Honda has a full lineup of electrified vehicles, from sporty sedans with economic hybrid powertrains to its fully electric SUV, the Honda Prologue. If you’re like most shoppers, hybrid models have won you over for their gas-saving benefits, but electric vehicles (EVs) are still a novelty. Even though EVs will be kinder to your monthly transportation budget when it comes to fuel and maintenance, uncertainty may keep you from considering a model like the Prologue. Today, we’re going to lay your worries to rest, demystify electric vehicles, and give you five reasons an all-electric vehicle might just be the perfect fit for your transportation needs.
Before we hop into the benefits of EVs, you need to understand how they work. The engine found in petrol vehicles is replaced by one or more motors, and instead of a gas tank, they have one or more rechargeable battery packs. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, EVs plug into the grid to juice up for your daily commute. In all other regards, electric vehicles are much like regular cars, albeit with a few extra features you’ll likely appreciate.
There are a lot of misconceptions about electric vehicles, and when they’re cleared up, you may find that the truth is a boon that could benefit your life.
The Myth: EVs take forever to recharge.
The Truth: EVs like the 2024 Honda Prologue are capable of using DC fast chargers, which can recharge your vehicle’s battery, adding 64 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Standard Level 2 chargers can add up to 34.1 miles of range per hour, fully recharging the battery in as little as 6 hours, meaning you can plug a depleted EV in overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery. Which leads us to our next myth.
The Myth: There aren’t enough charging stations to make EVs practical.
The Truth: This might have been true a decade ago, but according to the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans now live within 2 miles of a charging station, and 99% of drivers only have to travel 10 miles to reach the nearest charging station. In Meridian, MS, there are currently three DC fast charging stations spread throughout the community, and new charging stations are being built. Soon, you’ll see them as often as you see gas stations. On top of that, EV drivers have the option of installing a home charger, meaning you don’t even have to leave home to refuel. Say bye-bye to the gas pump.
The Myth: Electric energy costs just as much as gasoline.
The Truth: This could not be further from the truth. Exactly how much you’ll spend on charging your electric vehicle depends on the electric rates in your area, but on average, a mile’s worth of electric energy costs 60% less than the same amount of gasoline ($0.5 vs $0.13). At that rate, recharging the Honda Prologue would cost $14.40, while the gasoline equivalent would cost $37.44.
The Myth: Electric vehicles are slower than traditional models.
The Truth: Au, contraire. Once again, time has changed things in drastic ways. The latest EV models to hit the pavement have just as much – if not more – power as comparable gasoline models. In addition, unlike gasoline vehicles, EVs have more instant torque, which allows for quicker acceleration. That means they often reach highways and pass speeds faster than gas-powered cars.
The Myth: Electric vehicles don’t reduce your carbon footprint.
The Truth: Some media outlets have incorrectly claimed that the carbon emissions associated with producing EV batteries are much higher than the cost of producing gas-powered vehicles. This would mean that these vehicles need to be driven anywhere from 60,000 to 70,000 miles before providing any benefits to climate change. However, studies have proven these statements to be false. Although batteries produce more emissions during production, it only takes roughly 18 months of daily driving for the vehicle to break even and start cutting emissions, creating a greener future for everyone.
At Honda of Meridian, you can explore the all-electric Honda Prologue or look at the brand’s lineup of hybrid vehicles, such as the Honda Accord Hybrid. Visit our showroom today to find out how you can get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and start reaping the rewards.
