Electric vehicles are revolutionizing transportation, offering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. Despite their numerous advantages, one of the main concerns for prospective buyers continues to be charging.
Questions about convenience, speed, and infrastructure have caused many to hesitate. However, as I’ve discussed in a previous column, charging should usually not be a reason to avoid EVs for most of us, but rather just one aspect of ownership that can be managed in exchange for long-term benefits.
Here’s why you shouldn’t let charging concerns deter you from purchasing an electric vehicle, based on my family’s experiencing owning a total of four EVs and PHEV (plug-in hybrid) vehicles.
1. Home Charging is Incredibly Convenient
For the vast majority of EV owners, charging at home is the primary method for refueling. With a Level 2 charger installed at home, you can easily charge your vehicle overnight, similar to charging a smartphone. This means no more trips to the gas station and no waiting in line.
The convenience of waking up to a fully charged vehicle every morning is a revelation, especially when you consider the average person only drives 30 to 40 miles per day—well within the range of even the most basic EVs and many PHEVs.
I own an EV with 220 miles of range and top it off usually once every 2 to 3 days, and its battery level has dropped below 100 miles just once in my one year of ownership. More often than not, each day I pull out of the garage with a full battery and drive less than 50 miles.
Even with the slower Level 1 charging (from a standard 120-volt outlet), many drivers can meet their daily needs by plugging in overnight. This is particularly true for those who drive shorter distances, such as commuting to work or running errands. When I owned a Volt with 55 miles of electric range, I’d fill it up with gas perhaps 4 times per year. The rest of the time I was doing local driving that rarely exceeded 50 miles in a day.
Some will cite the need to find chargers while on long trips or local chargers if they can’t charge at home. Public charging is improving with a doubling of chargers under the current administration. The problem has gone from finding a charger to now finding a fast and compatible charger that is in good working order. It’s more convenient now, but still can be an inconvenience unless you drive a Tesla and have access to their charger network.
The two segments that should not buy an EV are those that are not able to charge from home because they live in an apartment or don’t have access to an outlet. The other segment is those that have long commutes and put on many hundreds of miles per week away from home.
If you charge at home you don’t need to purchase a Level 2 charger that runs off of 240 volts and costs between $500-$800 fully installed. You can use the Level 1 charger that comes with every EV that plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet. My daughter-in-law owns a Chevy Volt with a 240 mile range and charges off a 110 VAC plug.
2. Public Charging Infrastructure is Rapidly Expanding
Concerns about the availability of public charging stations have diminished as networks continue to grow. Today, the U.S. and many other countries are seeing rapid expansions in charging infrastructure. Companies like Tesla, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo are building vast networks of fast chargers across highways and urban areas, ensuring that EV drivers can find charging stations for long trips or emergency charging needs.
Additionally, many shopping centers, office buildings, and public parking garages are beginning to install Level 2 chargers, making it easier to charge while going about your daily activities. With tools like mobile apps and built-in navigation systems, finding a charging station is more straightforward than ever.
However, many EV owners report that other than Tesla chargers, they often find chargers that are out of order or in disrepair with broken cords, failed credit card readers or no power.
3. Charging Costs are Significantly Lower Than Gasoline
One of the greatest advantages of EV ownership is the cost savings from electricity versus gasoline. Charging your vehicle at home is far cheaper than filling up at the gas station. Many utilities even offer special EV rates for off-peak charging, further reducing costs. In addition, many public chargers—particularly Level 2 stations—offer free or low-cost charging at certain locations like shopping malls or workplaces. My son charges his EV at a neighborhood fire station at no cost.
4. Range Anxiety is Becoming a Thing of the Past
Range anxiety—the fear that an EV won’t have enough range to complete a trip—is increasingly less of a concern as battery technology improves. Modern EVs offer ranges well over 200 miles, and many now exceed 300 or 400 miles on a full charge. Given that most people drive less than 50 miles a day, nearly all EVs can easily handle daily commutes with ample range left for other trips.
If your concern is the occasional long trip you take and are worried about finding a charger, or the extra delay to charge, you can always rent a car for that special trip. Some EV manufacturers supply the free use of a loaner for several weeks with the purchase of an EV. A number of years ago my wife insisted on buying a 3-seat/8 passenger SUV to accommodate of kids and grandkids when they visited. Considering the extra cost, we could have saved money and rented on for the several times they visited. It’s the same mentality with EVs. If it works for 95% of the time, look at renting for the 5%.
Conclusion
Concerns about EV charging should not be a deterrent to most buying an electric vehicle. Home charging, a requirement for owning an EV in my opinion. provides unmatched convenience, public charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, and fast-charging options make long-distance travel feasible. Additionally, EVs offer significant cost savings over time, and the range of modern electric cars is more than sufficient for most drivers’ needs. The benefits of driving an EV—lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, fewer repairs, and a quieter, smoother driving experience—far outweigh any concerns about charging. By adopting an EV, you’re not just choosing a car; you’re embracing the future of transportation.