Debunking EV Charging Myths

Debunking EV Charging Myths

In a world where you charge everything from your watch to your power tools, why wouldn’t you charge your vehicle? While we’ve already broken down what you should know about electric vehicles (EVs), we want to dive in deeper to debunk a few myths about charging EVs.

Myth: I don’t have time to charge an EV.

The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on the size of the battery, how much charge it has when you plug it in and what kind of charger you’re using. There are three different charging speeds:

• Top Speed: Level 3 chargers are exclusively available at public charging stations. You can add up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes on a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV.¹
• Medium Speed: Level 2 chargers can be found at public EV charging stations and can be installed in your home. This type of charger plugs into a 240-volt outlet, like a washer and dryer, and needs professional home installation. Level 2 chargers can add 19 miles of charge in one hour to a 2024 Silverado EV.²
• Slowest Speed: Level 1 chargers are usually included with the purchase of a new electric vehicle. It uses a common household 3-prong outlet and ads small amounts of range for topping off the vehicle. The Level 1 & 2 Dual Level Charge Cord Set from GM Energy can add up to 12 miles of range per hour of charge to a 2024 Silverado EV.²

If you charge your EV at home or use the charging amenity of your apartment complex, you can plug in the vehicle overnight and wake up to plenty of battery power the next day. Incorporating public charging during your grocery store visit or trip to the mall can also ensure you have time to charge your EV.

Myth: Owning an EV is expensive because it requires installing a home charging system.

You don’t have to install a home charging system to make EV charging convenient. GM electric vehicles come with a charging cord for Level 1 at-home charging. If you only need to charge in small increments, there’s no need to install anything. Many EV owners also rely on public charging networks to charge their batteries.

If you want to charge an EV at home quicker than with the Level 1 charger, you can purchase a Level 2 charger from your dealership or on the Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac websites. In select states,³ you can apply with GM Financial to finance home energy products and installation services purchased through GM Energy. Their full line of home energy solutions is complete with bidirectional charging capabilities and energy storage systems.

Myth: Charging an electric car is more expensive than filling up a gas-powered vehicle.

Though fueling costs fluctuate depending on things like season and grade of gas, and charging can vary based on time of day and location, many EV owners have found the average price of charging their vehicle to be less than fueling up a gas vehicle. Charging at home could save you money compared to buying gas, especially if you charge during off-peak hours. Chevrolet has an EV Savings Estimator that you can use to estimate fuel and maintenance savings by switching to a Blazer EV or Equinox EV.

Myth: EVs don’t have a long enough range.

Electric vehicles have come a long way and now offer ranges suitable for most drivers. With new Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac electric vehicles offering an EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles, there is plenty of range to satisfy most daily and weekly commutes. Plus, with Level 3 EV charging available, you can add a lot of mileage to the battery in little time.

How you drive your vehicle could also impact your range. By using regenerative braking, you can help to extend your range by recharging the battery as you drive.

Myth: You can’t do road trips with an electric car.

More and more drivers are taking EV road trips every day. As the network of EV charging stations grows and the compatibility of adapters expands, you’re sure to find plenty of charging options along your route. If you use the navigation in your vehicle or your vehicle’s app, just input your destination and the system will determine optimum charging stops, taking into consideration the weather conditions, distance and your vehicle’s current charge level.

Ready to learn more about leasing or financing an electric vehicle? Check out our hub for EV resources or explore current offers.

¹GM-estimated 100 miles of range in 10 minutes with available 350 kW DC Fast Charging capability. Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature.

²May require a new outlet, sold separately, and professional installation. Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and battery temperature. See the Owner’s Manual for your vehicle and charger for additional details and limitations.

³The GM Financial Personal Loan for home EV products is currently only available to approved applicants residing in certain states. See GM Energy website for details.

By Nicole Mayer, GM Financial

Nicole Mayer is a whisk-taker with a fondness for desserts. From baking to organizing, she’s motivated by trying new things and sharing her knowledge. When she’s not in the kitchen rocking out to ‘80s music, you’ll find her serving up aces on the tennis court.