IN TWO days, the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) happens at the SMX Convention Center, and for three days, automobile enthusiasts will again get a taste of what is new and upcoming in the Philippine EV scene.
As EVs are becoming increasingly popular, so has the myths and misconceptions about this technology. Some are spread by those ignorant of the technology, most are made up internal combustion engine (ICE) proponents, including car salespeople, especially of brands without a hybrid or EV in its line up, and the many “well-meaning” climate change deniers.
This article aims to validate (meaning, also invalidate) ten of the most common myths surrounding EVs, providing evidence-based information to help readers make informed decisions. The myths were picked up from social media comments using monitoring software and listed via number of shares or likes of false comments.
Myth 1: EVs are worse for the environment than gas cars: Not true. This is perhaps the most pervasive myth. While EV battery production has an environmental impact, studies consistently show that EVs produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifespan compared to gasoline cars. The Union of Concerned Scientists, in a report called “Driving Cleaner,” found that EVs produce less than half the emissions of comparable gasoline cars, even when accounting for battery production and electricity generation. This is primarily due to zero tailpipe emissions and the growing use of renewable energy sources for electricity.
What happens in the afterlife for EVs is the real concern. But EV makers have been proactively solving this. Nissan has a comprehensive battery disposal campaign already thought out and continually refined and improved since the first LEAF was released in 2009. Battery recovery and recycling has also become a new enterprise. Breaking down the huge EV batteries yield the tiny cells which can then be used in laptops and smaller appliances.
Myth 2: EVs are too expensive. Partly true. While the initial purchase price of an EV can be higher, they are often cheaper to operate and maintain. EVs require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts and EV owners can save thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance over the life of the vehicle. Thanks to Executive Order (EO) No. 12, the 30 percent duties and tariffs on EVs and their components for has been suspended for five years. This was expanded in May 2024 to include a wider range of EVs, including battery e-tricycles and quadricycles, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and completely knocked down EVs.
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has a unique battery subscription program that cuts as much as P200K from the price of its VF 5, and P100K off the delightfully compact VF 3. Under the program, VF5 owners pay P 5,800 to drive 1,500 kilometers in a month which is still cheaper than refueling for the same distance. At this range owner pays P 3.86 per kilometer.
Myth 3: EV batteries need frequent replacement. Totally false. EV batteries are designed for longevity. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 8 years or 200,000 kilometers. Tesla, for instance, offers a warranty of 8 years or 100,000-150,000 miles, depending on the model. Advancements in battery technology are also leading to longer lifespans and improved performance.
Caveat to this statement. In the case of micro-mobility EVs, especially those with lead acid batteries–there is a higher replacement rate depending on the use. This is because the chemical structure of lead acid batteries is vastly different from the enclosed lithium-ion or lithium poly batteries.
Myth 4: There aren’t enough charging stations. Very true but changing. In the Philippines the charging infrastructure is growing but maybe not at a pace that EV intenders would like. The EVAP reports 338 charging stations all over the Philippines. Ayala malls have 70 charging stations now up, SM Malls have 75, Shell has 10 Recharge stations, 6 of which are located in Robinson’s Malls. There are reports of more entrepreneurs getting into the charging station infrastructure creation, in search of partner fueling stations, condominiums and malls.
In the US, companies like ChargePoint and Electrify America are installing thousands of public charging stations across the globe. Governments are also investing heavily in charging infrastructure. For example, the US government plans to invest $7.5 billion to build a national network of 500,000 EV chargers.
Myth 5: EVs don’t have enough range. Partly true. EV range has dramatically increased in recent years. The average distance is about 300 kilometers. In the Philippines, the BYD’s Atto 3 and Dolphin can deliver as much as 430 kilometers. The sleek Seal can run up to 570 km which is its longest-range variant. In the US many models now offer 200-300 miles or more on a single charge. The Lucid Air Dream Edition boasts a range of over 500 miles. This is more than enough for most daily driving needs.
Top of the list is the 614 km of the range extended IONIQ 6–possibly the farthest reach among the locally available vehicles. Then we forget hybrid cars which are essentially EVs carrying their own charging stations. These can deliver “unlimited” mileage as long as there is a gasoline station.
Myth 6: EVs are not as safe as gas cars. Definitely not true. EVs undergo rigorous safety testing and often perform well in crash tests. The Tesla Model S, for example, achieved a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Crash tests conducted by the EuroNCAP (New Car Assessment Program), India’s Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP organizations consistently show that EVs perform well in various collision scenarios. Moreover, the unique design of EVs, with a low center of gravity due to the heavy battery pack, can actually enhance stability and reduce the risk of rollovers.
EVs often incorporate advanced safety features not always found in traditional vehicles. These can include features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, which enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. While concerns about battery fires exist, it’s important to note that EVs are no more prone to fires than gasoline cars.
Myth 7: EVs are slow and boring to drive. Totally false. EVs offer instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration. Many EVs are surprisingly fast and fun to drive. The Tesla Model S Plaid, for instance, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds.
The Rimac Nevera currently holds the title of the world’s fastest electric car, achieving a top speed of 258 mph. Its’ remarkable acceleration allows it to reach 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 1.74 seconds and 190 mph in 9.22 seconds. The Nevera’s impressive quarter-mile time of 8.25 seconds further demonstrates its performance capabilities. This exceptional speed is made possible by a powerful quad-motor all-wheel-drive system, enabling rapid acceleration and exceptional traction.
Myth 8: EVs will overload the power grid. Maybe true. While increased EV adoption will increase electricity demand in the Philippines, this won’t be in the next five or even 10 years. By then energy production would have increased and the Philippines’ energy mix will swing more towards renewable energy and the possible inclusion of nuclear energy too. According to the National Grid Corporation, utilities are actively upgrading infrastructure and managing demand.
The gradual shift to EVs and the rise of renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind, suggests that the grid can handle the transition without major disruptions. However, localized strain may occur in areas with rapid EV adoption and older infrastructure, requiring targeted upgrades and careful management of peak demand.
Myth 9: EVs can’t be driven in extreme weather. Partly true. DongFeng’s Rich pick-up which is built on a Nissan Navara chassis survived a -40°C test drive over a month in China. While extreme temperatures can indeed influence battery performance, modern EVs are designed with sophisticated thermal management systems to combat these effects. In colder climates, EVs might experience a reduction in range, as the chemical reactions within the battery slow down. Excessive heat can accelerate battery degradation over time.
However, features like battery pre-conditioning, which warms the battery before driving, help minimize range loss and ensure optimal performance. While cooling systems to maintain the battery within a safe operating temperature range, preventing significant performance loss. Drivers can also take proactive steps like parking in shaded areas to further protect the battery.
Myth 10: Congested traffic in the Philippines is not good for EVs: Completely false. The idea that traffic congestion in the Philippines makes EVs impractical is a misconception that needs further examination. While it’s true that stop-and-go traffic can reduce the efficiency of any vehicle, EVs can actually offer some advantages in congested conditions.
Unlike gasoline cars that idle and waste fuel in traffic jams, EVs consume minimal energy when stationary. Regenerative braking, a feature in most EVs, recaptures energy during braking and helps to recharge the battery, further improving efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. Moreover, the instant torque of electric motors allows for smoother acceleration and more responsive driving in congested environments.
