Three years ago, a respected online magazine did a story about the 20 things you're not told about electric vehicles (all-electric or EV) and we are seeing some of them today.

   Going EV is your choice, it's up to you

If you want to go EV, it is your choice. But some hard facts and empirical data (that we can see, feel, experience, etc) might influence your decision.

 Motor Junkie Magazine online did a story back in 2019 about the 20 things you're not told about EVs.   Some of the ones we are highlighting here because we were not aware of them. We've all heard about their cost, how environmentally unfriendly the old batteries are etc. But there's more.

 That EV might weigh as much as your truck

A number of smaller EVs are somewhat reasonable in the weight department but consider this. Even the smaller ones are lugging around a lithium battery that weighs at least 450 pounds or more.  The Tesla Model X has a 1,000 lb. battery, and the vehicle weighs 2.3 tons. That's 4,600 lbs.  That's only about 200 pounds less than an average Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab pickup equipped with a Hemi engine. I drive one, and my SLT, with a full fuel load, is around 4,900 to 4,950 lbs.

 Forget your regular mechanic, or even fixing anything yourself.

Regardless of the make or model, all EVs require specialized mechanical training and tools. Many shops don't have that, even a lot of dealerships. And, it is not cheap.

 Cold weather issues-battery

Just like your cell phone outside in the winter, cold weather takes a big toll on the power of the battery, especially if an EV is stored outside. Motor Junkie says there have been reports of greatly reduced range by EV owners, and even a failure to operate in severe weather conditions involving snow or bitter cold temps.

  Batteries drain much faster on highways

EVs utilize a process called regenerative braking, which 'puts' energy back into the battery, as well as coasting, which saves power. But that's in an urban or city environment.  Many EV owners to this day report while highway driving, where you might touch the brakes 2-3 times in 100 miles, the vehicle range can drop as much as 50 percent.

  They don't handle heavy cargo loads

Just like the MPG reading on my Dodge goes from 18-22 on the highway down to about 12-14 when I am climbing a steep hill, heavy loads kill the battery on EVs. That's why most of the experiments with EV trucks have not shown promise, such as an EV semi. Oh, it will tow a lot, but the battery dies extremely fast and their range is far below anything close to a conventional cargo truck or semi.

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 And finally, forget long-distance or cross-country trips

 There's a widely publicized story out this week about a Wall Street Journal reporter who rented a new Kia EV6 and drove from New Orleans to Chicago. According to The Blaze.com, this is what they learned:

 "..the reporter chronicled the difficult journey with all of its pitfalls. It included a shorter range than expected, finicky charging cords, loads of slower-than-advertised charging stations, and large swaths of the country without any "fast" charging stations at all, among other hardships."

So, it's your choice. But do consider there are a lot of factors we're not told about EVs, and some of them can affect if they're right for you.

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