Shocking Number of People Worldwide Fall for Electric Vehicle Myths, Fresh 2025 Research Reveals
New cross-country study finds more people believe myths about EVs than not—here’s what’s really holding back the green revolution.
- 36% of responses agreed with misleading EV claims
- Only 23% disagreed with common EV myths
- 43–56% believed EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars
- Misinformation agreement rates similar across 4 countries
Electric vehicles (EVs) are celebrated as the future of transport and a crucial weapon against climate change. Yet, a new multi-country study in 2025 paints a troubling picture: misinformation about EVs is not just widespread—it’s more widely believed than disputed, even among EV adopters themselves.
Researchers surveyed over 4,200 people across Australia, the United States, Germany, and Austria, probing attitudes toward nine of the most common EV myths. A shocking 36% of the 36,000 data points showed agreement with misinformation, surpassing the 23% who rejected such claims.
Even more striking, up to 56% of respondents in some countries believed the most persistent myth: that EVs are more likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. This trend plagues both potential buyers and current owners, revealing the depth of public confusion.
Why Do So Many People Believe EV Misinformation?
It’s not ignorance or lack of education. The strongest predictor for falling for EV myths, researchers found, is a mindset prone to distrust—people who believe conspiracies thrive, view the world through suspicion, and are wary of institutions are far more likely to believe false claims about electric cars.
Remarkably, scientific knowledge or education level made no meaningful difference. Political leanings did. People with progressive, pro-environmental views were far less likely to fall for EV misconceptions.
For in-depth context on EVs, visit the U.S. Department of Energy or read more about climate initiatives at United Nations.
Are EV Owners Immune to Myths?
Not at all. In a follow-up survey of 2,100 Americans—half of whom owned an EV—the researchers found owners believed in EV misinformation at about the same rate as non-owners. This counterintuitive outcome reveals how deeply rooted and pervasive false narratives have become.
Does Believing Myths Hurt EV Adoption?
Absolutely. The strongest link researchers discovered was between belief in misinformation and hesitation to buy EVs. People who believed falsehoods were far less likely to consider an electric car, highlighting how myths stall green progress at the consumer level.
How Can We Bust EV Myths?
Researchers tried two info-based interventions: chatting with ChatGPT and reading a Department of Energy fact sheet. Both methods sharply reduced belief in misinformation, and the effect lasted for at least ten days. Surprisingly, conversations with ChatGPT were just as effective as reading official fact sheets, underlining AI’s promising role in fighting misinformation.
You can read up on trending technology and AI at OpenAI or dive into international research at Nature.
FAQs: Everything You Didn’t Know About EV Myths
Q: Are EVs more likely to catch fire than petrol cars?
A: No. Research and industry data show EVs are not inherently more prone to fires than gasoline cars.
Q: Does education affect belief in EV misinformation?
A: Surprisingly, it does not. Political views and institutional trust are much stronger factors.
Q: Can AI really change minds about EV myths?
A: Yes. Both AI-led conversations and fact sheet interventions showed measurable drops in misinformation endorsement.
How to Protect Yourself from EV Misinformation
- Rely on reputable sources, like government and academic sites
- Use AI tools like ChatGPT for myth-busting and clarifications
- Be aware of “conspiracy mentality” thinking traps
- Fact-check before sharing news about EVs
Join the electric revolution—don’t let myths drive your decisions. Here’s your action plan to steer clear of EV misinformation:
- 🔲 Bookmark reliable info hubs like energy.gov and un.org
- 🔲 Test your knowledge with an AI chatbot before you buy or share
- 🔲 Talk to real EV owners and double-check claims you see online
- 🔲 Hold misinformation-spreaders accountable in your circles
Stay informed and power up your EV knowledge to help drive a cleaner, greener future!
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