According to Climate Group’s EV100 initiative, a global effort to electrify some of the world’s largest fleets, over 230,000 diesel cars and vans were switched to EVs over the last 12 months. This represents a 57% jump from the previous year, signifying a global commitment to electrification.
Despite these advances, misconceptions about the reliability, cost, and long-term viability of electric vehicles persist. Concerns about charging infrastructure, battery performance, or lack of vehicle options for fleets comprise some of the most common reasons organizations reject transitioning.
But the benefits — including cost and time savings — clearly outweigh these concerns. We dispel some of the most popular myths below.
Myth #1: It’s too expensive for my fleet to electrify.
In a 2024 study from JD Power, total cost of EV ownership for all vehicle types over a period of 5 years is found to be considerably less than ICE vehicles in all but 2 states. One factor affecting these results is rising gas prices. While the cost of fuel is increasing around the country, electricity costs remain static and consistent. This makes fleet budgeting more predictable and cost effective.
A 2023 McKinsey & Co. report shares that while initial, upfront costs are typically higher than their gas-powered counterparts, EVs are generally less expensive to own, operate, and maintain long-term. As more EV makes and models hit the market, this gap is expected to narrow over time.
EverCharge’s VP of Engineering, Jeffrey Kinsey, adds in our on-demand webinar that with far less moving parts than an ICE, gas, or diesel engine, EVs are easier and less expensive to maintain. This means fewer parts and labor costs associated with repairs and vehicle downtime.
Myth #2: My fleet will run out of charge before they reach their destination.
“Range anxiety” is a term used to describe a driver’s worry that their EV will run out of power before reaching their desired destination or charging station. In a time of limited charging infrastructure and small battery range, this fear was understandable. But today, this worry lessens.
With larger batteries and more range than ever before, trucks, buses, and other large motor vehicles are exceeding drivers’ performance expectations. Rizon, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Group, reports that “most commercial vehicles drive fewer than 100 miles per day,” and are increasingly operating closer to their home bases (more than 50% within 50 miles in the state of California). CBRE adds that for last-mile operators, distribution centers or depots are typically inside 6-9 miles.
Featuring predictable, repeated service routes and load-bearing, range is overwhelmingly a non-issue for EV truck drivers. Further education about how payload, driving style, charging habits, and weather factor into vehicle range is the real challenge for companies operating these fleets.
Luckily, greater charging infrastructure and manufacturer push for long-haul EVs will continue to move this “myth” out of mind. Regions like the West, Pacific Northwest, and Eastern Seaboard are helping lead this charge towards fleet electrification, by increasing the number of public and private charging stations.
Myth #3: EVs can’t do what gas-powered vehicles can — trucking, hauling, etc.
According to Car and Driver, EV batteries typically last between 10 and 20 years, with all automakers currently offering an 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty. This means EVs’ reliable, expected life span is nearly equivalent to ICE vehicles, without the added maintenance.
Strong battery performance is a key reason why EVs are well-suited for trucking and hauling. The vehicles can handle the substantial weight of an average haul, while keeping emissions down and costs low. Depending on the model, some EV semi trucks boast a towing capacity of nearly 100,000 lbs. Electric cars also provide full torque, meaning that they can accelerate faster than gas vehicles and maintain standard operating speed.
Driver safety is where EVs outpace gas-powered cars. Due to their lower center of gravity and superior weight distribution, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute states that EVs are less prone to rolling over. Newer car features like regenerative braking, lane keeping, and collision avoidance benefit the driver and make the working environment more comfortable, too.
Because of this, many truck drivers even prefer electric. With no fuel odors or loud driving noise, EVs are more desirable to operate. Plus, state-of-the-art technology comes with bonus amenities, like pre-conditioned truck cabins.
Myth #4: It takes too long to charge electric semi trucks.
The time required to charge an electric semi truck depends on numerous factors, including the size of the vehicle, battery capacity, charger type, weather, and more. Peach State Truck Centers echoes a Canary Media report that the average charging time needed to reach 80% capacity (from empty) is within 60-90 minutes for most semi trucks. This is easily attainable with overnight charging or a quick rest stop.
And, contrary to popular belief, EVs still “work” in cold weather. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect how quickly the vehicle can charge, but manufacturers recommend charging in a covered or sheltered space to combat this.
Myth #5: EVs aren’t really “green” or better for the environment.
The Economist shares that while it’s true that sourcing materials and building EVs generate more greenhouse gases than a “conventional car,” electric vehicles are far more efficient long-term. A recent MIT study reveals that EVs produce 30-50% less emissions over the course of their lifetime as compared to gas-powered cars. When fueled by renewable energy sources like wind or solar, this figure increases (and these sources are growing).
Current estimates from the Environmental Defense Fund state that up to 95% of each EV battery can be recycled, although it requires more effort on the owner or organization’s part to find a suitable recycling center.
The US electric grid is also on the road to becoming cleaner and more efficient, with $2.2 billion in investments made to modernize infrastructure, lower costs, and grow with demand. In the near future, we can expect to see protections against extreme weather, higher load capacities, and new jobs created specifically to maintain and update the nation’s power grid.
The Path Towards Electrification
More than 140 countries within the United Nations have set ambitious climate goals to reduce emissions by 2030. EVs have proven to be a pivotal part of reaching these targets.
Electrification isn’t just a trend that will pass. Despite common myths, the data speaks for itself — electric cars are less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and just as powerful as today’s fleet solutions.