EV Myths Busted—Top 10 Concerns For Future Electric Vehicle Owners
As the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, many prospective EV buyers have a variety of concerns about becoming an EV owner in 2023. From worries about the range and charging infrastructure to affordability and environmental impact, many factors must be considered when deciding whether or not to make the switch. With so much information out there, it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this article by Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, MI, we’ll look at some of the top concerns associated with owning an EV in 2023 and what potential solutions exist for each one. We’ll also discuss how EVs compare with traditional gasoline-powered cars in terms of cost, performance, and maintenance costs. By understanding these critical issues before making a purchase decision, you can rest assured that your transition into EV ownership will be as smooth as possible with accurate information about your concerns in one place.
Fear of Initial Higher Upfront Costs
While the upfront cost of an EV may be higher than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle, EVs offer significant savings over their lifetime. In most cases, running costs are cheaper than petrol and diesel cars because electric units don’t require regular servicing and maintenance like combustion engines. They also, of course, don’t require you to spend money regularly on filling your tank with gas. Though public EV charging often does come with a cost, that cost is minuscule compared with typical expenditures on gas-powered vehicles.
Furthermore, those upfront costs are easier to mitigate than ever before thanks to new tax credits for electric vehicles that were introduced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
These new credits are expected to go into effect for cars put into service after December 31, 2022, and will stay in place until 2032. EVs that cost less than $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for Vans, SUVs, and pickups may be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, while used EVs could be eligible for up to $4,000. To check if your vehicle qualifies for this program, the Alternative Fuels Data Center for the U.S. Department of Energy has a tool to determine eligibility.
Range Anxiety
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, range anxiety is the fear of running out of battery or the inability to charge your EV on the road. Fortunately, today’s EVs offer drivers ample range compared to the past generations. In fact, most modern EVs can travel over 200 miles per charge, and many larger vehicles have ranges that exceed 300 miles. With a full charge, the 2023 North American Truck of the Year, Ford’s F-150 Lightning can drive up to 320 miles, making it one of the longest-range EVs available.
With more public charging stations popping up across the country, EV owners can rest assured that they won’t be stranded without a charge. Knowing the locations of charging stations in advance and utilizing tools like the FordPass App can give EV owners extra peace of mind.
The FordPass Charging Network makes it easy to find charging locations on the road, thanks to an easy-to-use map and single payment source. Plan your next road trip with the help of FordPass Power My Trip, a feature that automatically considers where you’ll need to stop for a quick charge, so you don’t have to think twice about your next charge.
Range anxiety should continue to decline in 2023 and beyond, thanks to improvements in the technology of electric vehicles, making electric vehicles more efficient, lighter, and more affordable. Cars can now travel farther on a single battery and recharge more rapidly as a result. This is fantastic news for anyone who might have previously been reluctant to switch to electric vehicles due to range anxiety
High Maintenance Costs
Some people think electric vehicles require more maintenance than gasoline-powered cars, but this simply isn’t true. EVs have fewer moving parts, including no spark plugs, valves, fuel tanks, mufflers, starters, belts, or hoses, among other items that vehicles with internal combustion engines require regularly. And while your electric car battery pack may cost upwards of $10k, it’s built to be modular so that you can fix one cell at a time, and with its comprehensive warranty shouldn’t have an issue you’ll have to deal with out of pocket. In fact, the All-Electric E-Transit model is estimated to require 40 percent less scheduled maintenance than the average gas vehicle over eight years/100,000 miles or whichever comes first.
In 2023, we expect EVs to become even more reliable and less expensive to maintain. This is due to battery technology improvements and charging management software advancements that can monitor a car’s health in real-time. This will enable electric vehicle owners to stay on top of their car’s condition and ensure that any minor issues are addressed before they become major problems.
Extreme Weather Concerns
Many people worry about the performance of electric cars in extreme weather and difficult terrain. Electric vehicles are designed to handle all kinds of weather, from scorching summers to freezing winters. Many EVs have features such as heated seats and steering wheels that allow you to stay comfortable in any climate.
However, there is some validity behind the concerns that extreme weather can impact how well electric vehicles perform, possibly limiting the range and charging time. The battery chemistry, driving habits, and other elements are to blame for this. While hot temperatures may speed up battery reactions and harm the protective structure, cold temperatures will quickly empty the battery. The majority of EVs have built-in heating and cooling systems to control the temperature to help combat this. Throughout history, combustion engine drivers have adapted ways to maximize fuel efficiency and performance. Similarly, electric vehicles have simple ways to increase and preserve performance. To limit weather-related risk, warm up your cabin and batteries before driving in cold weather, keep your charge between 20 and 80%, and park in shaded areas when it’s hot out. Check out our 7 tips to maximize your EV’s range and efficiency this winter.
Towing and Hauling Concerns
Another common concern is towing and hauling. Perhaps due to early popular EV models tending towards sedans and other small vehicle types, vehicle owners requiring towing capacity may not have considered electric vehicles. However, EV trucks are rising in 2023 and have proven to be powerful and reliable on off-road trails. This is a huge development, as it opens up the possibility of electric vehicles to those needing to tow and haul heavy loads. For example, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to an impressive 10,000 lbs, specifically when it is equipped with the Extended Range battery. At the same time, the basic battery pack can handle a maximum payload of up to 2,000 lbs.
Battery Life Concerns
Battery life is another common concern for EV drivers. Initially, electric vehicles had a shorter lifespan than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, advances in battery technology have improved EV batteries significantly over the last few years. Modern car batteries are designed to last 15-20 years or 100,000-200,000 miles with minimal degradation. It is estimated that, on average, EVs lose 2.3% of their battery capacity annually.
To put this into perspective, if you buy an EV today with a range of 150 miles, after five years, you would have lost around 17 miles of accessible range. Providing additional reassurance, most EV manufacturers offer a warranty of around 8-10 years for their battery pack, which guarantees that a battery will be replaced free of charge if it fails before the end of the warranty period. So in 2023, most EV owners can be confident that their batteries will remain in good condition for as long as they own the car.
Safety Concerns
Like all vehicles, the relative safety of EVs depends on the particular make and model. Overall, electric vehicles are actually very safe. In fact, the design of electric vehicles eliminates some of the safety hazards associated with gas-powered cars.
EVs don’t have an engine, exhaust system, or fuel tank, which means there is no risk of fire or explosion due to fuel leakage. Additionally, many EV models boast advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates electric cars highly for safety and reliability, making them some of the safest vehicles on the road.
Resale Value Concerns
Finally, it’s also essential to consider the potential resale value of electric cars. The market for used EVs is still growing and maturing, so it can be difficult for owners to estimate what their vehicle might be worth down the line. Currently, KBB.com states that the average new vehicle can retain around 40 percent of its original value after five years, depending on factors such as the model, location, supply and demand, and overall condition. However, it should be noted that past performance does not necessarily indicate future results, particularly if EVs continue to have limited availability and high demand.
That said, second-hand EV prices should increase as more drivers switch over to electric models. Additionally, as battery technology and design continue to improve, the resale value of electric cars should begin to rise. To ensure you get a good return when selling your EV, make sure regular maintenance is done and that any existing warranty remains valid.
Terrain Concerns
Multi-terrain capability is also something many prospective owners consider before buying an EV. Popular electric vehicles are often designed for urban and suburban areas but may struggle in rural places with steep inclines or unpaved roads. That said, EVs have become more capable of tackling rugged terrain over the years, and many models now offer off-roading capabilities, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Moreover, the increased torque of an EV often means they can navigate hills and gravel more easily than a conventional car. To ensure your EV is up to the job, inquire about the car’s maximum road gradient before purchasing it. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a DC fast charger for long-distance trips or extended off-roading adventures.
Overall Lack of Familiarity With EVs
The last concern many people have before buying their first EV is one that is likely to affect any new technology: a lack of familiarity. According to a 2021 JD Power survey, 60% of buyers aren’t educated enough to make a decision about EVs. An electric vehicle may seem intimidating to someone who has never owned one before, so it’s important to do your research and get a feel for how EVs work. It’s always best to talk to someone who owns an EV or take a test drive at your local dealership. Don’t know anyone who owns an EV? Born And Raised On Ford, Check Out Longtime Bill Brown Ford Customer Joe Norat And His Transition To The All-Electric F-150 Lightning. By taking the time to understand your electric car, you can get comfortable with it before purchasing one. As we see an increase in automobile electrification over the next five years, keeping up with the latest developments will make it easier for you to make informed decisions on transitioning to an EV and selecting the model that best meets your requirements.
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