April 4, 2019 • EPE Related News
El Paso Electric clarifies common electric vehicle misconceptions
El Paso Electric clarifies common electric vehicle misconceptions
Remember your flip phone? For most of us, the thought of going back to one is unthinkable now that we know the power of smartphones. That’s kind of how it is when people switch from gasoline-fueled vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
Why electric?
Tony Reyes, a senior engineer with El Paso Electric (EPE), purchased his first EV five years ago and has added two more to his family fleet since then.
“Returning to driving a gasoline vehicle on occasion feels like taking a step back in time,” Reyes says. “The noise, vibration, and fumes are jarring once you’ve grown accustomed to the performance and feel of an EV.”
Common misperceptions about electric vehicles
Beyond the driver’s seat experience, EVs offer convenience, savings and numerous environmental benefits as well. So, why aren’t more people driving them? Though they’re becoming more popular, there are still plenty of misconceptions about EVs, Reyes says. Here are six of them:
Myth #1: EVs are too expensive
EVs are more affordable than ever these days. There are many low-cost, used EVs on the market, and new models have become competitively priced with their gasoline-fueled equivalents.
Once purchased, EVs can cost a third as much to operate per mile than traditional vehicles, and insurance costs for them are decreasing. Maintenance costs are lower too, as EVs have about 10% of the moving parts found in gasoline-fueled engines and transmissions. There are no pistons, valves, spark plugs, belts, engine oil and air intake filters to worry about in an EV, and the brake components often last for the life of the vehicle. Fewer parts to maintain and replace means less money spent per mile to keep an EV running.
Myth #2 The batteries for EVs are too expensive
EV battery prices have dropped over the years and continue to do so. Manufacturers are also providing longer battery warranties than ever, with many offering eight-year, 100,000-mile warranties and some even offering lifetime warranties.
“Increasing warranty terms demonstrates manufacturer confidence in battery durability and should help allay fears that buyers will be stuck with a large battery replacement bill during their ownership period,” Reyes says.
Myth #3: The environmental impact of EVs is worse than those of traditional vehicles
Actually, EVs are better for the environment. They produce zero tailpipe emissions.
“Controlling pollution in battery production and disposal is much easier given that you are dealing with elements in a solid form,” Reyes says. “Dealing with pollution from tailpipe emissions generated by gasoline-fueled vehicles is very difficult as these emissions are in the form of gases and fine particulates that make their way into our air and water.”
EVs are becoming cleaner, too, as lower-carbon emission technologies – like solar, wind, natural gas and nuclear energy – are used to produce the electricity required to power EVs. Batteries are also environmentally-friendly as lithium ion batteries can be recycled into new ones, or even repurposed for other uses.
Myth #4: The range of EVs is too short, and it takes too long to charge them
Today, the driving ranges of EVs are longer than ever, with most being able to drive 200-300 miles on a single charge. They also charge quickly—up to 80% capacity in 20-30 minutes. Reyes says most people plug them in at night, start their daily commute with a full battery and rarely visit a public charging station.
Myth #5: They don’t drive as well as traditional vehicles
EVs provide a smoother driving experience than vehicles with gasoline-fueled engines. Electric motors provide nearly instant torque, which translates into a more responsive and controllable feel. EVs don’t have conventional transmissions with multiple gears, so there are no interruptions in power delivery nor sensations of jerkiness. The silent, vibration-free operation of electric motors adds to the smoother driving experience.
Myth #6: EVs aren’t safe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that EVs over the last seven years have proven to be some of the safest on today’s roads. Between 2011-2018, the three vehicles with the lowest probability of injury have all been EVs. They’re less likely to roll over in an accident due to the low center of gravity provided by the battery pack, are less likely to catch fire and have more space to absorb crash energy since engine and transmission components are non-existent.
EPE is joining the vehicle evolution
Recognizing all the benefits, EPE has incorporated EVs into its fleet of service vehicles. They are setting an example for the communities they serve and created an informational website to help demystify EVs for the community.
“EVs can provide cost savings that allow fleet owners like EPE to run operations more efficiently and provide better service to customers,” Reyes says. “EPE is also aware of the importance of minimizing its carbon footprint and emissions, and electrification of EPE’s fleet is an important part of our overall sustainability goals.”
Bottom line
If you're still pumping gas, it’s time to maybe reconsider your next vehicle. While millions of people have realized the benefits of EVs, millions more could save time, money and the environment by plugging in their vehicles instead of pumping them full of fuel. For more information on EVs and to calculate exactly how one could benefit you, visit El Paso Electric’s EV webpage.
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