We’re clearing it up: Six myths around electric
vehicles
Too little driving pleasure, hardly any range, too much power consumption? There are numerous myths and wrong statements surrounding the topics of electromobility and electric vehicles. We refute six of them and show the facts.
Too little driving pleasure, hardly any range, too much power consumption? There are numerous myths and wrong statements surrounding the topics of electromobility and electric vehicles. We refute six of them and show the facts.
Myth no. 1: The range is not suitable for everyday use
Numerous modern electric vehicles can easily cover ranges of 400 km or more. The best examples of this are the ID. models from Volkswagen, which meet numerous requirements with different battery capacities.
Longer distances are easily feasible with an electric vehicle, but how many kilometres do you actually cover on average every day? Probably rarely more than 100. And if you want to cover a longer distance with your ID. or go on holiday, there is a growing network of public charging stations and quick charging points where you can top up your electric vehicle in a short time. Various apps show you exactly where charging points can be found, including the fastest way to get there.
Myth no. 2: Hydrogen vehicles will catch up with battery-powered electric vehicles in the future
As of today, the costs for hydrogen-powered vehicles are higher than those for battery-powered vehicles. This is largely due to the significantly better efficiency of electric vehicles. The efficiency is 70 to 80 per cent, while hydrogen-powered vehicles only use a good half of the energy for propulsion.
The fuel cell does have some advantages, though. For example, it would allow an even higher range and faster refuelling, which would benefit long-distance journeys and trucks and buses in particular. However, the production of hydrogen also requires a significant amount of renewable energy and the refuelling network is still relatively small.
All-electric mobility is much more practicable for the masses.
This is one reason why Volkswagen is focusing on battery-powered electric vehicles and is continuing to explore fuel cell technology for the time being.
Myth no. 3: Electric vehicles break down in traffic jams
As a matter of fact, the batteries of electric vehicles are designed in such a way that even after several hours in a traffic jam you still have enough energy to cover several miles. The prerequisite, of course, is that you have not already set off with an almost empty battery. But you wouldn't go on a tour where traffic jams are to be expected with an almost empty tank of an internal combustion engine vehicle, would you? Nevertheless, it never hurts to be energy-efficient on the road. In winter, for example, you can temporarily set the heater to air recirculation mode. In this way, the system needs less energy to bring the interior to the desired temperature.
Myth no. 4: Driving electric vehicles is no fun
Basically, it is a matter of defining what is fun and what is not. When you sit in an electric vehicle for the first time, you get to know a new quality of driving. Unlike with internal combustion engine vehicles, you immediately have full torque and thus rapid acceleration at your disposal in every situation. With confidence, almost silently, with a futuristic sound, you glide through city traffic. And with the SUV models – even more so with the all-wheel-drive GTX variants – sometimes over light terrain. Thinking in the back of your mind that you are not emitting any CO2 at this very moment.
By opting for electric mobility, you are making a decisive contribution to the decarbonisation and the transport revolution, locally and globally. You are, so to speak, part of a mission against climate change that can only succeed altogether – and that is also why electric mobility is so much fun!
Myth no. 5: Electric vehicles and holidays with a caravan are mutually exclusive
Many modern electric vehicles are capable of towing the weight of a caravan without dropping into the red battery range too quickly. So you can definitely go on a camping holiday with an electric vehicle equipped with a ball coupling. So there is nothing to be said against a sustainable camping holiday in the ID. And for those who don't want to drive with a trailer, the new ID. Buzz provides enough space for the complete camping equipment.
Myth no. 6: You cannot drive through a car wash in an electric vehicle
The question of whether you can drive an electric vehicle through a car wash comes up frequently, especially in forums. Most of the responses are somewhat patronising but it’s a legitimate question. After all, you have to watch out for any form of contact between electricity and water.
However, an electric vehicle in a car wash is not the same as a hair dryer in the bath tub.
Just like vehicles with an internal combustion engine, an electric vehicle’s electronics system and battery are very well protected against moisture. So, you can feel confident in putting down your sponge and heading to the nearest car wash, if needed.
