Myths About Electric Vehicles Everyone Should Stop Believing

Considering an EV in Dubai but held back by its high price, constricted drive range, limited charging spots, and environmental concerns? What if these are simply myths, stopping you from embracing the EV experience? Transition to EV might seem daunting, but with an in-depth understanding, you won’t hesitate for a second. This blog breaks down the 5 myths about electric vehicles everyone should stop believing. It provides you with the clarity and facts you need to make an informed decision about switching to an EV in Dubai.

5 EV myths you should stop believing about EVs:

• EVs are too expensive to buy and own in Dubai

• EVs don’t have enough range for Dubai’s driving needs

• There aren’t enough EV charging stations in Dubai

• EVs are worse for the environment due to battery production

• EVs are less safe than gasoline vehicles

1. EVs are too expensive to buy and own in Dubai

Many think electric vehicles are too expensive to own compared to the ICE-powered automobiles in Dubai. These people just think about the initial down payment. It can be deceiving as a Tesla Model 3 (AED 167,990) will definitely cost more than a petrol Honda Civic (AED 127,900). But when you compare it to similar gasoline sedans, like BMW 3 Series and Mercedes Benz C-Class, it’s more cost-efficient by almost AED 75,000 to AED 150,000.

It’s true that the starting price for EVs in Dubai usually starts high, around AED 90,000 (Chevrolet Bolt). Conversely, you could own a Toyota Yaris for around AED 55,000. But what about the long-term expenses related to fuel and maintenance? You could save around AED 4,500 annually, on fuel alone, as a 400 km recharge on a Tesla costs AED 29 and a full tank on most petrol cars costs AED 200.

Add free RTA parking (up to 4 hours) for electric cars, free salik tags (not Salik Tolls) upon vehicle registration (worth AED 100 with 50 initial balance; valid up to 5 years), and almost 50% lower maintenance cost per EPA, you’ll get a clearer picture. EVs are the most cost-efficient vehicles to own in Dubai. And the good part, the EV depreciation is no more a concern like a few years ago. Despite the potential initial depreciation, the overall TCO still favors EVs.

2. EVs don’t have enough range for Dubai’s driving needs

Mileage range has always been a concern for electric vehicles in Dubai's scorching heat and neverending highways. However, that’s not the case anymore. With EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 (490 km range), BYD Atto 3 (420 km), and Tesla Model S (637 km), travelers can easily explore landmarks in different Emirates.

Considering a 10%-23% range dip due to heat (35°C-50°C), you can still travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (one-way) on a single full charge. The RTA’s Data also clearly backs that EVs easily fulfill the 50 km daily average for 85% of UAE drivers. The 269 Tesla RTA taxis prove that EVs can handle Dubai’s heat and easily dominate the Sheikh Zayed Road and city boulevards. With top navigation apps and the UAE’s push for 42,000  EVs by 2030, per newsbeezer, range is an anxiety of the past.

3. There aren’t enough EV charging stations in Dubai

Will there be enough charging stations for 42,000 EVs in 2030, considering an elongated charging period (20 mins to 3 hours)? Yes, by 2030, there will be fast charging stations all over the emirate, from malls and petrol stations to residential neighborhoods.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans 1000 EV charging stations, with 740 already in operation. To meet the EV charging demands, DEWA in cooperation with the Oil Company (ADNOC) and TAQA plans 70,000 EV charging stations in the emirate by 2030, per pwc. Additionally, many mobile EV charging companies, like Charger UAE will evolve, just like the emergency fuel delivery companies at present.

DEWA’s fast charging network will support the most popular EVs like Tesla and BYD, offering 80% charge within 20-40 minutes. This is a massive enhancement in the sector of EV charging. Ev drivers can utilize apps like DEWA Smart App and PlugShare to locate the fast charging hubs in the city.

4. EVs are worse for the environment due to battery production

People assume the worst for the environment by looking at statistics like 2.5-16 tons of CO2 emissions to produce a lithium-ion battery for a car. However, they forget that each gasoline car emits over 350 g CO2/mile throughout its operational life. If you do the math, you will find out that the carbon emission footprint breaks even at year three (3) of ownership, on average. After that, EVs will have zero-tailpipe emissions, while the ICE-powered cars will continue to have 3.26 tons of CO2 emissions annually from their exhaust.

Various researches, like MIT studies, show that while the 2.5-16 tons of CO2 emission to create a car battery might be initially higher compared to petrol car production, you shouldn't forget the crucial factor of zero-tailpipe emissions for life. Furthermore, DEWA’s electricity supply is becoming increasingly sustainable, with over 30% of its power currently sourced from renewable sources, primarily solar energy. The future impact is also improved through the reuse of batteries for solar energy storage, which reduces environmental impact by a notable 17%. The advancements in battery recycling and the UAE’s 2050 net-zero goal, EVs are a clear win for a cleaner Dubai.

5. EVs are less safe than gasoline vehicles

Safety is yet another concern among certain groups of people. They have a misconception about EV’s battery fires, crash performance, and spark doubts. Those individuals clearly don’t have the knowledge of 1,530 ICE-powered cars catching fire compared to 25 EVs per 100,000 vehicles. Data from several studies and sources show that EVs are equally or safer than ICE counterparts.

EVs go through the same crash tests and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before they roll out on the market. EV like Tesla Model 3 tops the IIHS safety chart, securing 40% less injury claims than petrol cars, per HLDI data. The heavy battery packs lower the center of gravity on EVs, reducing roll overs by almost 50%, adding more to safety.

With DEWA working on enhanced and safe charging stations, the EVs will have no issues during charging. Furthermore, the enhanced auto shut offs, self-driving features, intuitive parking features, and other enhanced safety features make EVs more safe than their gasoline counterparts. 

Final Thoughts

The narrative about EVs in Dubai is rapidly shifting from skepticism to widespread adoption. As we’ve broken down the myths about cost, safety, range, charging infrastructures, and environmental impacts of EVs were basically rooted in outdated information. In the coming years, EVs will dominate Dubai’s roads with the government fully supporting the electrification of its transport system, aligned with the global EV enhancements and environmental concerns. EVs are futuristic, safe, and cost-efficient—ideal for commuting and the ecosystem. Embrace the EV revolution in Dubai!