5 Myths About EV Charging

Electric vehicle (EV) charging technology has advanced significantly in recent years, yet there are still several popular misconceptions circling, leading to doubts and hesitations among potential EV owners. In this blog, we will debunk the five most common myths and shed light on the truth behind EV charging, allowing you to understand all the true costs and benefits of switching to electric. 

Myth 1: EV Chargers Are Rare, Making Charging Inconvenient

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that EV chargers are scarce, making charging inconvenient and leading to range anxiety. In reality, the EV charging infrastructure has grown exponentially over the years, and the Canadian government is investing more and more money each year into EV charging stations. Today, chargers can be found in various locations, such as shopping centers, parking lots, workplaces, stratas, and along highways. Most urban regions in Canada offer public charging stations that are easily accessible for EV drivers. 

For example, in Greater Vancouver, BC, there are currently a total of 957 publicly accessible charging station ports, all within a 15km radius, on the ChargeHub database. The majority, accounting for approximately 93% of the total ports, are Level 2 charging stations. Notably, a significant 40% of these charging ports provide the convenience of charging for free. 

Follow our comprehensive guide on How to Find EV Chargers on Google Maps and Other Specialized Platforms. 

Myth 2: Charging an EV is Expensive

What is the cost of charging an electric vehicle and is it more expensive than paying for gasoline? The cost of electricity is typically lower than that of gasoline, resulting in reduced operational expenses for EV owners. 

According to BC Hydro’s calculations, to drive approximately 20,000 km per year, the cost varies significantly between an electric vehicle, such as the Chevy Bolt EV, and its gas-powered counterpart, like the Chevy Trax. For a Chevy Bolt EV, the cost comes to roughly $478 annually, which averages to approximately $40 per month, for electricity. On the other hand, the Chevy Trax would cost around $3,340 annually, or about $278 per month, for gasoline refueling. Some electric utility companies also offer special rates and incentives for EV charging, making it even more cost-effective. 

Additionally, the savings on maintenance and repair costs for EVs contribute to making them an economical choice in the long run. Based on BC Hydro’s report, the average maintenance expenses for a vehicle can amount to approximately $100 per month. As a vehicle gets older, these costs usually tend to increase over time.

Myth 3: Charging Takes Too Long

Another prevalent myth is that charging an EV is a time-consuming process. While it's true that charging times vary depending on factors such as the charger's power level and the EV's battery capacity, technological advancements have greatly improved charging speeds. HoneyBadger's Commercial Level 2 Chargers offer exceptionally fast charging speeds, with our fastest chargers being capable of fully charging a standard 75 kWh battery from 20% to 99% in just 3.1 hours.

Fast-charging (DC) stations, commonly found along major highways and in urban centers, can charge an EV to 80% capacity in under an hour. Furthermore, many stratas and apartments that now have charging stations allow EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight at home, so they wake up to a fully charged battery each morning.

Myth 4: EV Chargers Are Unsafe

Concerns about the safety of EV chargers are unfounded. The design and manufacturing of EV charging stations adhere to strict safety standards to protect users and their vehicles. Moreover, charging stations have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent issues such as overcharging or overheating. Drivers can charge their vehicles with confidence, knowing that safety is always a top priority for manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers.

Myth 5: EV Chargers Malfunction in Harsh Weather

Many people are worried that electric vehicle chargers are vulnerable to malfunctioning in adverse weather conditions. However, just like how modern vehicles are built to endure various weather elements, EV chargers are designed to withstand harsh environments. At HoneyBadger Charging, we subject our chargers to a rigorous testing process, ensuring their resilience against rain, water, sand, dust, and smoke. Our chargers are engineered to operate flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -35°C to 40°C, making them reliable and durable companions in all weather conditions.

While the demand for more reliable EV chargers across North America is well-known, the common issue of malfunctions is typically attributed to poor manufacturing and insufficient maintenance, rather than bad weather. With proper and regular maintenance, EV chargers can continue to operate smoothly without any problems. At HoneyBadger, we take pride in offering free, regular servicing for all chargers in our network, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.                                                                                                              

Conclusion

Debunking these common myths about EV charging is essential for promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. As technology continues to advance and charging infrastructure expands, charging an EV is becoming increasingly safe, convenient, and cost-effective.