In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, they have also faced their fair share of skepticism and negative publicity. Rommel Juan, Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), has been a staunch advocate for EVs and is committed to debunking these myths.
Myth 1: EVs Run on Fossil Fuels
One of the most persistent myths about EVs is that they simply shift the environmental burden from the tailpipe to the power plant. Critics argue that since most electricity is generated from fossil fuels, EVs are not a genuinely green choice. However, the EVAP Chairman who frequently encounters these questions about EVs, points out a key fact: in the Philippines, the Renewable Energy Law mandates that up to 25% of all electricity produced must come from renewable sources such as solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, and more. This ensures that a significant portion of the energy powering EVs in the country is clean and sustainable.
Even in regions where electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, EVs are still more efficient than their ICE counterparts. Internal combustion engines are at their peak efficiency at lower RPMs, typically below 3,000. In contrast, EVs are efficient throughout their usage, making them a far more eco-conscious choice.
Myth 2: EVs Are Vulnerable to Flooding
Concerns about EVs being rendered inoperable during floods are common, especially in flood-prone areas like Manila. However, Juan, always striving to educate everyone about the benefits of electric vehicles, dismisses this notion by highlighting the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings of EV motors. The average IP rating for an EV motor is IP67, with IP68 being the highest achievable rating. An IP67-rated component can endure submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This level of water resistance ensures that flooding is not a significant threat to EVs, making them a practical choice in regions with heavy rainfall.
Myth 3: EVs Are More Prone to Fires
A common misconception that often circulates is the belief that electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to catch fire compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, Rommel Juan clarifies, "There is no proof or any study that suggests EVs catch fire more frequently than conventional ICE vehicles. What we often see is that when an EV does catch fire, it tends to make headlines more frequently than ICE vehicle fires." This emphasis on isolated incidents can create a misleading perception that EVs are less safe when, in fact, their safety records are on par with or even superior to their ICE counterparts.
