Common myths about electric vehicles

Fact:

Many people believe EVs can only travel short distances before running out of power. However, most Americans drive 40 or fewer miles a day. Most of today's battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have ranges of over 250 miles. This means that a BEV has enough range to cover your daily needs without recharging during the day. Alternatively, range limitations are a nonissue for plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs can drive up to 300 miles or more on a combination of electricity and gasoline.

EPRI article: Electric vehicle market revs up

Fact:

When considering costs for an EV, it is important to look at the whole life cost, meaning the purchase price and operating expense. EVs cost much less to run than gasoline engine or diesel engine vehicles. EVs also have fewer maintenance costs, making them cheaper to maintain throughout their lifecycle than an internal combustion vehicle, and BEVs never need an oil change!

Do you want to learn more about your savings potential with an electric vehicle?

Check out our tool that can help you get a personal estimate based on your driving habits, compare vehicle options and more.

View the Department of Energy calculator to see if a hybrid can save you money.

Learn about our Nights and Weekends program and use our calculator to compare this rate with our standard rate to see if you could save money by switching to this program. 

Fact:

Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs produce little to no tailpipe emissions. This means you significantly reduce or even eliminate the harmful gasses you emit running your vehicle. Generating the electricity used to manufacture and charge EVs may create a carbon footprint, but even today EVs have a lower greenhouse gas emission impact compared to internal combustion vehicles. This is because the source of electricity across the nation is becoming increasingly renewable. Alliant Energy is on a path to produce more of its electricity from renewable energy sources, such as renewable natural gas, hydro, wind and solar. Check out our Clean Energy Blueprint to learn how we're working toward a clean energy future.

Department of Energy: Emissions from Electric Vehicles

Fact:

Electric car owners often cite home and work as the two most convenient locations to charge their vehicles. That's why we're working on programs to make home and workplace charging easier and more affordable. If you do need to charge up on the go, public charging infrastructure has expanded considerably. Plugshare.com lists public charging locations across the country. In addition, the U.S. has recognized a need for charging infrastructure. Governments, manufacturers and utilities are working together to build an extensive network of fast charging stations along highways and public spaces.

Fact:

Our engineers are constantly looking at new technology and customer use to design the grid for the future. Keeping the lights on is one of our top priorities. Utilities and regulators work hand-in-hand to focus on reliability. Working closely with your utility is a great way to learn how EVs can add reliability and strength to the electricity grid and lower your electricity bill.

Fact:

It's true EV battery range decreases in frigid conditions, but even under these conditions, most vehicles retain sufficient range to get you where you want to go. You can minimize the drop in range by preheating your EV while it's still charging. 

Note that internal combustion vehicles also experience a drop in range in cold weather. Manufacturers are working on technology to address these concerns and improve battery performance in all weather conditions.

Fact:

One of the biggest advantages of switching to an electric vehicle is the cost savings due to less maintenance. There are fewer moving parts inside the vehicle which means less wear and tear – saving you money.

One study from Consumer Reports showed that an average EV user can expect to save $4,600 in maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle. In addition, you spend less time looking for and going to the mechanic.

Fact:

While accelerating an electric vehicle is much different than a gas-powered vehicle, EVs are just as fast or faster. Thanks to the instant torque EV motors use, you won’t be sacrificing speed when you switch to electric.

Electric vehicles even have their own racing series: Formula E.