Stop Burning Stuff Myth-Busting!

Carbon Debt: Are Electric Vehicles Really as Green as They Say?

1st December 2023

In a recent discussion, industry experts tackled the question that has been circulating in environmental circles: Are electric vehicles (EVs) truly as environmentally friendly as they claim to be?

The conversation delved into the nuanced aspects of EV sustainability, specifically addressing the prevalent myth surrounding the carbon debt associated with electric cars.

A key reference point in the conversation was the Volvo report of 2020, which asserted that an EV takes 70,000 kilometres and approximately 10 years to offset its carbon debt. However, this claim was debunked by various universities, bringing attention to the oversight in accounting for emissions from the production, refining, and distribution of traditional combustion engine vehicles.

The discussion underscored that the prevalent belief in the prolonged carbon debt of EVs is rooted in misinformation and the misinterpretation of specific reports. The panel emphasised that when considering the entire lifecycle carbon emissions, electric cars can offset their carbon debt within a relatively short time frame—roughly a year to 12 to 17,000 miles—depending on factors like the energy grid and driving habits.

The conversation concluded with a powerful statistic from the energy transition committee in America, highlighting that the collective CO₂ emissions from the entire renewables industry, including electric cars, over the next 30 years, would equate to just six months of global emissions from the fossil fuels industry. This information challenges the notion that electric cars are not environmentally friendly and emphasises the importance of accurate information in shaping perceptions about the sustainability of electric vehicles.

This comprehensive overview of the carbon debt associated with electric vehicles dispels many common myths and sheds light on the significant environmental benefits that EVs can offer in the long term.

Take a look at the video to see the full discussion.

We need your support.

Bringing together experts and gathering statistics to debunk myths on EVs and clean energy takes a great deal of time and resources. We don’t have the huge teams and advertising budgets of the oil and gas companies. Our work is fully funded by EV drivers and clean energy supporters, ensuring our independence, and enabling us to challenge the media, inform politicians, and educate the public in a truthful, unbiased manner.

If you are fed up with seeing misinformation and want to help address the FUD, support our work – just £5 a month can help fund a fact-sharing campaign to address inaccuracies and support the transition to cleaner transport and technologies.

Visit www.patreon.com/StopBurningStuff to find out more

Unveiling Truths: #StopBurningStuff Launches Myth-Busting Series with Expert Insights

27th November 2023

In September 2023, Westminster, London, played host to a groundbreaking event – the launch of the #StopBurningStuff initiative. The mission: combating misinformation surrounding Electric Vehicles (EVs) and clean energy with facts, and fostering a more accurate understanding of the EV landscape. As a continuation of our commitment to transparency, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a myth-busting series, supported by expert panel discussions and insights from our launch event.

The Expert Panel: Voices of Authority

Our launch event brought together a panel of experts with diverse backgrounds in electric vehicles, clean energy, and science. From debunking myths about EV fire risks to addressing concerns about tyre and brake particulate pollution, these experts presented their findings, and called upon subject matter experts from the audience to share their experience, providing a solid foundation for our myth-busting series.

Addressing Key Misconceptions: A Sneak Peek into the Series

1. Tyre and Brake Particulate Pollution:

Misconception: Electric vehicles are believed to generate more tyre and brake particulate pollution than their petrol/diesel counterparts.

Facts from the Expert Panel:

• Quantifying Pollution: Our experts delve into the data, exploring whether EVs truly contribute more to particulate pollution.
• Comparative Analysis: Are traditional vehicles as innocent as they seem? The panel compares and contrasts pollution levels, uncovering surprising insights.
• Debunking previous studies: the panel explain why previous research findings just don’t add up.

2. EV Fire Risks:

Misconception: Electric vehicles are perceived as more likely to catch fire than traditional petrol/diesel cars.

Facts from the Expert Panel:

• Statistical Reality: Our experts present statistical evidence, challenging the belief that EVs pose a higher fire risk.
• Comparative Safety: How do EVs stack up in terms of fire safety? The panel breaks down the data to provide a clearer picture.

3. Grid Capacity and EV Growth:

Misconception: Scepticism exists around whether the current power grid can handle the anticipated surge in electric vehicles.

Facts from the Expert Panel:

• Grid Resilience: Our experts discuss the capabilities of National Grid, dispelling doubts about its ability to accommodate the growing EV fleet.
• Future Preparedness: What measures are being put in place for a seamless transition? The panel explores the strategies and advancements that are helping ensure grid resilience.

Audience Interviews: Real Voices, Real Questions

Embedded within our myth-busting series are testimonials from the experts within the event’s audience. These real voices bring evidence through experience. From battery recycling experts to large-scale vehicle leasing managers, these soundbites provide some interesting statistics to counter many of the EV myths we hear on a regular basis.

How to Access the Series

Each of our myth-busting videos will be posted into our #StopBurningStuff blog on a weekly basis, along with a written summary. The first will be published on 1st December 2023 and will continue throughout the new year. Patreon members will have access to all videos from this date within the Patreon membership portal, along with exclusive Q&A opportunities with our experts. If you’d like to find out more or get involved, visit www.patreon.com/StopBurningStuff.

Stay tuned to the #StopBurningStuff social media channels on X(Twitter) and LinkedIn for regular updates. Let’s dispel myths, embrace facts, and foster a positive narrative around the future of clean and sustainable transportation.

Together, we can #StopBurningStuff and pave the way for a more informed and sustainable future.

Collaborating for Clarity: #StopBurningStuff supports The Guardian to Address Electric Vehicle Fire Myths

20th November 2023

In a world where misinformation can spread like wildfire, dispelling myths becomes crucial, especially when it concerns the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Recently, the #StopBurningStuff team supported Jasper Jolly, Financial Reporter at The Guardian to set the record straight on a burning question: Do electric cars pose a greater fire risk than their petrol or diesel counterparts?

Our Collaboration with The Guardian

At #StopBurningStuff, our mission is to combat misinformation surrounding EVs through fast and accurate responses. When The Guardian expressed interest in exploring the myths and realities surrounding EV fires, our dedicated team collaborated with journalist Jasper Jolly to provide facts and insights.

Setting the Record Straight: The Facts on EV Fires

The claim that electric cars are more prone to fires than traditional vehicles is a persistent myth that needs debunking. The available data, as highlighted in The Guardian’s article, tells a different story:

Comparative Incidence: Contrary to the myth, data from various sources, including Norway and Australia, indicates that fires are more common in petrol and diesel cars than in electric cars. Norway, with the highest proportion of electric car sales, reports between four and five times more fires in traditional vehicles.

Probability Analysis: Australia’s EV FireSafe study reveals a 0.0012% chance of a passenger electric vehicle battery catching fire, compared to a 0.1% chance for internal combustion engine cars. Elon Musk’s Tesla, a leading electric car manufacturer, reports significantly fewer fires per mile than traditional cars.

Expert Insights: Experts Colin Walker and Paul Christensen provide valuable insights, emphasising that EVs are much less likely to catch fire than their traditional counterparts. Concerns raised by Christensen highlight the lack of distinction between electric car batteries and other lithium-ion-powered vehicles, like scooters and bikes, which often have less safety regulation associated with their battery technology.

Why It Matters

Dispelling the myth about EV fire risks is crucial for several reasons:

Public Perception: False information can influence public perception, affecting EV adoption rates. Clearing the air on fire risks is essential to foster accurate understanding.

Policy Implications: Incorrect beliefs may lead to misguided policies, such as larger parking spaces or increased insurance premiums for EV owners. Correcting these misconceptions is vital for informed decision-making.

Industry Confidence: Addressing myths ensures confidence in the EV industry, encouraging investment and development in sustainable transportation.

At #StopBurningStuff, we are committed to supporting journalists like Jasper Jolly in bringing accurate information to the forefront. The collaboration with The Guardian is a testament to our dedication to combating misinformation and providing factual, reliable responses to ensure a clearer understanding of electric vehicles.

Stay tuned for more collaborations, debunking myths, and promotion of a more positive narrative around EVs and clean energy. Together, we can #StopBurningStuff and embrace the future of clean and sustainable transportation.

Sign up to our membership portal to support us or receive regular updates about our work. www.patreon.com/StopBurningStuff

MPs Back #StopBurningStuff’s Electric Vehicle Myth-Busting Initiative

24th October 2023

In a significant endorsement of efforts to combat misinformation surrounding Electric Vehicles (EVs), members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Electric Vehicles have thrown their support behind the #StopBurningStuff initiative. This initiative, driven by FairCharge and Robert Llewellyn’s Fully Charged SHOW, aims to dispel myths and present accurate information about EVs, addressing the surge in misinformation during a crucial time for the industry.

The Urgent Need for Clarification

At a recent meeting of the APPG on Electric Vehicles, representatives from The REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), FairCharge, and The Fully Charged SHOW seized the opportunity to shed light on the true cost of misinformation and its detrimental impact on the electric vehicle sector. The meeting, held on Tuesday, allowed campaigners to present the #StopBurningStuff initiative and emphasise the critical role of accurate information in fostering confidence among consumers.

MPs Recognise the Challenge

Chair of the APPG on Electric Vehicles, Matt Western, voiced his concerns about the wavering commitment to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans, highlighting the detrimental effects on consumer confidence and industry planning. The APPG on Electric Vehicles aims to engage parliamentarians on various issues related to electric vehicles, including manufacturing, energy supply, infrastructure requirements, and safety.

Government’s Plan for Drivers and Myth-Busting

The UK government recently unveiled a 30-point ‘plan for drivers,’ which includes policies on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. As part of this plan, the government expressed its commitment to working with industry to dispel concerns and misinformation about electric vehicles. This aligns with the objectives of the #StopBurningStuff initiative, which seeks to address widespread myths and deliver factual information to counter the negativity surrounding EVs.

Working with the REA – The Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology

The REA, serving as the Secretariat for the APPG on EVs, played a crucial role in organising discussions around the Prime Minister’s decision to extend the end-of-sale date for new petrol and diesel cars. Matthew Adams, Transport Policy Manager at REA, emphasised the impact of misinformation on market uncertainty and highlighted the need to combat myths.

Campaign Initiators Speak Out

Quentin Willson, Founder of FairCharge, and spokesperson for Stop Burning Stuff expressed the urgency of debunking poorly researched misinformation to save the motor industry, stimulate demand, and move towards energy independence. Robert Llewellyn, Owner of the Fully Charged SHOW, highlighted the increase in misinformation and welcomed the collaboration with the UK government’s EV myth-busting initiative.

#StopBurningStuff: A Front-Line Initiative

The #StopBurningStuff initiative, led by a dedicated team, aims to counteract ‘FUD’, fear, uncertainty, and doubt, with ‘FACTS’ – factual, accurate, certainty, truthful, and sensible information. The result will be a comprehensive resource comprising facts, figures, and infographics, providing a reliable reference for media outlets and individuals seeking accurate information amid anti-sustainability narratives.

As EV adoption continues to rise globally, the support from MPs for initiatives like #StopBurningStuff becomes crucial in dispelling myths, fostering informed conversations, and ensuring a smooth transition to a sustainable and electric future.

#StopBurningStuff: Join the Movement, Spread the Facts. Find out more at www.patreon.com/StopBurningStuff

Dispelling Electric Vehicle Myths and FUD

1st October 2023

In a groundbreaking initiative to counteract the growing wave of misinformation surrounding Electric Vehicles (EVs) and clean energy, The Fully Charged SHOW has joined forces with FairCharge to launch the #StopBurningStuff initiative. This collaborative effort aims to tackle the ‘FUD’ (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) that has permeated public discourse about EVs through a strategic approach involving infographics, media engagement, and support from influential figures.

Addressing the Rise of Anti-EV Rhetoric

The #StopBurningStuff initiative comes in response to an unprecedented surge in anti-electric car rhetoric, as noted by Robert Llewellyn, founder of the Fully Charged SHOW. The initiative seeks to counter misinformation spread by some media outlets and political figures, and is endorsed by scientists, climate ambassadors, and senior industry experts. This concerted effort is crucial to setting the record straight and dispelling myths that hinder the adoption of sustainable transportation.

You can find out more about the initiative by watching the video here.

Fighting FUD with FACTS

At the heart of the #StopBurningStuff initiative is a dedicated team committed to countering ‘FUD’ – fear, uncertainty, and doubt – with ‘FACTS’ – factual, accurate, certainty, truthful, and sensible information. The team will compile a compendium of facts, figures, and infographics to serve as a reliable resource for media outlets and others when confronted with anti-sustainability narratives.

The Need for Accurate Information

Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, emphasised the prevalence of misinformation in the mainstream media and among certain MPs, stressing the potential damage to the UK’s car industry and its transition to renewable energy. The initiative aims to halt the spread of inaccurate negativity, promoting fact-based conversations and fostering confidence in EV adoption among the public.

A Call to Action for Support

To bolster the #StopBurningStuff initiative, a Patreon profile has been launched to encourage financial support from individuals who share the vision of dispelling myths and promoting accurate information about EVs. The aim is to rally support to shift the narrative from negativity to the positive experiences of millions of EV drivers worldwide.

The Global Context and Economic Implications

Robert Llewellyn underlines the global nature of the electric vehicle revolution and the need for the UK to actively participate. As other developed countries witness a surge in electric vehicle sales, the UK’s involvement is essential for securing investments and job opportunities in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

Endorsements from Influential Figures

Sacha Dench, CEO, and Ambassador for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species, expressed the necessity of the #StopBurningStuff initiative in clearing up misinformation. The initiative is seen as a crucial step in dismantling inaccurate arguments against electric transport that have permeated various regions.

Support from Industry Leaders and Organisations

Industry leaders, including Julia Poliscanova of Transport & Environment, Dr. David Bott of WMG, University of Warwick, and Ben Nelmes of New Automotive, have thrown their weight behind the initiative. Their support emphasises the importance of combating misinformation to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and address climate change.

Changing the Narrative for a Sustainable Future

The #StopBurningStuff initiative is not just a response to misinformation; it is a call to action for individuals, media outlets, and policymakers to embrace accurate information and contribute to a sustainable future. By dispelling myths and fostering informed conversations, the initiative aims to drive positive change and support the global transition to clean energy and electric transportation.

To find out more or support the Stop Burning Stuff initiative, visit www.patreon.com/StopBurningStuff