Electric Mobility: Myths and Facts About Cars, Bikes, and Scooters

Electric mobility is transforming our transportation system, but it remains surrounded by myths that generate mistrust. By 2025, with 280 million electric vehicles on the road globally, it’s crucial to separate fiction from reality to make informed decisions.

Electric Cars: Debunking Misconceptions

Myth 1: “They have little range”

• 2025 Reality:
  • Standard models: 400-600 km (vs. 150-200 km in 2018)
  • High-end models: 800+ km (e.g., Lucid Air, Tesla Model S Plaid)
  • Key Fact: 95% of daily journeys are <50 km

Myth 2: “Electricity comes from polluting sources”

• Demonstrated Progress:
  • EU renewable mix: 48% in 2025 (vs. 32% in 2020)
  • Complete CO₂ footprint: 70% less than thermal vehicles (including manufacturing and electricity)
  • Example: Spain: A Nissan Leaf emits 65 gCO₂/km (vs. 120 gCO₂/km for an efficient diesel)

Myth 3: “Batteries are an environmental disaster”

• New developments:
  • Recycling: 95% of materials are recoverable (projects like Northvolt)
  • Second life: Use in stationary storage (7-10 additional years)
  • Sustainable chemistries: LFP (cobalt-free) and solid-state batteries

Electric Bikes: Beyond the “Cheating”

Myth 1: “It’s cheating on exercise”

• Scientific studies:
  • Users travel 3x more distance than with a conventional bike
  • 85% maintain heart rate in the moderate exercise zone
  • Ideal for people with reduced mobility or difficult terrain

Myth 2: “They’re too expensive”

• Cost-benefit analysis:
  • Average price: €1,500-3,000 (down 40% since 2020)
  • Savings vs. a car: €4,000/year on fuel, parking, and Maintenance
  • Grants: Up to €600 in municipal programs

Myth 3: “Batteries don’t last”

• Current Technology:
  • Lifecycles: 800-1,000 (5-7 years of normal use)
  • Warranty: Minimum 2 years on recognized brands
  • Repairability: 70% of specialized workshops offer battery service

Electric Scooters: Between Fashion and Real Mobility

Myth 1: “They’re only for young people”

• Usage Data 2025:
  • 35% of users are aged 40-65
  • 200% growth in use for work commuting
  • Advantage: Learning in 15 minutes vs. 20 hours for driving a car

Myth 2: “They’re dangerous”

• Improved Statistics:
  • Serious accidents: 0.03% for trips (vs. 0.05% for (bicycles)
  • Key factors: Helmet use (mandatory in 15 countries), speed limit of 25 km/h
  • Innovations: Directional scooters, ABS brakes, anti-fall systems

Myth 3: “They are not sustainable”

• Life cycle analysis:
  • Carbon footprint: 1/20 of an electric car
  • Materials: 90% recyclable steel, removable batteries
  • Sharing services: 1 scooter replaces 5 taxi/Uber rides

Infrastructure: The Great Challenge Overcome

Charging Points

• Coverage by 2025:
  • Europe: 550,000 public charging stations (+300% from 2022)
  • Spain: 45,000 chargers (1 every 50 km on highways)
  • New: Inductive charging at traffic lights and parking lots

Swappable Batteries

• Operating Services:
  • Gogoro: 12,000 stations in Taiwan (30 seconds per charge)
  • Sun Mobility: Solar charging stations in India for electric rickshaws

Future Trends (2026-2030)

Technology

• Solid-state batteries: 2x energy density, charging in 5 minutes
• V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): Cars as storage for power grids
• Shared autonomy: Autonomous micromobility fleets

Regulation

• Mandatory eco-labeling: Full environmental footprint of each vehicle Vehicle
• Zero Emission Zones: 200 European cities will ban thermal vehicles in city centers

Tips for Choosing Your Electric Vehicle

For the City

• First option: Folding electric bike + public transport
• Alternative: Long-range scooter (40+ km)
• Budget: €1,500-2,500

For Family/Medium Distance

• Recommendation: Small electric car (e.g., Dacia Spring, Renault Zoe)
• Minimum range: 350 real km
• Budget: €20,000-30,000 (with subsidies)

For Long Distance

• Options: Segment D cars (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6)
• Features: Fast charging 150+ kW, range 500+ km
• Budget: €35,000-50,000

“The most sustainable vehicle is not the one that doesn’t pollute, but the one you don’t need.” “buy because there is an alternative better adapted to your real needs” — Carlos Bravo, sustainable transport expert.