Electric Vehicle Charging Myths
Plugging in is the new filling up, and it is sparking all kinds of opinions. With electric cars now making up 3.39% of all new car sales in Australia, electric vehicle charging has become a hot topic. But along with all the buzz comes a mix of truths, half-truths, and myths that just won’t quit. It is easy to hear something once and take it as gospel, but not everything you have heard about charging is as straightforward as it sounds.
Let’s set the record straight, without all the noise. If you have ever felt unsure about what is real and what is just chatter when it comes to electric vehicle charging, this blog is for you. We are unpacking the common myths in a simple, no-nonsense way so you can feel more confident about your EV journey. Stick with us, you might be surprised by what is fact and what is just fiction.
What’s Inside:
- Why Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Matters?
- Electric Vehicle Charging Myths and Facts
- Electric Vehicle Charging: Take Control of Your Drive
Why Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Matters?
To get the most out of your EV, it is important to understand how charging works. The following are key reasons why it matters for your everyday driving experience.
Maximises Your Driving Range
Knowing where and how to charge helps you plan trips confidently and avoid running low on power. It ensures you make the most of your EV’s range without unnecessary stops.
Optimises Your Charging Costs
Charging at home during off-peak hours is usually cheaper than using public chargers. Understanding your options helps you save money over time.
Improves Your EV’s Longevity
Smart charging habits, like avoiding frequent fast charging, reduce wear on your vehicle’s systems. This helps your EV perform better and last longer.
Empowers Your Decision-Making
The more you understand about EV charging, the easier it is to make informed choices that suit your lifestyle. You’ll know which charging networks to join, whether home charging is right for you, and how to fit charging into your daily routine.
Electric Vehicle Charging Myths
More Australians are living the EV life and loving it. But if you are new to the world of electric cars, chances are you’ve heard a few things that made you second-guess the switch. Below, we bust some of the biggest EV charging myths doing the rounds in 2025, and share the facts you really need to know.
Myth 1: There Aren't Enough Charging Stations
Fact: Australia's EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Companies like Chargefox, Evie Networks, and Tesla are adding more public charging stations all the time.
In Queensland, the Electric Super Highway is set to have 54 charging sites by early 2025, with most already up and running. Once complete, you will find a charger roughly every 150 km along major highways, making long trips in an EV a lot easier.
Myth 2: Charging Takes Too Long
Fact: Charging times have come a long way. Plugging into a regular power point at home is the slowest option, but many EV owners install a home charger to speed things up and make it easier.
On the road, fast chargers can get you to 80% in about half an hour, just enough time to grab a snack or take a break. With more of these chargers showing up across Australia, staying topped up is getting simpler every day.
Myth 3: Can't Handle Long-Distance Travel
Fact: Many newer EV models can go over 400 km on a full charge, and some can hit up to 650 km. Considering most Aussies drive about 33 km a day, that means you can go more than a week without needing to recharge. And when it is time to hit the road for longer drives, the growing number of fast chargers makes it easy to plan your stops.
Myth 4: More Expensive to Run Than Petrol Cars
Fact: While the upfront cost of an EV can be higher, they are usually cheaper to run in the long term. Charging your EV can cost up to 70% less per kilometre than filling up with petrol or diesel. Plus, because EVs have fewer moving parts, you will save on servicing and maintenance over time.
Myth 5: All Chargers are the Same
Fact: Not all EV chargers are identical. There are different levels and connector types:
- Level 1 Chargers: Use standard household outlets (230V in Australia) and are suitable for overnight charging.
- Level 2 Chargers: Require specialised equipment and provide faster charging, often installed in homes or public locations.
- Level 3 Chargers:(DC Fast Chargers): Offer rapid charging, capable of charging an EV to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, commonly found along highways.
Also, there are different connector types, with Type 1 (J1772) and Type 2 (Mennekes) being the most common in Australia. Just make sure your EV is compatible with the charger you are using.
Myth 6: EV Chargers Don’t Work in Extreme Weather
Fact: EV chargers are built to handle tough weather conditions, including rain and snow. Charging in the rain is perfectly safe, thanks to waterproof designs and strict safety standards.
That said, extreme heat or cold can affect charging speed. In very hot weather (above 40°C), batteries might degrade faster, and in cold weather, it may take longer to charge. But most modern EVs come with thermal management systems to help manage these effects.
Myth 7: Causes More Pollution Due to Battery Charging
Fact: It is true that making EV batteries has an environmental footprint. But over their lifetime, EVs usually create fewer emissions than petrol cars, especially as Australia adds more renewable energy to the grid. Even when powered by today's electricity mix, EVs are still the cleaner option.
Myth 8: Driving EVs Is More Dangerous Because of the Lithium-Ion Battery
Fact: EVs go through strict safety testing, just like petrol cars. While lithium-ion batteries can pose risks if damaged, EVsare fitted with advanced safety systems to prevent overheating and other issues.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Take Control of Your Drive
You have just busted through the noise and uncovered the real deal behind electric vehicle charging, so what is next? Let’s not let those myths sneak back in. You are now equipped with the facts that matter, and that is something most drivers can’t say. Take note of everything you have learnt today, because it is these little truths that make a big difference when you are out there making smarter choices.
If you have been holding back because of all the confusion around electric vehicle charging, it is time to move forward. Lease an electric vehicle with us and enjoy the ride with full confidence. Got questions? Reach out anytime, Novated Choice is here to make the switch smooth, simple, and stress-free. Let’s ditch the old stories and charge forward together.
