Myth: EVs are costly to purchase, maintain, and charge.

FACT: In general, switching to an EV becomes more cost-efficient over time. EVs are different than internal combustion vehicles and tend to require less maintenance, as there are fewer moving parts that need to be regularly inspected or changed, such as belts, engine oil, and filters*. AAA “Your Driving Costs” study, “ELECTRIC VEHICLE OWNERSHIP: Cost, Attitudes and Behaviors,” 2020.

Myth: EVs are just for wealthy people and environmentalists

FACT:There is a longstanding assumption that EV owners (and intenders) are a distinct group of people who stick out from society. Recent research has shown that 63 percent of Americans, including both higher and lower income groups, are interested in electric vehicles and that 31 percent would consider one for their next purchase*. Consumer Reports and the Union of Concerned Scientists, “Electric Vehicle Survey” 2019.

How should customers prepare their homes for EV ownership?

In order to use an EV, owners simply need access to an electrical outlet. To charge the larger capacity batteries like those that will be present in Cadillac EVs, many customers should consider having a level 2 charging station professionally installed. Cadillac plans to offer charging solutions and installation support to make the process as easy as possible.

Myth: EVs have minimal range

FACT: The U.S. EPA reports that the MY2020 median driving range for all-electric vehicles is greater than 250 miles*. The average daily commute in the U.S. is approximately 40 miles**. With access to home or public charging, this amount of range helps eliminate range anxiety. https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1167-january-4-2021-median-driving-range-all-electric-vehicles-tops-250

Myth: EVs take too long to charge

FACT: While EVs do take longer to fuel than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered vehicles, with home charging, this can be as seamless as charging a phone at night. EV owners enjoy waking to a “full tank” and eliminating the hassle of gas station visits. Many grocery and retail stores are installing DC Fast Charging that enables EV owners to top-up their batteries while shopping.

MYTH: Public charging is hard to find.

FACT: The myCadillac mobile app with Energy Assist makes it easy to find charging stations, and the network of public charging stations is expanding rapidly. Over the last three years, the availability of public charging outlets has nearly doubled, providing increased convenience for electric vehicle owners. Additionally, Plugshare.com is a popular site (and app) for finding charging stations.

MYTH: EVs are small cars only

FACT: Many early EVs like the Tesla Model 3 have been smaller cars; however, the EV model mix is changing rapidly. Today, BEV utilities include the Tesla Model X, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-PACE. Many of the new volume entries will be SUVs, including the Volkswagen ID.4, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Cadillac LYRIQ.

MYTH: EV batteries deteriorate significantly over time.

FACT: Lithium-Ion batteries are designed with protective measures to ensure longevity of battery life. Most electric vehicles will enjoy a long useful battery life.

MYTH: EVs are unsafe.

FACT: EVs tested for crashworthiness by NHTSA have performed well. The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score* from NHTSA. In addition, energy.gov states that EVs are as safe as conventional vehicles. EVs must undergo rigorous safety testing and meet the same safety standards required for U.S. ICE vehicles. EVs must also meet specific standards for limiting spillage from batteries, securing batteries during a crash, and isolating the chassis from the high-voltage system**

Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NHTSA.gov). Source: Energy.gov

MYTH: It’s not safe to charge an EV in the rain

FACT: Charging stations must be weatherproof and designed to protect both the car and its occupants from electrical shock. Electric vehicle chargers are tested by OSHA-certified laboratories and must meet stringent safety standards set by NEMA, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and Underwriter Labs (UL). Experts assert that it is safe to charge in the rain when using properly installed equipment and following manufacturer recommended charging guidelines*.

Source: PluginAmerica.org

MYTH: EVs are slow.

FACT: With near-instant access to all available torque, EVs offer thrilling performance. Vehicles built from GM Ultium propulsion systems could achieve an estimated 0-60 mph as quick as 3.0 seconds – and we’re just getting started.

MYTH: EVs are worse for the climate than ICE vehicles because of power plant emissions.

FACT: The U.S. EPA reports that “Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.*” https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths

MYTH: The electrical grid won’t be able to handle the future volume of EVs.

FACT: Navigant Research recently reported that the U.S. could add millions of EVs to the current power system without adding power generation capacity. This is mostly because electric vehicles are mostly charged at night when power demand tends to be lower.