EV and Mach-e Myths and Fallacies

[Fremont Kid]

I attended a social even last weekend. After people knew I had a Mach-e they began asking questions and offering opinions regarding EVs. I thought a thread regarding myths and fallacies would be interesting. Please offer your favorites. Here are some I heard.

One person said that a Ford salesperson told them not to buy a Mach-e or Lightning because the electric motor pollutes rubber particles into the environment. I had to restrain laughter.

Another offered that the batteries had to be replaced after three years. I told them that as batteries are used and more data is available the actual life will become better known. I expect my battery to last close to 20 years, and that battery chemistry and charging practices affect life.

Charging takes way too long, like hours to add sufficient charge just to travel longer distances. I gently corrected this view. They may have been thinking about L1 charging. I did explain L1 through L4 chargers and that L3 DCFC can charge 20% to 80% in 25-30 minutes, generally.

That the battery and motor manufacturing processes require excessive energy and pollute more than the benefits gained. I don't have sufficient information to compare the entire production cycle and pollution between fossil fuels and battery-electric but I did explain that as battery material recycling matures, this will reduce both lifecycle costs and pollution.

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[JoanS]

I attended a social even last weekend. After people knew I had a Mach-e they began asking questions and offering opinions regarding EVs. I thought a thread regarding myths and fallacies would be interesting. Please offer your favorites. Here are some I heard.

One person said that a Ford salesperson told them not to buy a Mach-e or Lightning because the electric motor pollutes rubber particles into the environment. I had to restrain laughter.

Another offered that the batteries had to be replaced after three years. I told them that as batteries are used and more data is available the actual life will become better known. I expect my battery to last close to 20 years, and that battery chemistry and charging practices affect life.

Charging takes way too long, like hours to add sufficient charge just to travel longer distances. I gently corrected this view. They may have been thinking about L1 charging. I did explain L1 through L4 chargers and that L3 DCFC can charge 20% to 80% in 25-30 minutes, generally.

That the battery and motor manufacturing processes require excessive energy and pollute more than the benefits gained. I don't have sufficient information to compare the entire production cycle and pollution between fossil fuels and battery-electric but I did explain that as battery material recycling matures, this will reduce both lifecycle costs and pollution.

I queried Grok on your last paragraph and got this: "The claim that EV battery and motor manufacturing pollutes more than the benefits is misleading. Yes, making EV batteries is energy-intensive, emitting 2.5-16 tons of CO2 per battery and causing environmental issues like mining pollution. But lifecycle studies show EVs offset these emissions in 1.5-2 years of driving compared to gas cars, thanks to zero tailpipe emissions and 87-91% efficiency. Cleaner grids and recycling (cutting emissions up to 17%) boost benefits. Critics, often pushed by fossil fuel propaganda, exaggerate manufacturing impacts and ignore long-term gains. EVs aren’t perfect, but they’re a net win for the environment as tech and grids improve."

 

[Krabbit]

You cant fix stupid. Its not like the information isnt available. Its not like every human past age 5 doesnt have access to just about every fact in history in their pocket. Those people chose to be ignorant. I doubt your counter points will overcome that.

 

[RockinVs]

There has been bad articles out there claiming EVs cause 100-1000% or more tire pollution because of their weight. At most it would be 20%. This can be offset by EV specific tires.
Also, heard EVs go through brakes faster due to being heavier. They must not know about regeneration. The friction brakes actually don't get used as much.

 

[Blue highway]

There has been bad articles out there claiming EVs cause 100-1000% or more tire pollution because of their weight. At most it would be 20%. This can be offset by EV specific tires.
Also, heard EVs go through brakes faster due to being heavier. They must not know about regeneration. The friction brakes actually don't get used as much.

The brake one surprises me when I see it in articles... it's a tell that the author and editor have no idea what they are talking about and therefore nothing from them should be taken seriously when it comes to EVs.

 

[Teslaeata]

I attended a social even last weekend. After people knew I had a Mach-e they began asking questions and offering opinions regarding EVs. I thought a thread regarding myths and fallacies would be interesting. Please offer your favorites. Here are some I heard.

One person said that a Ford salesperson told them not to buy a Mach-e or Lightning because the electric motor pollutes rubber particles into the environment. I had to restrain laughter.

Another offered that the batteries had to be replaced after three years. I told them that as batteries are used and more data is available the actual life will become better known. I expect my battery to last close to 20 years, and that battery chemistry and charging practices affect life.

Charging takes way too long, like hours to add sufficient charge just to travel longer distances. I gently corrected this view. They may have been thinking about L1 charging. I did explain L1 through L4 chargers and that L3 DCFC can charge 20% to 80% in 25-30 minutes, generally.

That the battery and motor manufacturing processes require excessive energy and pollute more than the benefits gained. I don't have sufficient information to compare the entire production cycle and pollution between fossil fuels and battery-electric but I did explain that as battery material recycling matures, this will reduce both lifecycle costs and pollution.

Oh, why didn’t you say you were going there, I have just the thing you could’ve borrowed……..

 

[Teslaeata]

How about this, some bullshitter who said he “looks after” a load of main dealers but turned out to be just a car cleaner, or detailer he called it, said “oooh, those EVs have to have special tyres that are fireproof”

I said to him sniffing air, “Is it dog, is it horse…….no it’s bull I can smell” ?????

I mean, oil & rubber that don’t burn, is this something scientists may have overlooked ??‍

 

[B177y]

My favorite myth/untruth is the "EV's batteries are ticking time bombs and will spontaneously ignite and meltdown like a nuclear reactor changing spacetime as we know it!!" (slight exaggeration).

I just wrote a post on the Lightning forum about how many ICE car fires I responded to during my firefighter career. Many literally started while they were parked with the ignition off. There are also many ICE fires that start while the car is being driven. There's just not a dis-information machine focusing on every ICE car fire like there is for EV's.

 

[Teslaeata]

My favorite myth/untruth is the "EV's batteries are ticking time bombs and will spontaneously ignite and meltdown like a nuclear reactor changing spacetime as we know it!!" (slight exaggeration).

I just wrote a post on the Lightning forum about how many ICE car fires I responded to during my firefighter career. Many literally started while they were parked with the ignition off. There are also many ICE fires that start while the car is being driven. There's just not a dis-information machine focusing on every ICE car fire like there is for EV's.

ICE cars, as well as EVs, have 12V electric systems that are permanently live so deteriorating connections & components can cause resistance heating with the consequent effect fire.

That said, I doubt that HV systems cause anywhere near the number of fires that ICE engine related fires suffer with the far higher risk of ignition of leaked fuel, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission oil and wiring deterioration due to heat of ICE engines.

Only thing I worry about is the more serious effect the far lower risk of EV vehicle fire presents which are difficulties extinguishing them and the fierceness of how they burn and can re-ignite.

Otherwise I’m happy with the EV risk.

 

[ReverendPete]

You cant fix stupid. Its not like the information isnt available. Its not like every human past age 5 doesnt have access to just about every fact in history in their pocket. Those people chose to be ignorant. I doubt your counter points will overcome that.

I agree that counter points like this aren't likely to overcome somebody with a deeply entrenched (potentially political) opinion about EVs, but this sounds more like casual conversation, and casual conversation is where a lot of people form their opinions. They may not care deeply enough to go look up information (and god knows there's a lot of misinformation to be found when looking), but having a casual conversation with someone who has an EV might actually help form their opinions...

Many years ago, during a casual conversation, I had heard that Chevrolet was discontinuing the Volt because it was raising people's electric bills by 200%-300%. This was before I had any interest in an EV, and my brain just accepted what I heard as fact.

So casual conversations like this might actually be MORE effective at changing minds than just about anything else...

 

[MellowJohnny]

I was at Volkswagen getting my Golf fixed (maybe) and had a long chat with the tech. I asked how many EV certified techs they had. He said since we don't sell EVs, none. Then he told me EVs will die off, and he would "never let my wife drive one..." I said "Why not?" He said she can barely keep the gas tank filled, let alone an EV charged. I said she'd have a "full tank" every day after charging it at home. No reply from the Tech.

There are still *a lot* of people out there with those early impressions....

Bonus points - next time someone says there is "no charging" ask them what an EV DCFC actually looks like. I bet they pass multiple stations each day but because they don't look like gas stations, they have no idea.

 

[Fremont Kid]

I agree that counter points like this aren't likely to overcome somebody with a deeply entrenched (potentially political) opinion about EVs, but this sounds more like casual conversation, and casual conversation is where a lot of people form their opinions. They may not care deeply enough to go look up information (and god knows there's a lot of misinformation to be found when looking), but having a casual conversation with someone who has an EV might actually help form their opinions...

Many years ago, during a casual conversation, I had heard that Chevrolet was discontinuing the Volt because it was raising people's electric bills by 200%-300%. This was before I had any interest in an EV, and my brain just accepted what I heard as fact.

So casual conversations like this might actually be MORE effective at changing minds than just about anything else...

I agree with this. I'm hoping my responses prompt those people to investigate then change their perspectives.

 

[Teslaeata]

I was at Volkswagen getting my Golf fixed (maybe) and had a long chat with the tech. I asked how many EV certified techs they had. He said since we don't sell EVs, none. Then he told me EVs will die off, and he would "never let my wife drive one..." I said "Why not?" He said she can barely keep the gas tank filled, let alone an EV charged. I said she'd have a "full tank" every day after charging it at home. No reply from the Tech.

There are still *a lot* of people out there with those early impressions....

Bonus points - next time someone says there is "no charging" ask them what an EV DCFC actually looks like. I bet they pass multiple stations each day but because they don't look like gas stations, they have no idea.

Did you get his name? Was it Mechanicasauris Rex by any chance ??

 

[Schmedlack]

Do a Google search and ask - How long does a ford mustang mach e battery last?

Response -

AI Overview

A Ford Mustang Mach-E battery is generally expected to last between 3 to 5 years.

Ask again - How much does a ford mustang mach e battery cost?

Response #2 -

According to Ford's official used parts catalog, you can expect to pay $24,901.18 for the 2022 to 2024 Mustang Mach-E's full battery assembly.

Not a compelling pair of responses, is it?

 

[JoanS]

Do a Google search and ask - How long does a ford mustang mach e battery last?

Response -

AI Overview

A Ford Mustang Mach-E battery is generally expected to last between 3 to 5 years.

Ask again - How long does a ford mustang mach e battery cost?

Response #2 -

According to Ford's official used parts catalog, you can expect to pay $24,901.18 for the 2022 to 2024 Mustang Mach-E's full battery assembly.

Not a compelling pair of responses, is it?

Grok's response was quite different: "The Ford Mustang Mach-E's high-voltage battery is designed to last a long time, with estimates suggesting 300,000 to 500,000 miles or roughly 10 to 20 years of use before significant capacity loss requires replacement, depending on driving habits, climate, and charging practices. Ford’s warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, ensuring at least 70% of original capacity during that period. Studies, like one cited on Reddit, suggest lithium-ion batteries can degrade as little as 15% over 800,000 miles with frequent charging to 70%. However, a MachEforum post reported a 2021 Mach-E losing 40 miles of range in one year, though this may reflect weather or usage rather than true degradation. Factors like extreme temperatures, frequent fast charging, or running the battery to 0% can accelerate wear, but Ford’s thermal management and smart charging systems help mitigate this. Replacement costs are often cited at $10,000+, though exact figures vary. Always maintain the battery per Ford’s guidelines to maximize lifespan."

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