5 Myths About EVs Debunked: What You Need to Know

As we move through 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) have shifted from a "futuristic trend" to a primary choice for drivers. Yet, a few stubborn myths still linger in the passenger seat.

Myth 1: "Range anxiety" makes long trips impossible.

The Reality: Modern EVs now average about 280–310 miles on a single charge. While "range anxiety" is a common fear for 48% of first-time buyers, studies show that after just a few weeks of ownership, that concern drops to about 22%.

• The Math: In 2026, 95% of daily car journeys are under 25 miles. Even on long hauls, ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) can now add 100+ miles of range in just 10–20 minutes—roughly the time it takes to grab a coffee and use the restroom.

Myth 2: EV batteries die quickly and are too expensive to replace.

The Reality: You’ll likely replace the car before you replace the battery. Data from early 2026 shows that modern EV batteries retain 80–90% of their capacity after 8–10 years of use.

• The Life Cycle: The average annual degradation is only about 2.3%. Most manufacturers provide an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Even when a battery "retires" from a car, it usually has a "second life" (another 10–15 years) powering homes or the power grid before being 95% recycled.

Myth 3: EVs are actually "dirtier" because of the power grid.

The Reality: Even on a grid that uses fossil fuels, EVs are significantly cleaner over their lifetime. While manufacturing an EV battery is more carbon-intensive initially, the "emissions parity" (the point where the EV becomes cleaner than a gas car) is typically reached within 6 to 24 months of driving.

• The Efficiency Gap: Internal combustion engines (ICE) only convert about 16–25% of fuel energy into movement. EVs convert over 87%. As the global grid becomes greener with solar and wind, your EV literally gets "cleaner" every year you own it. read more

Myth 4: EVs are "fire traps" compared to gas cars.

The Reality: Statistically, you are much safer sitting on a battery than on a tank of gasoline. According to data compiled in 2025/2026, there are approximately 25 fires per 100,000 EVs sold. Compare that to 1,529 fires per 100,000 for traditional gas vehicles.

• The "Why": EV fires get more media attention because they are "new" and require different firefighting techniques (like more water for cooling), but the actual risk of an incident is over 60 times lower than in a gas-powered car.

Myth 5: The power grid will collapse if everyone switches to EVs.

The Reality: The grid isn't just "holding on"—it’s evolving. Energy experts note that because most EVs charge at night (off-peak hours), they actually help balance the grid.

• Smart Tech: In 2026, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is becoming standard. This allows your car to act as a giant "power bank," sending energy back to the grid during peak demand. Instead of crashing the grid, your car is actually becoming part of the solution to stabilize it.