If you are a current or prospective Tesla owner, you have likely run into one or more of these Tesla myths. In this article we will debunk some commonly held, but incorrect, beliefs about Tesla and owning an Electric Vehicle (EV).
Myth: EV’s (Including Teslas) are Worse for the Environment
This myth states that the production of Tesla batteries and the generation of electricity make EVs worse for the environment than gasoline vehicles.
Reality:
While battery production has an initial environmental impact, Tesla vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and become cleaner over time, especially when charged with renewable energy. Once you drive an EV for 15,000-20,000 miles, it generally becomes carbon neutral (depending on the type of power used to charge it).
Additionally, EV batteries can be recycled in many cases. This recycling process helps reduce the impact of the original battery manufacturing and allow EVs to continue operation without having to create further environmental impact.
Lastly, EV’s are much more efficient than gas vehicles. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “EVs use approximately 87–91% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking to propel the vehicle. Gasoline vehicles only convert about 16–25% of the energy from gasoline into movement (averaging highway and city driving).” This means that an EV can go further and charge less often than a gasoline car may need to be refueled.
Myth: Tesla Batteries Degrade Quickly and Require Frequent Replacements
This myth supposes that Tesla batteries wear out similarly to phone batteries and thus require replacement every few years.
Reality:
Tesla batteries are designed to last for 300,000-500,000 miles on average. Most owners will never need to replace their High Voltage battery.
Additionally, Tesla vehicles generally experience only 10% battery degradation after 200,000 miles. This means that your Tesla vehicle will continue to operate, charge, and perform efficiently well after most gasoline vehicles have begun to degrade.
Myth: Teslas Catch Fire More Often Than Gas Cars
This myth states that Tesla cars are fire hazards due to their large, lithium-powered, batteries and are more likely to catch fire.
Reality:
Tesla vehicles are 5-10 times less likely to catch fire than a traditional gasoline vehicle. Data from the National Fire Protection Association states that the national average of vehicle fires in the U.S. was one fire per 19 million miles travelled. According to Tesla’s Vehicle Safety Report, “between 2012 and 2022, approximately one Tesla vehicle fire event occurred for every 130 million vehicle miles traveled.”
This means that, on average, Tesla vehicles are far less likely to experience fire events than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
Myth: Charging a Tesla Takes Too Long
This myth furthers the idea that charging a Tesla or other EV takes an extensive amount of time and therefore makes it prohibitive for long road trips.
Reality:
Tesla Superchargers are capable of adding 200-250 miles in about 15 minutes. Tesla also hosts over 60,000 global Supercharging stations, all of which are accessible 24-hours-per-day and situated on major travel routes. This allows you to plan your road trips with ease and access charging without navigating off your travel route.
Additionally, while home charging is slower, most customers wake up to a full battery, eliminating the need for daily Supercharging.
Myth: You Can’t Drive a Tesla in Cold Weather
This myth is based on the idea that since Tesla batteries are less efficient in the cold, you cannot use a Tesla vehicle in the cold and it will not be able to drive sufficient distances.
Reality:
While cold weather does reduce EV efficiency, Tesla uses heat pumps, preconditioning, and energy-efficient climate control to optimize winter performance.
In fact, Tesla tests their vehicles at an extreme-cold testing facility near Delta Junction, Alaska. According to CNET journalist Tim Stevens, who visited the extreme-cold facility and drove each Tesla model in the harsh conditions present there, “Tesla tunes the HVAC behavior of its cars here as well, honing their ability to perform efficiently in extreme conditions.”
With Tesla vehicle’s cold-weather technology, you can safely and comfortably drive in harsh winter conditions without worrying about range or performance.
Myth: Teslas are Self-Driving and Don’t Need a Driver
This myth is based on the idea that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving features do not require a driver to operate the vehicle or pay attention to the road.
Reality:
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot features are driver-assist systems, not fully autonomous systems. Drivers must stay engaged and ready to take over at all times. Neither FSD nor Autopilot can fully identify all possible driving conditions and situations, so the driver must be ready to operate their vehicle immediately should an unexpected situation occur.
Myth: Tesla Repairs are Extremely Expensive
This myth supposes that Tesla repairs are much more expensive than those of a gasoline vehicle due to proprietary parts and limited service options.
Reality:
While Tesla body repairs can be pricey, regular maintenance and mechanical repairs are often cheaper than gas vehicles due to Teslas having fewer moving parts.
Tesla offers two of the best warranties in the vehicle sales industry: the 4 year or 50,000 mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and the 8 year or 120/150,000 mile Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. These two warranties ensure you are protected from a majority of possible repairs or concerns during your Tesla ownership.
Additionally, independent repair shops and mobile repair services offer affordable and convenient alternatives to Tesla service centers. Look forward to Amber’s Mobile Service options, coming soon to the New England area!
Amber also offers extended warranty options to help you keep your Tesla on the road longer.
Conclusion
Although there are many myths concerning Tesla circulating at any given time, the scientific evidence concludes that Tesla vehicles are cheaper to own, less expensive to repair, safer, and better performing than their gasoline counterparts.
As such, you can begin or continue your Tesla ownership with confidence, knowing that your vehicle is keeping both you and the environment safe.
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Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency
National Fire Protection Association
