WE’VE ALL BEEN guilty of believing the myths.  

Sometimes things that seem too good to be true are simply that. Other times we want to believe something so much that we convince ourselves that it’s the truth as a result.

While it’s only natural to have concerns when changing your car, and even more so when you’re thinking of switching to your first EV, there are many misconceptions out there that are making motorists think twice.

We’ve taken a look at some of these myths, some of which are outdated and others which are just plain fantasy.

Myth#1: Electric vehicles are actually more expensive to run

With the recent rising prices of electricity across the world, you may have heard that running an electric vehicle now costs way, way more than a petrol or diesel car. This is completely untrue, for several reasons.

EVs are easier on your pocket. Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov / Andrey_Popov

EVs are much more efficient, costing you less to run. The cost of fuel itself is cheaper – especially if you have a home charger – meaning you can save up to 67% on fuelling your car, according to the latest figures for SEAI. You can also avail of a grant for the installation of a home charger, making it even cheaper.  

EVs suffer less wear and tear than petrol and diesel cars, meaning visits to the garage will cost less. With less moving parts, you no longer have to worry about sinking money into your car to fix things like a faulty gearbox, as EVs don’t need one.

Myth#2: EVs don’t reduce emissions  

A couple of years ago, a report from Volvo said that emissions from the production of electric cars are far higher than a petrol equivalent. However, it turned out that Volvo had massively underestimated emissions associated with fuel production and overestimated emissions in electricity generation as well as the fuel efficiency of its petrol car. 

Unfortunately, once something is on the internet, it’s there for quite a while. Volvo has pledged to make only electric vehicles from 2030 (as they’re more efficient), but it doesn’t stop this myth from appearing every now and then.

In Europe, lifetime emissions for EVs are approximately two-thirds of a combustion-engine car. EVs are 100% the smarter choice for reducing emissions.

Myth#3: EV sales are slowing down

You may have come across an EV naysayer. They’re typically someone who is against switching to a more efficient and less expensive motoring option, for whatever reason. 

You might have heard them say that “actually, EV sales are slowing down.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In 2017, 1.4% of cars sold were electric. In 2023, that was 20%, or one in five. This highlights the ever-increasing popularity of EVs. Overall, we’re trending towards a world where electric vehicles become more popular than petrol or diesel options.

Myth#4: Holding onto an older car is more environmentally friendly than switching to an EV

You might have a soft spot for an old banger of a car that you made countless memories with. Parting with it for an EV might be a tricky thing to face.

Keeping a car on the road for as long as you can is environmentally responsible, but it’s not the perfect solution. Switching to an EV when the time is right does save more emissions in the long run.

If your car looks like this, it might be time to say goodbye to it. Shutterstock / Photo_SS Shutterstock / Photo_SS / Photo_SS

A 2022 study showed that replacing an old car with an EV can potentially pay off the carbon debt of manufacturing an EV within 18 months. Exact timelines depend on each make of vehicle, but it’s worth remembering that the repayment of the debt begins immediately and continues throughout the EVs lifespan.

So, with those myths busted, how many did you believe before this? You’re now armed with the perfect counterpoints to those who look down upon the EV revolution. 

Visit Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) to learn more about electric vehicles and the grants available.

ZEVI has been established to support consumers, the public sector and businesses to continue to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.