest financial instruments for entrepreneurs, can be significant. Additionally, small perks like free parking in designated zones or the expansion of public charging networks can also be beneficial. However, it is important to note that the cost of entry into this technology is still relatively high. However, it is worth comparing the prices of electric cars with new internal combustion cars in the same class. You will find that there is no longer a gap between them. Electric vehicle users emphasize that you can forget about costs, refuelling, servicing, replacing fluids, and repairing mechanical systems later on.
Electric cars face their toughest conditions in winter when temperatures drop, but they still perform well. Tests conducted in Norway, one of Europe’s colder countries, are considered authoritative. Twice a year, the Norwegian automotive association NAF and MOTOR magazine conduct ElPrix tests to compare the range of electric cars in summer and winter. Out of the 31 models tested, the range varied from 228 to 530 kilometers. Bjørn Nyland also conducts an interesting comparison series on his YouTube channel. He shows how long it takes to drive 1,000 kilometres and recharge the battery along the way. According to his ranking NIO cars (with two battery changes en route) and Tesla Model S achieved the best results. It takes them 8 hours and 55 minutes each to travel the distance. Interestingly, in Poland, the average daily distance covered is only 30 kilometers. This raises the question of whether it is necessary to increase the range of such vehicles for everyday use.
Who among us hasn’t heard media reports of electric car fires? This misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and concern. While it is true that electric car fires occur, they are not as frequent or as severe as portrayed in the media. In fact, they occur less often than fires in internal combustion vehicles and are easier to control. The Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association has conducted a thorough analysis of the issue, and the results may surprise many. Out of 6192 vehicle fires of all types that occurred in Norway between 2016 and 2023, only 153 involved electric vehicles (which accounts for 2.5% of cases, compared to 83.3% of internal combustion vehicle fires). These incidents were more frequently caused by factory technical faults, such as heating failure or cabin interior fire, rather than battery failure or explosion.
Electric cars undergo the same crash tests as combustion cars. Surprisingly, they did not catch fire even when tested at higher speeds than standard tests. German company Dekra has published crash results of popular cars, dispelling myths and addressing safety concerns. The tests proved that safety systems disconnect the high-voltage power supply in the event of a crash. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Tesla products are the top three safest cars with a 5/5 star rating. This is due to their excellent weight distribution, which prevents rollovers, and their robust design featuring an energy-receiving and energy-dissipating crumple zone.
The topic of recycling electric cars may be a source of skepticism for some. However, it is important to note that only individual components of electric cars, such as batteries, are recycled rather than the cars in their entirety. These components are often still in good condition and valuable, so they should not be discarded or simply ground up. The recycling problem is expected to be taken care of by the first battery disposal factories and companies. They are only now starting to be built. However, the secondary market will be the real opportunity until the problem appears on a larger scale in 10-15 years. Access to good-quality, high-capacity batteries supports the creation of domestic RES energy storage facilities.
It is important to remember that we are currently experiencing significant economic changes. These changes involve a transition from the linear product life cycle to a circular one. Leading manufacturers’ gigafactories are also adapting to this shift by incorporating plans to recycle old batteries and use them to produce new ones, as part of their operations and environmental responsibility.
Myths about electric vehicles are often the result of ignorance and are quickly out of date. The technology has developed rapidly, and manufacturers are racing to improve their products’ performance. Electromobility is a one-way street, and its development is inevitable.
If you’d like to learn more about green inocitatives read “Green Jobs – How the Energy Transition Creates New Employment Opportunities?”.
Author: Agata Kuźmińska, Instytut Zielonej Przyszłości.
The inaugural conference of the project “Life After Coal PL – Implementation of the Climate Neutrality Strategy for Eastern Greater Poland 2040” took place on 29 June in Konin. The main part of the conference was preceded by a meeting of the Steering Committee. Letters of appointment were issued. During the conference, the action plan […]
The official launch of the Life After Coal programme took place at the Marshal’s Office of the Greater Poland Region in Poznan. More than 30 municipalities will participate in the project. The main goal is to achieve climate neutrality in Eastern Greater Poland.
The first meeting of the project steering committee was held on 28 September. The main topic was green standards, i.e. environmentally friendly measures.
