The automotive world is buzzing with heated debates, and sadly, it’s often the least thoughtful voices that echo the loudest. Take the recent fuss over the European 2035 rules, where a minor tweak to the CO2 reduction target – from 100 to 90 percent – is instantly branded as a total surrender to fossil fuels. What nonsense. It’s simply a smart move to give the European industry some breathing room against Chinese competition, without slowing the rise of electric vehicles one bit. But let’s dig deeper into a few of those stubborn myths that keep popping up everywhere, especially about EVs. Because what strikes me most is how these fables cling on like weeds, while the facts quietly keep making progress.
First, the old favourite: electric cars supposedly just shift pollution to the power plant. Come on, that’s like saying cycling is bad for the planet because the factory that built your bike runs on coal. In reality, EVs use far less energy than petrol or diesel cars, even if the electricity isn’t 100 percent green yet. And with renewables growing fast, it only gets better. Battery production? Sure, it requires raw materials, but over the car’s lifetime, an EV wins hands down on CO2 footprint. I know people who still insist their ancient diesel is cleaner – until you ask for the numbers, and suddenly it goes very quiet.
Then there’s the range anxiety complaint. “Electric cars don’t go anywhere,” some shout, conveniently forgetting that models like the Renault Twingo E-Tech or the latest Audis easily manage 300 to 500 kilometres on a single charge. For everyday driving, that’s more than enough; the average commuter rarely covers more than 50 kilometres a day. And for longer trips? Fast chargers are sprouting up everywhere. I recently drove from Brussels to Amsterdam in an EV, and it was effortless – with stops shorter than the old routine of filling up and grabbing a coffee. The real limitation is usually in your head, not the battery.
Speaking of charging: “It takes forever!” Not really. With a home charger, you wake up fully charged, and at a fast charger you gain hundreds of kilometres in 20 minutes. Compare that to the hours wasted in traffic thanks to inefficient combustion engines. And that myth about EVs not surviving a car wash or a rainstorm? Complete rubbish. These cars are built for all weather, with batteries better sealed than your phone in a waterproof case. I chuckle when someone admits they’re scared of a downpour – as if a petrol car never rusts.
Price is another favourite battle cry. “Too expensive!” the critics yell, while subsidies and falling battery costs make EVs increasingly affordable. Models under 20,000 euros already exist, and in a few years they’ll be standard. Compared to the running costs of a traditional car – oil changes, exhausts, brakes that wear out quickly – you save a fortune over time. Safety? EVs often score higher in crash tests thanks to their low centre of gravity and advanced systems. Fire risk? Statistically lower than in fuel cars, but good luck convincing someone stuck in outdated prejudices.
Of course, challenges remain, like charging for apartment dwellers, but solutions are coming: smart street chargers and workplace options. And blackouts? The grid can handle it, especially with intelligent charging that avoids peak loads. China leads in plug-in hybrids, but Europe is catching up with pure EVs – without questionable raw material practices.
In the end, it’s about looking forward. Those loud, stupid opinions only hold back the transition, while electric cars are quieter, cleaner, and far more thrilling to drive. Instant torque, no roar but pure acceleration – this is the future, and it’s already here.
If you’re convinced and ready to make the switch, head over to our marketplace where you can search for and buy 100% electric cars. Check out the range here: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
