Electric Cars: Myths And Reality

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular, yet they’re still surrounded by persistent myths that often prevent people from considering them seriously. From doubts about battery life to range anxiety, misconceptions can cloud judgment.

That’s why checking a car auction history by vin is essential before buying a used EV—especially at auctions like Copart or IAAI. It helps uncover the true condition and usage of the vehicle, cutting through the noise of misinformation.

Let’s separate fact from fiction and see what electric mobility really looks like.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

Myth: Electric Cars Are Not Suitable For Long Trips

Refutation

Many still believe EVs are only good for city driving and cannot handle long-distance journeys. This might have been partially true in the early 2010s, but today’s EVs have made significant leaps in range and reliability.

Modern electric cars like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or Ford Mustang Mach-E offer ranges of 250–400 miles on a single charge, which is comparable to or even better than some gasoline cars. Fast-charging networks and route-planning tools now make long road trips completely feasible.

Apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint allow drivers to plan charging stops in advance, ensuring that range anxiety is a thing of the past. For those buying EVs at auction, checking the real-world range in the VIN report ensures no surprises after purchase.

Myth: Batteries Quickly Fail

Refutation

A widespread myth is that EV batteries wear out rapidly and cost a fortune to replace. While batteries do degrade over time, the process is slow and predictable with proper usage.

Most manufacturers provide warranties for 8 years or 100,000+ miles on their batteries. In reality, studies show that many EV batteries retain over 80% of their capacity even after 150,000 miles. Factors such as climate, charging habits, and mileage can affect degradation, but failure is rare.

VIN history reports reveal how the car was used and maintained, including charging behavior, if available. Buyers should always check for battery-related warnings or diagnostics in auction listings or reports from Stat.vin.

Myth: Charging An Electric Car Takes Too Long

Refutation

This myth comes from confusion between slow home charging and DC fast charging. Yes, Level 1 charging (from a standard outlet) can take 10–20 hours. But most EV users charge at home overnight with Level 2 chargers, taking 4–8 hours.

Public DC fast chargers can recharge 80% of the battery in 20–40 minutes, depending on the car. Tesla Superchargers, for example, offer some of the fastest charging available.

Before purchasing an EV at auction, check the charging capabilities in the VIN report: does it support DC fast charging? What’s the onboard charger capacity? These details impact real-world usability.

Myth: There Are Not Enough Charging Stations

Refutation

The charging network has grown significantly in the U.S. and globally. As of 2025, the U.S. alone has over 60,000 public charging stations and hundreds of thousands of ports. Urban areas, highways, and even rural towns now offer charging options.

Major networks like Electrify America, Tesla, EVgo, and others continue to expand. In Europe and Asia, government incentives further accelerate development.

Before bidding on an electric vehicle at auction, it’s wise to check the charging port type (CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla) in the VIN specs and ensure compatibility with local infrastructure.

Myth: Battery Runs Out Quickly In Winter

Refutation

EVs can indeed experience reduced range in cold weather—typically 10–30% less—but so can gasoline vehicles. The myth exaggerates the issue by ignoring thermal management systems that newer EVs use.

Today’s EVs have preconditioning functions, heated batteries, and cabin management features that help mitigate winter losses. Additionally, drivers can plug in overnight and warm up the cabin while the car is still charging, conserving battery for the road.

VIN reports from Stat.vin show vehicle usage in cold regions, giving clues about how the EV performs in various climates. Look for cold weather packages or upgrades listed in the auction specs.

Myth: Electric Cars Are Very Expensive

Refutation

While new EVs may have a higher upfront cost, the total cost of ownership is often lower due to cheaper electricity, fewer moving parts, and lower maintenance. Moreover, used EV prices have dropped significantly, making them affordable for a wide range of buyers.

For budget-conscious shoppers, auctions like Copart and IAAI offer a great opportunity to find EVs at competitive prices. Many clean-title electric cars are sold at a fraction of their retail value due to lease returns, fleet liquidation, or light cosmetic damage.

Buyers can find Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, or Hyundai Kona Electric at prices 30–50% below market value. Just make sure to check car auction history by VIN to ensure the car has no major issues.

How To Choose An Electric Car At An Auction

Selecting the right electric vehicle at Copart or IAAI involves attention to several key factors:

Check the condition report: Look for clean-title or light-damage vehicles
Battery status: Some auctions include state-of-health (SOH) reports or BMS readings
Charging port type: Ensure it matches local infrastructure
Odometer and usage: High mileage isn’t always bad for EVs, but history matters
Auction photos: Examine the undercarriage and front-end for signs of flood or battery damage
Features: Confirm the presence of desired options like autopilot, heat pump, range extender, or fast charging

Most importantly, run a full VIN check on Stat.vin to verify title history, usage, recalls, and potential red flags like battery tampering or odometer rollback.

Search And View The History Of A Car By Vin Code

A VIN code is a 17-character unique identifier assigned to every vehicle. By decoding it through platforms like Stat.vin, you gain access to:

Accident history
Odometer readings
Number of previous owners
Auction records (Copart, IAAI)
Title status and any branding (e.g., rebuilt, salvage)
Battery condition, if available
Equipment and options from the factory
Estimated retail value and market trends

When it comes to EVs, a VIN check is indispensable. It helps verify if the car was involved in a crash, exposed to water damage (critical for batteries), or has consistent mileage history.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are not only practical but also increasingly affordable—especially when purchased through U.S. auctions. Unfortunately, outdated myths still deter many potential buyers. In reality, EVs are suitable for long trips, have durable batteries, and benefit from a growing charging network.

Winter performance is improving, and prices are becoming competitive.

To make a safe and informed purchase, especially when buying from Copart or IAAI, always perform a car auction history by VIN check using Stat.vin. This small step ensures transparency, confirms battery health and ownership history, and helps you find the perfect electric car without compromise.