Electric cars have made great strides over the years. But it’s unlikely that people will abandon their internal combustion engine vehicles in large numbers to get behind the steering wheels of EVs anytime soon.
There’s still too much uncertainty about the industry’s future for motorists who might otherwise make the leap and go fully electric.
EVs Still Face Some Challenges
While the average EV range in the U.S. is nearly 300 miles—which is probably sufficient for most—some drivers want to see that number increase before they take EVs seriously.
Another reason EV adoption rates haven’t taken off the way many automakers had hoped is the spotty EV charging station network. It’s better now than it was even a couple of years ago. But that doesn’t mean it’s as easy to find an EV charging station as it is to find a gas station.
EV Costs Keep Some Consumers Away
There’s also the upfront cost of EVs. You’ll likely spend more to buy a brand-new EV than a comparable internal combustion engine vehicle. Some consumers don’t believe EVs offer a big enough value proposition to justify a premium price.
Stereotypes About EV Drivers Are Also Getting in the Way
Stereotypes against EV drivers are also impacting EV adoption rates. For instance, some people view EV drivers as eco-warriors who care more about trees than people.
It turns out that many negative attitudes against EVs are outdated—and some of the biggest culprits are baby boomers. In fact, many boomers who’ve dipped their toes in the EV space are shifting into reverse.
While people across all demographics love or dislike EVs, here are 13 outdated stereotypes boomers have about EV owners.
Only Young People Drive EVs
One outdated stereotype some baby boomers cling to is that only young whipper-snappers drive EVs. That’s despite the fact that many people of all ages—including the boomer crowd—have gone the EV route.
EV Owners Are All Environmental Extremists
Many boomers believe EV drivers are eco-warriors who see their EV ownership as a badge of honor and a sign of their commitment to being stewards of the environment.
It’s true that EVs emit zero harmful emissions from their tailpipes; that’s one of their advantages over gas or diesel-engine vehicles. But if you listen to some baby boomers, you may come away with the impression that people who own and drive EVs have a cult-like devotion to their fully electric cars, SUVs, or crossovers. Of course, this stereotype ignores the fact that some EV owners drive them for fuel savings and high-end tech.
Electric Cars Are Just a Fad
While the jury is still deliberating about the future of EVs, it’s probably inaccurate to call them a fad. That stereotype might have faced less resistance a few years ago. However, it appears that vehicle electrification will continue in the form of EVs, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids.
All EV Owners Hate Gasoline Cars
Some EV owners loathe gas cars, but they are the exception rather than the rule. The reality is that many EV drivers like vehicles—period—whether they’re EVs or internal combustion engine cars.
In fact, some of them own multiple cars. They might drive their EVs daily and take their gas or diesel-engine vehicles for a spin on the weekends.
Electric Cars Can’t Handle Long Distances
It was mentioned earlier that EVs offer a range of nearly 300 miles. That’s more than enough for most people when you consider most commutes aren’t long enough to exhaust hundreds of miles of range from an EV. But what about long drives? You can get EVs with a higher-than-average range, and the EV charging station network has improved, making it easy to go on long road trips. However, you might have to do more planning to avoid range anxiety.
EV Owners Are Wealthy Elitists
Another outdated stereotype held by baby boomers is that EV owners are wealthy elitists who look down on people who don’t drive EVs because they can’t afford to or don’t want to.
The reality is that affordable EV models are available, meaning EV ownership is more attainable than ever.
Electric Cars Are Slow
Many EV models can do 0-60 miles per hour quicker than gas or diesel-engine cars. You might be surprised at how well EVs can burn rubber. They can really scoot!
EVs Are Only for Urban Dwellers
People living in rural areas may have more challenges since EV charging stations are less readily available. But that doesn’t mean EVs are just for those living in cities and suburbs. If you live in the country and want an EV, find one with an above-average range and invest in home charging.
EV Drivers Don’t Like “Real” Cars
Some boomers don’t see EVs as “real” cars, which is strange since EVs can do everything internal combustion engine vehicles can do.
Remember that there was a time when people looked down on vehicles with automatic transmissions, but automatic transmissions are now the norm while manual transmissions are not. There may come a day when EVs are the norm while internal combustion engine vehicles are not.
EV Owners Don’t Care About Car Culture
If you see this stereotype for what it is, you’ll know it doesn’t hold water. Many EV owners enjoy car culture because they’re automotive enthusiasts at heart. EVs are, after all, a part of car culture.
EV Owners Are All Tesla Fanatics
Believe it or not, not all EV fans are Tesla fans. While every EV owner owes a debt of appreciation to the EV manufacturer and its larger-than-life CEO, that doesn’t mean they all want to own and drive Teslas. The good news is other EV makers are in town, so there are options.
EV Owners Spend All Day Charging Their Cars
There’s no denying that charging EVs takes time. But many owners have home charging stations and charge their EVs overnight. They charge their EVs while getting some shut-eye and wake up in the morning with the equivalent of a full tank of gas. What’s not to love?
Only Tech Geeks Drive EVs
Another outdated stereotype boomers have about EV owners is that only tech nerds drive EVs. While electric cars may appeal to tech geeks, they appeal to other demographics, too. They appeal to people from all walks of life.
These Outdated Stereotypes Have Got to Go!
While most stereotypes have a kernel of truth, it’s important not to paint everyone with the same brush, as people in every group don’t always fit the bill. It’s also worth noting that not all baby boomers hold these stereotypes. In fact, many of them are proud EV owners.
More From Driver’s Drift
16 Used Cars That Will Outlast Most New Cars on the Dealership Lot
12 Affordable Sports Cars That Can Go Head-to-head With the Porsche 911
14 Cars That Consistently Fail Crash Tests
16 Used Cars Known to Last Over 500,000 Miles
