As gas prices continue to skyrocket across the country, more drivers are thinking of "going electric" -- but what does that mean?

Like any new technology, it is easy to get confused about how electric vehicles work, what maintenance they require, whether they will save you money, and more. To help you stay in the know, we are busting four of the most common myths about electric vehicles.

What are the options for electric vehicles?

Before we break apart the Myths about electric vehicles, it's helpful to understand the 4 different types of vehicles available in the Toyota Lineup.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

(HEVs) seamlessly combine the power of a gas engine with electric motors. Their hybrid battery recharges on the go, so you never need to plug it in!

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

(PHEVs) operate the same way as HEVs, but have the option to be plugged in for extended electric-only range.

Battery Electric Vehicles

While specifically made Toyota Premium Batteries ensure optimal performance for their gas counterparts, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are zero-emission vehicles powered by electricity alone. BEVs need to be plugged in, but also use regenerative braking to recharge the battery as you drive.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen as an energy source to power high-output electric motors, emitting only water from the tailpipe.

Time for myths vs facts about electric vehicles

Now that we have covered some background, you can say you understand the 4 different types of electric vehicles and how they work. Now let's explore the most common misconceptions about them.

Myth: electric Vehicles Require More Maintenance

Although they operate differently, Toyota electric and gas vehicles follow the same maintenance schedule -- every 6 months or 8,000km.

When you bring an electrified vehicle to our Toyota Dealer for maintenance, our Toyota University Trained Technicians provide the same quality service and use similar Toyota Genuine Parts to those that you'd expect with gas vehicles. Plus, depending on how the vehicle is driven, a hybrid electric system can even reduce how often other areas of the vehicle need servicing.

Myth: electric Vehicles Are More Expensive

You can also lower maintenance costs with an electric vehicle. For example, BEVs don't have an engine or transmission. With fewer mechanical parts that need service or replacing, you can lower your overall cost of ownership over time.

Since gas is more costly than electricity, an electric vehicle automatically helps you save money by not relying on fuel. If you want to compare how much you could save with an electrified vehicle, check out our helpful gas savings calculator.

Myth: electric Vehicles Are Slower

Electric motors generate 100% of their available torque instantly. This means you can accelerate faster, smoother, and more quietly than you can while driving a gas-powered vehicle. In a PHEV, you can travel even faster and further in EV mode than in conventional hybrid electric vehicles.