Range, auto workers and the grid: Debunking three electric vehicle myths

With limitless streams of information at our fingertips, it’s easy to find false information and unknowingly share it with others. This includes streams of misinformation and myths surrounding electric vehicles (EVs).   

We’re here to help make sure you don’t fall into the misinformation trap by busting three commonly shared EV myths.  

Myth: Battery EVs can only drive for 15 minutes before needing a charge. 

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average driver travels 37.9 miles per day. EVs are more than capable of handling these distances. Even for longer trips, fully electric battery EVs can travel, on average, 200-500 miles on a single charge. Plug-in hybrid vehicles that use a combination of battery and gas power can go even farther.  

So, if range anxiety is keeping you from going electric, improved charging infrastructure and a growing number of charging stations across the country makes stopping to charge as easy as filling up at a gas station.  

Myth: The auto industry’s EV shift hurts workers. 

Though EVs require different skillsets, tools and practices than gas-powered cars to get from the shop floor to your driveway, labor unions like United Auto Workers (UAW) continue to fight for workers' rights and skills training to help workers adapt to this industry transition.  

Just last year, UAW secured higher wages for its unionized workers and has also made headway on its goal to unionize battery plant workers. Historically, unions have been instrumental in fighting for higher wages, developing safer working practices and ensuring job security for workers in the auto industry and beyond.  

Myth: The grid isn’t ready for EVs.  

Many EV opponents falsely claim charging demand will overwhelm the grid and cause service disruptions. However, grid infrastructure continues to improve to balance all our electricity demands and needs.  

Some battery EVs can even be used to offset high grid demand with what’s known as bidirectional charging. These batteries charge as usual and can also be used as backup power for homes, businesses and appliances.  

When it comes to misinformation, there’s a lot out there to navigate. You can help stop the spread of false claims. Find trusted sources and share them with family and friends. Check out more verified answers to common EV questions here.