Making The Switch: The Most Common EV Myths, And Why They’re Not True

Petrol, you've served us well for as long as we can remember, but now you've got competition. 

With more and more Aussies eyeing a more sustainable, smooth and silent way to get around, the moment has come for many to branch out from petrol-powered cars. Electric vehicles are no longer the future, they're the now, and the only thing standing between you and your next-gen ride is a bunch of outdated misconceptions about the range, reliability and rate.

To help clear the air and calm your inner sceptic, we teamed up with the legends at Toyota—who recently released their first ever all-electric SUV, the Toyota bZ4X—to bust common myths around EVs and ease the anxiety that can come with deciding to purchase one. These are all the EV fallacies you need to know. Let’s plug in. 

#1 Charging Is A Chore 

Sure, charging an EV takes a little longer than a servo stop, but it’s infinitely more convenient. Plug it in at home before you go to bed—just as you would your iPhone—and wake up ready to roll with a full battery. No lining up at the service station cashier, no draining your bank account with exorbitant petrol prices, no getting a headache from the fumes. It’s easy on the go, too: as a general rule, rapid chargers can get most EVs to about 80% in just 30 minutes, just enough to time grab a coffee, smash a servo pie and stretch your legs before getting back on the road. 

#2 They Cost More Than Petrol Cars

Nowadays, there’s not a huge difference in the up-front cost between EVs and your run-of-the-mill petrol cars. You might end up paying slightly more on the sticker price, but EVs are playing the long game. Lower fuel costs, fewer moving parts (aka less servicing), and generous government rebates mean you’ll be saving some serious pennies over time.

#3 The Batteries Don’t Last

Total myth. Modern EVs are marathon runners. Thanks to today’s technology, you could be cruising around in your EV for eight to 10 years before you start to see any sort of significant decline in its battery life. Toyota also backs their EVs with battery warranties, so you’re covered in the long haul. And when it eventually does come to the end of the battery's life, they can often be refurbished, reused or recycled. 

#4 EVs Can’t Make Long-Distance Drives 

Forget the idea that EVs are only good for ducking down to the shops and running inner-city errands. Most modern electric cars can clock up over 400km on a single charge, which is more than enough for spontaneous road trips or weekend getaways. Plus, models like the Toyota bZ4X are kitted out with regenerative braking, so you’re squeezing out max mileage with minimal fuss. 

#5 EVs Are Sluggish And Slow 

Nope, not even close. EVs deliver power instantly, meaning you get that satisfying (and silent) zip the moment you hit the accelerator. In fact, many EVs can smoke petrol cars off the line thanks to their instant torque. We’re talking 0–100km/h in a matter of seconds. 

#6 There Aren’t Enough Charging Stations 

There are thousands of EV charging stations strategically placed at convenient locations across the country, with hundreds more on the way. Apps like Plugshare help you find charging stations nearby, too: simply open the app and you’ll realise you’re never too far from a power-up. You can also check the availability in real time to make sure there’s no wait for the juice. 

#7 You Can’t Go On Off-Road Adventures In An EV

Fear not, off-road adventures aren’t restricted to petrol-powered cars. The Toyota bZ4X has all-wheel drive, terrain-friendly and newly developed X-mode technology, so you can cruise over rocks, ruts and red dirt with ease. 

#8 EVs Will Overload The Power Grid

It’s easy to imagine the influx of EVs blowing the fuse on Australia’s power supply, but the reality is far less dramatic. The EV charging demand is predictable, mostly happens at night (when demand is lower), and can actually help balance the grid over time, with smart charging technology allowing cars to charge during off-peak hours or even feed energy back into the system.

Feeling armed with info and ready to explore your EV options? Start your search with the Toyota bZ4x.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Toyota and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.