Electric car myths debunked as 60 percent say EVs could harm the environment
The insight agency Electrify Research has revealed the most typically believed misconceptions towards electric vehicles in a bid to debunk false information.
Whilst sales of electric cars continue to rise, many motorists are concerned that EVs could be more dangerous or have a negative impact on the environment.
A spokesperson from Electrify Research noted that the most common misconception towards electric vehicles is that producing and recycling the batteries will cause more pollution.”
They explained: “While it’s true that there are some environmental concerns with the mining, production, recycling and disposal of batteries, the scientific consensus is that the impact is minor in comparison to that of drilling, refining, distribution, and burning of petroleum products.
“As with most of the myths tested, German homeowners had the highest level of buy-in (65 percent agreed with the statement) but the other countries, including the UK, were not far behind with 60 percent of UK homeowners agreeing.”
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The second most common misconception towards electric cars is that they could be a serious fire hazard, with 46 percent of UK homeowners agreeing.
Whilst a recent fire in the Luton Airport carpark was initially blamed on an electric vehicle, it turned out to be a diesel-powered model, with experts noting that EVs are often much less at risk of catching fire compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives.
According to a study conducted by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, petrol and diesel cars are 19 times more likely to catch fire than electric models.
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Electrify Research’s spokesperson also noted that beliefs towards electric vehicles can vary significantly between men and women.
They continued: “It’s also worth noting that some demographic variations emerge across all EV myths, for example, males consistently show a higher likelihood of myth-agreement compared to females.
“Meanwhile, respondents who deem themselves concerned about climate change are less prone to believing the myths compared to those who declare themselves to be less concerned, indicating environmentally conscious individuals have greater resilience against myth-spreaders.”
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Former Top Gear presenter and electric vehicle campaigner Quentin Willson noted that Electrify Research’s findings revealed many motorists need to be educated against the myths.
He said: “This is excellent, but scary research. The FairCharge and Stop Burning Stuff campaigns have been saying how many of the more inaccurate EV myths have become deeply embedded and here’s the proof from Electrify Research.
“Countering these inaccuracies is becoming ever more important to the energy transition.”
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