Myth #3: It takes weeks or even months to cross the US in an EV
This is probably one of the most disingenuous arguments out there against EVs. Yes, earlier EVs did have limited ranges and the inability to rapid charge, but these days that’s not true for most. There was even a forward e-mail going around slamming the Chevrolet Volt (a plugin hybrid that could take long trips on gas power) for taking months to cross the country only 25 miles at a time.
The quickest way to bust this myth is to look at Plugshare.com. You can set it to show plugs for a Tesla, a Chevy Bolt, or any other EV. You’ll find that for most models, there are stations available along multiple routes across the country.
Yes, there are currently gaps in some parts of the country, but living in or regularly traveling to those areas is a great job for a plugin hybrid. Keep in mind that these gaps are being filled as new charging stations get put in.
The charging infrastructure is getting better all the time. In the early days of gas cars, people had a similar argument because gas stations were few and far between. So much so that people had to take additional gas with them if they were traveling a long distance. Luckily, electricity is already just about everywhere.
It is true that short-range EVs like an early Nissan LEAF would take a lot longer to cross the US than a comparable gas powered car, and even new EVs that come without rapid charging capability would suffer this problem.
The key is to shop smart and get an EV with good range and rapid charging or buy a plugin hybrid. Or, if you want a cheap EV to travel short distances, keep a gas car around for the long trips.
Be smart. Don't buy a short range city car if you take a lot of longer road trips!
There are a lot of options. All you need to do is think ahead and plan accordingly.
The quickest way to bust this myth is to look at Plugshare.com. You can set it to show plugs for a Tesla, a Chevy Bolt, or any other EV. You’ll find that for most models, there are stations available along multiple routes across the country.
Yes, there are currently gaps in some parts of the country, but living in or regularly traveling to those areas is a great job for a plugin hybrid. Keep in mind that these gaps are being filled as new charging stations get put in.
The charging infrastructure is getting better all the time. In the early days of gas cars, people had a similar argument because gas stations were few and far between. So much so that people had to take additional gas with them if they were traveling a long distance. Luckily, electricity is already just about everywhere.
It is true that short-range EVs like an early Nissan LEAF would take a lot longer to cross the US than a comparable gas powered car, and even new EVs that come without rapid charging capability would suffer this problem.
The key is to shop smart and get an EV with good range and rapid charging or buy a plugin hybrid. Or, if you want a cheap EV to travel short distances, keep a gas car around for the long trips.
Be smart. Don't buy a short range city car if you take a lot of longer road trips!
There are a lot of options. All you need to do is think ahead and plan accordingly.