Top 10 EV Myths Dispelled - Part II

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, but a number of lingering misconceptions are still drifting out there in the public consciousness. To help debunk some of the outdated and misleading information floating around, we spoke to Michele Krayniak , NYPA’s eMobility Program Marketing Manager, who helps us celebrate National Drive Electric Week.

Check out Part I here .

Myth #6: There aren’t enough charging stations available

Michele says:

“There are currently more than 14,000 Level 2 and DCFC fast chargers installed across New York state.

Many people can meet their driving needs by plugging in only at home. Most EVs can be charged with a standard 120 Volt (Level 1) outlet. To charge the vehicle more quickly, you can install a dedicated 240 Volt (Level 2) outlet or charging system. And for those who live in apartments or condominiums, EV charging stations are becoming a more common building amenity.

To find chargers in your area visit our ‘Trip Planner’ tool on the EVolve NY website.”

Myth #7: EVs are worse for the environment due to power plant emissions

Michele says:

“Electric vehicles typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging. Plus, EVs have no tailpipe emissions.? According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists , upstate New York is the cleanest place to drive an EV in all of the US!

Generating the electricity used to charge EVs may create some carbon pollution, but the amount varies widely based on how local power is generated, e.g., using coal or natural gas, which emit carbon pollution, versus renewable resources like wind or solar, which do not. Even accounting for these electricity emissions, research shows that an EV is typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new gasoline car. To the extent that more renewable energy sources like wind and solar are used to generate electricity, the total GHGs associated with EVs could be even lower.

EPA and Department of Energy's (DOE’s)?Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator ?can help you estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with charging and driving an EV or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) where you live. You can select an EV or PHEV model and type in your zip code to see the CO2?emissions and how they stack up against those associated with a gasoline car.”

Myth #8: The electric grid can’t handle EV charging demand

Michele says:

“Electric vehicles have charging strategies that can prevent overloading the grid, and, in some cases, support grid reliability.

It is true that the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road will lead to increased electricity demand. Yet, how that impacts the grid will depend on several factors, such as the power level and time of day when vehicles are charged, and the potential for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging among others. Some other things to consider:

• EVs can be charged at off-peak times, such as overnight, when rates are often cheaper.
• In a typical household it is shown that EV charging consumed less electricity than water heating and air conditioning.
• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging?allows EVs to act as a power source that may help with grid reliability by pushing energy back to the grid from an EV battery. This is done by allowing EVs to charge when electricity demand is low and drawing on them when that demand is high.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE)?Build a Better Grid Initiative , launched as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide over $13 billion towards improving the reliability and efficiency of the grid over the next decade.”

Myth #9: EVs are only good for city driving

Michele says:

“While EVs are good for city driving, they can also be used for long highway trips, thanks to the availability of fast chargers such as EVolve NY’s public network of reliable fast chargers among major highway corridors and at large airports. The state’s largest fast charging network, EVolveNY, offers 170 chargers at 43 locations and plans 400 units by the end of 2025.? See a map here.

Ultimately drivers will be able to travel all of New York State with confidence that a charging station is within an average of 50 miles of their location. Charging up only takes 15-30 minutes. Chargers make it easy to travel to many of the state’s primary tourist attractions: Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, Adirondack Park, the Canadian border, New York City, the Hamptons, the Hudson Valley, and more.

Myth #10: Cold weather makes EVs unusable

Michele says:

“All vehicles, whether they are powered by a battery or an internal combustion engine (ICE), lose range in cold weather due to increased air drag.? EVs can lose up to 25% of their range in really cold winter weather.? But with an average EV range of 270 miles, the usable range is still a practical 200 miles.

The EV Battery Management System automatically adjusts for weather extremes and determines speeds for a fast, safe charge. It also monitors and protects battery life and ensures battery warranty.”