Let’s be honest: few topics generate as many misconceptions as electric vehicles. Somewhere between the old war stories about range anxiety and coffee shop debates about battery life, a strange mythology has emerged. Especially here in Arizona, where heat waves make headlines and wide-open highways stretch to the horizon, electric vehicle skeptics abound.
But here’s the reality: Arizona isn’t just ready for electric vehicles — it’s rapidly becoming an electric stronghold. As gas prices spike and infrastructure expands, the myths that once dominated electric vehicles conversations are melting faster than an ice cube on a Scottsdale sidewalk.
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Myth #1: Electric Vehicles Can’t Handle the Heat
This is Arizona, after all. Summer heat is the rule, not the exception. But what many fail to realize is that today’s electric vehicles are engineered for precisely these extremes. Ford, for example, rigorously tests its electric lineup in hot-weather proving grounds in the Southwest. Advanced battery cooling systems and sophisticated thermal management ensure that performance doesn’t wilt when the mercury rises. In fact, Ford electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are built with Arizona in mind.
Myth #2: Electric Vehicles Cost More
Sticker price is only part of the story. When you consider Arizona’s higher-than-average gas prices — nearly 35 cents above the national average — the math starts to shift. An Arizona electric vehicle owner who charges at home can save up to an estimated $100 a month with F-150 Lightning and $80 with Mustang Mach-E compared to filling up their truck or SUV with gas. Factor in fewer maintenance visits (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), and many drivers can see about $950 a year in extra savings compared to a gas vehicle (source: AAA).
Myth #3: There Aren’t Enough Charging Stations
The image of stranded electric vehicle drivers hunting for a plug is outdated. Arizona is investing $76.5 million to build 21 new high-speed charging stations by the end of 2025. But the real story is happening at home: About 80% of Ford electric vehicle owners do most of their charging overnight in their garages – just like plugging in your phone to charge at night. Instead of fueling up at a gas station, they wake up every morning with a full “tank.” It’s not just convenient — it’s transformational.
Myth #4: Electric Vehicles Lack Performance
If you think driving electric means sacrificing power, you haven’t been behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT with Performance Upgrade, which rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. That’s not just electric quick — that’s sportscar quick. Instant torque, seamless acceleration, and whisper-quiet rides redefine what drivers expect from a vehicle.
Myth #5: Electric Vehicles Aren’t Ready for Road Trips
Arizona drivers love their road trips, from weekend escapes to Sedona to cross-state treks to the Grand Canyon. The outdated fear that electric vehicles can’t go the distance is quickly dissolving. Today’s electric vehicles boast ranges that easily cover hundreds of miles on a single charge, and with the expanding fast-charging network, top-ups can take as little as 20-30 minutes. Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network, one of the largest public charging networks in North America and with more chargers being added every week, provides drivers with thousands of charging locations across Arizona and beyond, helping to ease range anxiety and get drivers out on the road.
The Future Is Plugged In
Electric vehicle momentum in Arizona isn’t just a trend—it’s a tectonic shift. High gas prices, modern infrastructure, and compelling economics are turning skeptics into believers. As more Arizona drivers go electric, they’re discovering that the myths don’t hold up under real-world scrutiny.
At Ford, we’re not just building electric vehicles. We’re helping write the next chapter of Arizona’s transportation story—one that’s cooler, quieter, and surprisingly practical, even in the heart of the desert.
Author: Dapo Adewusi is the Electric Vehicle Engineering Manager at Ford Motor Company, where he leads key programs for the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. With a passion for innovation and sustainable mobility, Dapo plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ford’s electric vehicle lineup through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
