Got EV envy? Is that shiny Tesla tempting you to open your wallet? Maybe the Nissan Leaf is calling for a second glance. Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage, with clear advantages over gas-powered cars. But what’s stopping you? For many consumers, there are a few reasons why EVs might be a tough sell. Let’s debunk the top five myths (with some truth to set the record straight) about these environmentally friendly rides.

Myth #1: EVs Are Slow

This is far from true. In fact, electric cars accelerate quicker than traditional gasoline cars, thanks to their ability to instantly produce torque (the force that moves the car forward). This allows EVs to accelerate faster than their gas counterparts.

While gas-powered cars might sometimes have higher top speeds, this varies by make and model. For instance, electric vehicles like the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV can reach top speeds of 124 mph. The Audi 2022 e-tron GT takes it further, hitting 154 mph.

On the more affordable side, the Nissan Leaf can reach 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 98 mph. Clearly, EVs have impressive acceleration.

While gas cars may boast higher top speeds, EVs excel in quick acceleration.

Myth #2: EVs Are Unsafe

Driving always carries risks, whether in an EV or a gas-powered vehicle. But are EVs themselves more dangerous? The short answer: not really.

A common concern is the risk of battery fires. Lithium-ion batteries are high voltage and can, in rare cases, trigger a process called “thermal runaway,” where the battery overheats, leading to smoke, fire, or even an explosion. Some also argue that fast charging might increase this risk, though there's little evidence to support that.

Tesla’s Impact Report indicates that electric car fires are rare. Between 2012 and 2020, there was one Tesla fire for every 205 million miles driven, compared to one car fire for every 19 million miles driven by other vehicle types.

While battery fires can burn longer due to the size of EV battery packs, gasoline vehicles catch fire too. It's still early days for conclusive data, but so far, EV fire risks don’t seem to outweigh those of traditional cars.

Myth #3: EVs Are Too Small for Families

Some people think EVs are just small, sporty rides suited for tech enthusiasts rather than families. However, there are plenty of spacious EVs that accommodate families of all sizes. Models like the Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt all seat five comfortably.

Modern EVs also come packed with family-friendly features like infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and multiple USB charging ports. Plus, many EVs have extra space with a front trunk ("frunk"), making them roomier than many gas cars.

EVs are getting bigger too. Seven-seater electric vehicles are already in development, and in some places, electric school buses are replacing diesel ones.

Myth #4: Charging EVs Is Expensive, Slow, or Inconvenient

Charging an EV may take some getting used to, but once you understand how it works, it’s not any more hassle than refueling a gasoline car.

Let’s address cost first. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, if electricity costs $0.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and your vehicle uses 33 kWh to travel 100 miles, the cost per mile is about $0.04.

If your EV has a 200-mile range and a fully depleted 66 kWh battery, charging it will cost about $9. Compare that to filling up a gasoline tank, and it's easy to see why EV charging isn't all that pricey, especially when gas prices hover around $3.15 per gallon.

As for charging time, it depends on the charger. A fast charger can top up most EV batteries to 80% in under an hour, although frequent fast charging may wear down the battery over time. For daily use, it’s better to charge your EV overnight at home.

Contrary to belief, EV owners don’t need to hit 100% charge every time. In fact, experts recommend charging between 20% and 80% to prolong battery life.

Myth #5: EVs Aren’t Reliable

This myth has stuck around since the earliest electric vehicles hit the market. But there's little evidence that EVs are less reliable than gas-powered cars.

According to Consumer Reports, mid-range EVs ($35,000-$45,000) actually score higher on reliability than some luxury electric vehicles. One reason EVs may be more reliable is their simplicity—fewer moving parts mean less can go wrong. However, as automakers gain more experience and technology evolves, reliability will likely improve.

While EV batteries can fail, most automakers offer long warranties—typically 8 to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

To ensure reliability, make sure to charge your EV regularly, ideally overnight, to keep it ready for your daily needs.