Addressing The Top Electric Vehicle Myths
With the UK Government set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, the electric revolution is certainly gathering pace.
If you’re thinking of making the switch to an EV, you may have some doubts that have been fuelled by widespread electric vehicle myths.
We’ve taken a closer look at the truth behind ten of the most common EV misconceptions.
Read on to learn more, or check out our Electric Vehicle Hub.
Myth 1: EVs don’t have the range to meet people’s travel needs
In today’s world, you can typically expect a range of between 100 - 300 miles in a fully charged, standard specification electric vehicle - with some premium models offering even more. With data suggesting that the average car journey length in the UK is 8.4 miles, most drivers’ needs will easily be met by an EV – whether completing the daily commute or travelling further afield.
Myth 2: Only people with driveways can easily charge their EV
Around 6.6 million households in the UK do not have access to private or off-street parking, however, this needn’t be a barrier to owning an EV!
There are still many ways in which you can charge an electric vehicle without your own wallbox:
- Public charge stations: there are now more than 42,000 public chargepoint connectors across the UK, providing a convenient method of keeping your EV topped up when you’re out and about.
- Workplace charging: the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme provides support towards the cost of buying and installing EV chargepoints, for businesses, charities and public sector organisations. As many individuals spend large periods at their place of work – this could be an ideal time to recharge.
- On-street charging: if not already in place, your local authority may be planning on installing on-street chargepoints in your area through the Government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). This could include chargepoints being fitted to lamp posts, as free-standing units or even points that retract into the pavement.
Myth 3: There aren’t enough public chargepoints to meet demand
With over 42,000 (and counting) publicly available chargepoint connectors across the UK, there are plenty of places to stop and charge your EV when you’re on the move.
These chargepoints are spread over 15,500 locations, and all regions in the UK have seen an increase in availability in the last few years.
Most new EVs come fitted with technology in their navigation systems to help you find your nearest chargepoint. Alternatively, you could use an app like Zap Map, or search the interactive map on our Electric Vehicle Hub to locate your local stations.
Myth 4: EVs take too long to charge
A lot of EV owners can charge their vehicles at home – meaning they can be topped up at night, or when not in use. Similarly, if your workplace has charging facilities, you will be able to boost your car whilst you are working. You probably won’t notice the time it takes to charge your EV in these instances!
If you are on the road – it’s no secret that charging an EV will take longer than filling up with petrol or diesel. However, the onset of rapid charging (using 50kW to up to 350kW) now means that many electric vehicle batteries can be boosted from around 10 - 80% in as little as 30 minutes. This is enough time to stop and take a driving break – which is ideal when travelling longer distances. Plus, in time you will begin to factor short breaks into your journey without thinking twice!
Myth 5: EVs are too expensive
Whilst electric vehicles do have a higher upfront cost than traditionally fuelled vehicles, you are likely to see savings in the long run. These include:
- Lower maintenance costs: as there are fewer moving parts in an electric motor compared to an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles should have reduced maintenance costs than petrol or diesel vehicles.
- Save on road tax: electric vehicles are exempt from road tax. Remember, you will still need to tax your vehicle, even though you will have nothing to pay.
- Unrestricted urban access: when travelling in an EV you won’t have to worry about Clean Air Zone or Low Emission Zone charges.
Myth 6: EVs can’t be driven or charged when it’s raining, or go through a carwash
You can rest assured that all EVs on our roads have been manufactured to comply with strict safety standards. They undergo thorough testing to ensure they are watertight, and batteries and electric motors are always well insulated.
Myth 7: EVs feel like golf buggies on the roads
Electric vehicles provide a great driving experience! Instant torque from the electric motor means EVs have a speedy acceleration. Thanks to their automatic nature and lack of gear shifting, they often feel smoother to drive, and with no engine noise, they are a lot quieter too – making the whole experience feel more refined.
Myth 8: The technology around EVs is too confusing
A lot of people think that there are simply too many charging apps to get to grips with. However, many public charging stations across the UK allow you to access them as a guest and pay via contactless, or by using a charging card.
For those chargepoints that do require specific apps, the Government is currently working on a mandate to unite operators, ensuring that in time, customers can pay without having to download a new app each time they use a different charging network.
Myth 9: Manufacturing EVs creates far more greenhouse gases than it saves
Over the course of their lifetime, EVs create a lower carbon footprint than cars powered by an internal combustion engine. Recent research has concluded that a new battery-electric car produces one-third of the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a new petrol car. This takes into account vehicle production, use, fuel and electricity production, and end of life.
As electricity generation in the UK is decarbonised, charging stations are increasingly being powered by renewable sources, which in turn is making the lifespan of electric vehicles even greener.
Myth 10: EV batteries won’t last and will end up in landfill
Most EV batteries are given an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty by their manufacturer – with many reasonably expected to last longer than this.
At the end of its life, an EV battery is likely to be recycled rather than going to landfill. Thanks to technological developments, processing centres are now able to extract up to 90% of battery materials for recycling or reuse.
So, now you know the truth behind some of the most common electric vehicle myths, it could be time to embrace the new era!
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