16 EV Charging Myths Busted!

Posted on by 337643pwpadmin

When it comes to owning an electric vehicle, one topic always sparks debate: charging.

Over the past months, I’ve received countless comments, DMs, and questions about EV charging myths. Some of these myths are harmless, others genuinely confuse new buyers, and a few are just plain wrong.

In this blog post, I’ll break down 16 of the most common myths—backed by research, real-world EV data, and my own experience as a BYD Sealion 7 owner in Singapore.

Myth 1: You Shouldn’t Charge to 100%

  • With LFP batteries (used in many BYDs), charging to 100% is completely safe and even beneficial.
  • It helps with cell balancing, keeping the battery calibrated for accurate range readings.
  • Some manufacturers are vague in their manuals, which causes unnecessary worry.
  • My personal practice: I charge to 100% once a week without issues.

Myth 2: Always Stop at 80%

  • The “80% rule” comes from charging speed efficiency, not battery damage.
  • Between 20–80%, EVs charge quickly. After 80%, the system slows down to protect the cells.
  • On long road trips, 80% is a time-saver—plug in for less time, get back on the road faster.
  • At home, or if you need maximum range, topping up to 100% is fine.

Myth 3: DC Fast Charging Destroys Batteries

  • Early EVs like the Nissan Leaf had no cooling, leading to degradation. That’s where the myth started.
  • Modern EVs have thermal management systems. When plugged into DC, cooling fans activate to prevent overheating.
  • If DC charging were truly harmful, manufacturers wouldn’t include it as a feature.
  • Use DC chargers when you need them—just don’t rely on them 100% of the time if you want to maximize battery longevity.

Myth 4: You Can’t Lock the Car While Charging

  • Totally false. I’ve locked my Sealion 7 while charging hundreds of times.
  • Locking is built into the system—your car knows it’s charging and secures the port.
  • Imagine if you couldn’t lock your car—no EV would pass modern safety standards.

Myth 5: You Can’t Sit in the Car While It’s Charging

  • I often stay inside my EV during charging sessions, whether at a shopping mall or public charger.
  • No, you won’t get radiation. No, the car won’t suddenly catch fire.
  • EVs are designed with built-in safeguards to allow this safely.
  • Many drivers use this time to work, rest, or cool off in air-conditioning.

Myth 6: There’s Always a Queue for Chargers

  • In Singapore and most modern cities, there are now plenty of charging points.
  • I’ve personally visited sites with 5 chargers—only 1 or 2 were in use.
  • Unlike petrol stations, you don’t always “fill up.” Sometimes, just 10–15 minutes gives you another 200+ km.
  • Apps like PlugShare make it easy to find nearby chargers in real time.

Myth 7: EVs Catch Fire More Often

  • Fires make the news because they look dramatic, but statistically, ICE cars are more fire-prone.
  • US studies: 25 fires per 100,000 EVs vs. 1,500 per 100,000 ICE cars.
  • Petrol is highly flammable; EVs have strict battery management systems that minimize risks.
  • EV fires are rare but get more attention because they’re “new and scary.”

Myth 8: Running the Battery to Zero Destroys It

  • EVs never truly hit zero—there’s a buffer built into the BMS.
  • Occasionally going low won’t ruin the battery, but repeated deep discharges aren’t ideal.
  • Think about ICE cars—do you often run them until the tank is bone dry? Same logic applies.
  • Modern EVs will warn you long before a true empty.

Myth 9: EV Charging Will Become More Expensive Than Petrol

  • Some argue rising road taxes will erase cost savings. In Singapore, EVs do pay an extra $700 annual fee.
  • Even with that, charging is still cheaper than petrol per km.
  • In Australia and Europe, governments are discussing EV road usage taxes, but costs still favor EVs today.
  • Running costs also include servicing—and EVs have far fewer parts to maintain.

Myth 10: EV Batteries End Up in Landfills

  • 95% of EV batteries are recyclable, and recycling tech is improving fast.
  • Industry leaders like CATL and BYD already run large-scale recycling programs.
  • Compare this with petrol: once burned, the fuel is gone forever.
  • Future second-life applications (e.g., home energy storage) give EV batteries even more value after car use.

Myth 11: You Can’t Charge in the Rain

  • Charging ports are IP-rated waterproof (usually IP67).
  • EVSE systems include checks: if a short circuit is detected, charging won’t even start.
  • Public chargers in Singapore, Australia, and Tesla Superchargers are all outdoors—clearly designed for wet weather.
  • If rain truly posed a risk, regulators wouldn’t approve outdoor charging stations.

Myth 12: Leaving Your EV Plugged In Overnight is Dangerous

  • Once the battery hits 100%, the BMS stops current flow.
  • No, the cable doesn’t keep “pushing” electricity like a water hose.
  • Your phone and laptop also manage overnight charging without issues—cars are even more advanced.
  • Overnight charging is convenient and safe.

Myth 13: You Need to Fully Discharge and Recharge Regularly

  • This was true for old NiCad batteries due to the “memory effect.”
  • LFP and modern lithium chemistries don’t need this practice.
  • The BMS ensures cell balancing automatically.
  • At most, a 100% charge every week or two keeps things calibrated—no need for full discharges.

Myth 14: Public Chargers Can Steal Your Data

  • EV chargers transmit power only, not data.
  • The billing is handled by the network app or RFID tap—completely separate from your car’s systems.
  • Your EV isn’t a USB stick; no one is downloading your personal info through a charging cable.
  • The only thing you should worry about? Getting billed correctly.

Myth 15: EV Batteries Only Last a Few Years

  • Most EV batteries come with 8–10 year warranties.
  • Teslas with over 100,000 miles still retain 85–90% of capacity.
  • Real-world BYDs, Teslas, and Hyundais have shown minimal degradation after years of daily use.
  • If degradation were drastic, no one would buy EVs—and regulators wouldn’t allow them to market warranties that long.

Myth 16: Replacing an EV Battery Costs More Than the Car

  • Early EV batteries cost over $1,000 per kWh. Today, prices are closer to $100 per kWh and falling.
  • Manufacturers typically replace faulty modules, not the whole pack.
  • In a BYD or Tesla, replacing one module costs far less than people assume.
  • As EV adoption grows, battery costs will only get cheaper—much like flat-screen TVs or smartphones did.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of myths surrounding EV charging, but most are rooted in outdated info or fear of new tech.

Modern EVs—especially those using LFP batteries and advanced BMS systems—are designed with safety and longevity in mind. Charging your EV is far less complicated (and risky) than the internet makes it out to be.

If you found this breakdown helpful, you might also enjoy my other posts on BYD ownership, EV charging tips, and battery health.