Debunking the 4 Most Persistent Myths About EV Chargers
Electric vehicles (EVs) are among the biggest changes to cars in recent memory. While hybrids run on both fuel and electricity, EVs run fully on a new source of power that’s much cleaner than traditional alternatives.
However, the chargers that replenish them come with a few common misconceptions. Debunking and discussing these myths can help manufacturers and consumers identify genuine areas for improvement in these increasingly necessary pieces of infrastructure.
- EV Chargers Take a Day to Charge a Car
Many people avoid converting to an EV because of the refueling process. Getting gas takes a few minutes, but many people incorrectly believe that EVs typically take a day to recharge and that if your electric car’s battery dies, you’re out of wheels for at least 24 hours. Whether someone needs to run out for groceries or is running late for work, that possibility makes them hesitate about switching from internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, this myth is undoubtedly untrue.
According to Car and Driver, the time it takes to recharge a battery will depend on the battery’s size, the power source and the capacity of the charger. So, Level 1 chargers that use a 120-volt source will take at least a day to fully recharge an EV, but there are multiple options. A Level 2 charger that uses 240 volts can recharge one in an average of 7 or 8 hours, while a Level 3 charger at 350-500 kilowatts could recharge in as little as half an hour.
Level 3 chargers are typically much more expensive than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, so many homes install a Level 2 charger. This allows for overnight charging when necessary, but future goals will likely include reducing the time required to repower an electric car and extending battery life. Using less energy will naturally make the process more sustainable. Additionally, drivers should note that battery health stays optimal when it spends minimal time at 0% and 100% charge.
- Charging Creates More Emissions Than It Saves
A common discussion around both EVs and their charging is that they impact the planet just as much – if not more – as ICEs. This does have some merit – from the battery alone, building this type of car can create about 80% more emissions than a standard vehicle, according to MIT research. Additionally, the most significant source of their emissions after production is the energy used to charge their batteries. In countries that mostly rely on fossil fuels for power, EV emissions are quite high.
Those numbers are still equal to or better than ICEs. Gasoline-powered, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles emit 350 grams (g), 260 g, and 200 g per mile, respectively. Annually, the U.S. Department of Energy found that EVs released 3,923 pounds of carbon dioxide, while hybrids emitted 5,772-6,258 pounds and ICEs expelled an astounding 11,435 pounds. When using the average carbon intensity of the U.S. power grid, researchers also found that electric cars emit 25% less CO2 than hybrids.
The numbers look even better when the electricity source is renewable. The same MIT research found that EVs could emit 61% less CO2 than hybrids when charged in Washington, where hydropower accounted for most electricity generation. The opposite is also true — the research found that charging in West Virginia produced more emissions than a hybrid because the grid used coal. While it still emitted less than an ICE, this shows that electric cars are most sustainable when their charging is, as well.
- Home Charging Is Too Expensive
Another common myth about EV chargers is that they’re too expensive to install at home. That would leave EV drivers to rely on public charging stations for hours at a time, making buying these cars unfeasible. However, the charger’s cost largely depends on the level you choose and the amount of work required. For instance, based on HomeGuide data, a Level 2 charger can cost $1,200. If they’re necessary, permits, inspections, additional features and accessories, and electrical upgrades will increase the final price.
There are ways to make the chargers less expensive. Comparing the total cost of ownership across your options can help you find cheaper options that don’t lock you into contracts. Installing the charger indoors avoids the necessary extra labor and material costs of installing it outside, while permit, inspection and labor rates will vary depending on where you live. There is also a federal tax credit that covers up to 30% of the purchase price and up to $1,000 of the installation expenses.
Lastly, charging an electric car doesn’t add very much to your power bill. The average monthly energy bill in the U.S. costs $115 to $160, and EV charging can add $55 to $70, depending on your local rates and how often you use the charger. Level 3 chargers are what will cost you the most – they can cost $20,000 to $50,000.
- Charging Stations Are Too Hard to Find
Range anxiety is still very prevalent among those who haven’t bought an electric car because charging stations aren’t as ubiquitous as gas stations. They worry about being out and about and having nowhere nearby that can charge their vehicles. Luckily, charging stations are becoming more common as EVs do. There are 77,758 charging stations in total in the U.S. and 237,823 charging ports nationwide.
The amounts do vary by state – California has the most stations at 18,905. North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, West Virginia, Alaska and Wyoming have fewer than 200. However, these and other states have more charging ports than they do stations because not all chargers are at stations. Parking lots and garages have also begun offering charging ports so drivers can top off their batteries while they shop, attend events, work and more. They get a bit more freedom this way.
Additionally, including more of these chargers could impact the grid. An MIT study found that if this issue is left unaddressed, evening charging peaks might require installing over 20% more power generation capacity. Charging at work instead can reduce the evening peak load and make use of solar-generated electricity, greatly improving the sustainability of electric cars. This approach also helps decrease traffic at charging stations because they’re not the only option for repowering.
EV Chargers Are Still Paving the Way Forward
There are many misconceptions about EV chargers. While some rely on outdated conceptions or worst-case scenarios, there are elements of these myths worth paying attention to. Charging speeds, electricity generation and charging station placement can significantly affect electric cars’ emissions, while federal assistance can make purchasing them more affordable. As the world transitions toward EVs, addressing these challenges can make the transition even more sustainable and accessible.
