Q: Is it true the EVs are vastly more efficient than cars fueled by Gasoline?
A: NO, in fact some of the best Hybrid Cars have an efficiency which is equal to or even higher than EVs. The confusion lies in what effiiciency means. EVs have vastly better efficiency ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULL. It’s very possible for them to acheive over 80% efficiency from this point on. It is in getting the electric generated and into the EV Battery where efficiency is lost.
Q:I read that EV’s are vastly more efficient and cleaner than ICE cars (ICE=Internal Combusion Engine). Is this a myth?
A: No, it’s a common misperception – that does not take Hybrids into account – and also does not allow for the SOURCE of the Electric that fuels the EV. ICE cars (non-Hybrid) are terribly inefficient – above is true if we apply it to only to gasoline vehicles without the Hybrid Systems. In terms of how “clean” a vehicle is, that is complex – but depends on the sources of the Electric used to fuel an EV.
Q: I heard that I can save money by using an EV – is this true?
A: Depends on cost of fuel & MPG cars you compare. Fuel for an EV is Electric at home or at a public charger. Each vehicle buyer should work out their own costs based on their regional averages. Below are costs – US Averages over past 5 years of Modern EV or Gasoline Fueled Hybrid.
EV = cost per mile is approximately 6 cents with Home Charging and 12 cents with public charging.
Hybrid = 6.5 cents a mile – in all situations.
Note: Electric cost vary far more than Gasoline costs and are also less likely to swing up and down than Gasoline.
Q: Do EV’s or Hybrids cost less to own – in the USA over years of ownership?
A: Once again we have to speak of averages – and must be specific to 2026. COO or TCO (Cost of Ownership, Total Cost of Ownership) is calculated by many major car-focused sites such as Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, etc. – you should look up the specific vehicles you are interested in – however, these sites currently show the ownership costs of EV’s in the USA as being higher than those of other vehicles. Fuel (gas or electric) is NOT the highest cost involved in owning a vehicle – and this confuses many shoppers.
Q: Are EV’s likely to change in terms of Cost of Ownership?
A: Yes, EV cost difference is largely centered around Original Price/Depreciation and Insurance costs (often higher for EV’s). Both of these are changing quickly – it is likely that in the near future (even now, on some models) that the cost of ownership of an EV will be equal to that of other vehicles.
Q: Are EV’s and or Cleaner Hybrids a solution to our environmental and other problems?
A: Unfortunately they are not. The sum total of “Car Culture” includes many negatives that cleaner cars do not address. The largest two are the deaths and injuries which the use of cars are responsible for. Also, Cleaner cars won’t help with the massive traffic jams and seemingly endless acres covered with concrete, blacktop, parking lots and other support systems for our cars. There are also other sources of pollution such as the car construction, tire particulates and even the stirring up of road dust which all affect our environment and quality of life.