Bangkok: In an era of technological transformation in the automotive sector, electric vehicles (EVs) have become an increasingly popular choice. However, this has also brought numerous rumors and doubts on social media, causing many to hesitate. This article will delve into five common misconceptions to help you determine what's true and what's false before making a purchase of an electric vehicle.
According to Thai News Agency, many people may have seen news reports of electric vehicles catching fire while parked or charging. It's important to note that this is "only partially true," as such accidents usually occur with vehicles using low-quality batteries or due to repeated high-voltage quick charging, which degrades the battery. Global statistics show that the chances of an electric vehicle catching fire or exploding during normal driving are very low unless the electrical system has been modified. Therefore, choosing a vehicle that meets safety standards significantly reduces the risk of danger.
The belief that electric cars are prone to exploding in accidents is yet another point that is "partially true" and should not be shared to cause panic. In a typical, non-severe collision, the chance of an explosion is very low. However, in a severe collision that causes the vehicle to overturn and the impact damages the battery's protective structure, directly damaging the internal battery, a fire or explosion could occur. Nevertheless, global statistics consistently confirm that electric vehicles have a significantly lower chance of serious accidents resulting in fires than gasoline-powered vehicles.
The warning that EV batteries are prone to degradation, irreplaceable, and therefore not cost-effective is "partially true, but needs further explanation." Modern battery technology has advanced to withstand numerous recharges, extending their lifespan. Furthermore, in countries like China, where electric vehicles have been used for over 10 years, when batteries degrade and users choose not to replace them due to cost, those batteries aren't wasted. Instead, they are repurposed as energy storage devices for home use. Therefore, prematurely concluding that they are not cost-effective might be an exaggeration.
Experts confirm that the claim that electric vehicles turn into scrap metal after 5-8 years of use is "false" and should not be shared. This belief stems from the past notion that battery prices were over 70% of the car's price, making replacement uneconomical and resulting in the car being discarded. However, battery prices have now dropped to approximately one-third of the car's price, and it's predicted that in the next eight years, they may fall to just 25%, making replacement worthwhile. Furthermore, battery manufacturers have recycling processes that extract elements from old batteries for reuse, reducing hazardous waste. Your car will never become worthless scrap metal.
Regarding advice to consider before buying an electric car, this is "true and definitely worth sharing." The main considerations are as follows: Battery size, charging speed, and planning before your trip. Choose a battery size and capacity that suits your usage habits to avoid overpaying for a vehicle and the burden of an excessively heavy battery. Besides capacity, it's very important to check the maximum charging speed supported by your vehicle model for convenience and to save time. Electric cars consume more power the faster you drive. Therefore, before any long journey, it's always a good idea to plan your route and designate backup charging points for peace of mind.
In conclusion, switching to electric vehicles is an attractive and future-proof option. However, as consumers, we should be critical of information and not blindly believe rumors shared without verification. With thorough research, electric vehicles can be a safe and worthwhile mode of transportation for you.