? Myth #01 — 'Electric Cars Aren't Environmentally Friendly'

Certainly, the production and usage of EVs come with a carbon footprint, primarily due to mining and manufacturing processes. Research from the Argonne National Laboratory indicates that emissions from EV production can be 30–100% higher than those of conventional cars, depending on battery size. Critics often demand perfection while overlooking the fact that modern EVs can reduce emissions by two-thirds compared to traditional combustion-engine vehicles. This carbon debt is quickly offset, with projections suggesting a significant decrease in production emissions by 2030–2035.

In summary, while EVs are vital for reducing road transport emissions, further efforts are necessary to minimize their production-related impacts.

? Myth #02 — 'Battery Manufacturing Emissions Equal Those of Conventional Cars'

This is one of the most frequently cited myths. A 2019 fact-check by Carbon Brief revealed that a typical EV can compensate for its battery production emissions in less than two years. Over its entire lifespan, an EV emits roughly three times less CO? compared to an average gasoline vehicle. For example, the Tesla Model Y offsets its emissions after covering approximately 13,000 miles (21,000 km). In Europe, the breakeven point is around 11,000 miles (18,000 km), coinciding with cleaner electricity grids. A 2021 lifecycle analysis by the ICCT showed that purchasing an EV in Europe results in a 66–69% reduction in emissions relative to a conventional vehicle.

Critics often exaggerate battery manufacturing emissions and overlook the significant CO? emissions tied to fuel production, including refining processes.

? Myth #03 — 'EVs Have No CO? Advantage Over Traditional Cars'

Some lobbyists argue that fossil-fuel vehicles are easier to recycle while EV batteries pose recycling challenges. However, the evidence indicates that EVs dramatically reduce lifecycle emissions—about two-thirds less than traditional cars. A standard gasoline vehicle with a 14-year lifespan emits approximately 45 tons of CO?, while an electric Tesla Model Y emits only 14 tons, translating to a 68% reduction.

? Myth #04 — 'If Electricity Comes from Coal, EVs Just Shift Emissions'

The latest IPCC assessment confirms that EVs reduce emissions in nearly all circumstances, even when powered by coal-derived electricity. The IPCC also emphasizes that investments in EVs can lead to low-carbon assets, indicating that current investments in electric vehicles will transition toward renewable energy sources over time.

The higher energy efficiency of EVs—about four times that of combustion-engine vehicles—underpins their emissions reduction potential.

? Myth #05 — 'E-Fuels Are the Solution, Not EVs'

Proponents of e-fuels claim they can be used in existing combustion engines while maintaining a low carbon footprint. However, the IPCC states that synthetic fuels can be up to three times more expensive than traditional fuels and are inefficient, generating five times more carbon emissions than electric vehicles when powering cars. EVs that utilize renewable energy sources have significantly lower CO? emissions than those powered by e-fuels from the same source.

The IPCC also suggests that synthetic fuels will be relatively rare and mainly utilized in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as aviation.

? Myth #06 — 'Electric Vehicles Alone Can't Solve Climate Change'

No single solution exists for climate change; it requires comprehensive systemic shifts. The IPCC notes that EVs, along with other zero-carbon fuels, offer significant opportunities to cut transport emissions, potentially achieving a 30–70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from land transport by 2050.

EVs are vital for addressing the climate crisis, but they cannot act alone.

? Myth #07 — 'Climate Change Accelerates Due to the Combustion Engine Ban'

Some claim that while EVs may reduce oil demand in one region, it simply shifts emissions elsewhere. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that EVs and renewables helped prevent approximately 600 million tons of CO? emissions last year—equivalent to the emissions produced by 130 million cars. Furthermore, the IEA projects that by 2030, EV sales will displace 5 million barrels of oil demand daily, significantly reducing global emissions.

? Myth #08 — 'Electric Vehicle Sales Are Slowing'

Contrary to claims that "Nobody wants an electric car," EV sales are booming globally. This trend follows the typical technology adoption curve, as observed with mobile phones. The IEA reports that EVs comprised 14.4% of new car sales in 2022, a jump from just 1.4% in 2017, with predictions suggesting that they will make up a third of global car sales by 2030.

In Argentina, the sale of 4,672 EVs in 2023 marked a 33.7% increase over the previous year, despite economic challenges. While the total number of electric cars remains small relative to the overall vehicle population, the growth is remarkable, with projections indicating 2 million EVs by 2026.

? Myth #09 — 'Electric Cars Will Soon Be Pricier to Drive Than Petrol Cars'

Lobbyists argue that rising energy prices could make EVs more expensive to operate than gasoline vehicles. However, despite a higher initial purchase price, EVs have significantly lower operational costs. Reports from the IPCC indicate decreasing costs for EVs, with predictions of price parity with traditional cars nearing.

? Myth #10 — 'The Electric Car Revolution is in Jeopardy Due to Charging Point Shortage'

I once believed in this myth, especially given that my nearest charging station is 90 km away. However, since Argentina installed its first charging station in 2018, the number has grown to 110, with 51 in Buenos Aires alone. Though this figure is still low for such a vast country, the growth is rapid.

The IPCC underscores the necessity of investing in charging infrastructure to support the growth of electromobility. The IEA's 2023 global outlook highlights that while home charging currently dominates, public charging stations are essential for providing the convenience of traditional fuel refueling. In 2022, the number of charging stations rose by 55%, keeping pace with EV growth.

Globally, over $1 trillion in investments in charging networks will be required in the next three decades. Some European countries have even doubled their public charging points in the past year. While the growth of EVs is outpacing charging infrastructure development, the situation is not dire.