Three Electric Vehicle Options and Four Myths about Electric Cars

With advancements in technology, increased affordability, and a growing charging infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. This blog will dive into the different kinds of EVs available and address common misconceptions.​

What are the different kinds of electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles come in various forms, each utilizing electricity in some fashion to power the vehicle. Here are the definitions of each type, according to the Department of Energy:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These all-electric vehicles, also called battery electric vehicles, have a battery that is charged by plugging the vehicle into charging equipment. These vehicles always operate in all-electric mode and have typical driving ranges from 150 to 400 miles.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor. They charge batteries through charging equipment and regenerative braking. Using electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some or all the time reduces operating costs and fuel use, relative to conventional vehicles.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Today’s hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. HEVs combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions with the power and range of conventional vehicles.

Each type offers different benefits, but all contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.​ According to MIT, researchers found that on average, gasoline cars emit more than 350 grams of CO2 per mile driven over their lifetimes. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, meanwhile, scored at around 260 grams per mile of carbon dioxide, while the fully battery-electric vehicle created just 200 grams. That’s equivalent to saving the annual carbon footprint of three average American households.

Debunking common myths about electric vehicles

Myth 1: EVs are too expensive.

Fact: They aren’t too expensive for the average driver.

While the upfront cost of some EVs can be higher than gas-powered vehicles, the total cost of EV ownership is much more affordable. Thanks to federal tax credits of up to $7,500 and additional state incentives in places such as Massachusetts, many EV buyers can reduce the price of their new EV by thousands of dollars.

In addition, some financial institutions (like us!) offer discounted rates for folks looking to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle, which can help you save even more.

Myth 2: EVs don’t have enough range.

Fact: According to the EPA, electric vehicle range is more than enough for typical daily use in the U.S. The EPA states that EV models go over 200 miles on a fully charged battery, with all new models rated for more than 100 miles on a single charge.

However, it is true that all cars, whether gas-powered or electric, will lose efficiency in colder weather. For conventional gasoline vehicles, fuel economy can decrease by approximately 15% in city driving at 20°F compared to 77°F. EV fuel economy, meanwhile can drop by about 41% in cold conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Despite these reductions, both electric vehicles and gasoline vehicles provide sufficient range for daily driving needs. Assuming you start with 200 miles of range on a fully charged battery, you’ll still have 118 miles of range to get where you need to go in a cold snap.

With technological advancements emerging globally, vehicle technology will also improve, leading to enhanced cold-weather performance for all vehicles.

Myth 3: EV batteries need frequent replacement.

Fact: The Alliance of Climate Institute states that EV batteries are designed for long-term use, and even when they reach the end of their automotive life, they are repurposed or recycled rather than discarded in landfills.

Most EV manufacturers offer warranties that cover battery performance for seven to eight years, or approximately 100,000 miles. However, many EV batteries are expected to last well beyond this, potentially outlasting the vehicles themselves.

Myth 4: You can never find charging plugs.

Fact: The EPA states that access to EV charging will increase significantly in the coming years as a result of government initiatives put in place as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including an investment of up to $7.5 billion to build out a national network of electric vehicle chargers along highways, and in communities and neighborhoods.

In Vermont, this investment is already making a massive impact. The state has over 400 public charging stations, earning the state the highest number of chargers per capita in the U.S. The northeast region as a whole is also experiencing rapid growth in EV infrastructure. In the second quarter of 2024, the northeast saw a 13.2% increase in public charging ports, the largest regional growth in the country during that period.

Buying a new car of any kind isn’t an easy decision. To help you be more informed as you go through the car shopping process, check out some of our other blogs on what to know before buying an EV and how buying an electric car can save you money.