Myths About EVs People Should Stop Believing

There’s plenty of information about EVs out there, but how much of it is true? Do they really break the bank? Are they not actually that great for the environment? Is charging super complicated? 

There are many misconceptions about EVs, so we’re here to debunk the myths and give you all the facts that you need to know.

Myth: You can’t travel far with an EV

Truth: A typical EV battery can range anywhere from 100-300 miles. With the average journey being under 25 miles, there’s no need to panic. Modern EVs have more than enough miles in them to cover the majority of daily commutes. For those longer journeys, UK motorway services have plenty of charging stations for you to top-up.

Myth: EVs are too expensive

Truth: EVs do tend to have a higher upfront cost than petrol or diesel cars, but they can help you save money in the long-term. EV journeys can cost as little as 8p a mile for off-peak electricity - a lot cheaper than £100 to fill up a fuel tank! 

Maintenance costs are also lower for EVs, as they have a simpler setup than petrol or diesel models. Fewer moving parts means fewer things to go wrong, so you’ll only have to keep on top of general things like tyres, brakes, and windscreens.

Myth: EV batteries need replacing every 5 years

Truth: There is no evidence to suggest that EV batteries only last a few years. Most of them have a lifespan of a decade or more, and this is constantly improving as technology advances. It’s also worth noting that most EVs come with an 8 to 10-year (or 100,000 mile) warranty, so you can rest assured that your battery won’t need replacing anytime soon!

Myth: Charging EVs is difficult and complicated

Truth: There are many different connectors and apps when it comes to charging EVs, which can be overwhelming. Thankfully, many charge stations now let you pay as you go with contactless credit or your debit card. Since 2017, new and replacement charge points have to offer standard connectors, so almost all EVs can connect to the whole charging network. 

To charge your EV, all you need to do is plug in the charging cable - exactly as you would with your smartphone!

Myth: It takes too long to charge EVs

Truth: Most EV charging is done overnight, usually at the owners’ home. With rapid charging, modern EVs can travel up to 120 miles with just twenty minutes of charging. It may ot be as quick as fuelling up, but it gives you time to have a break from driving which is always a must on longer journeys!

Myth: There aren’t enough charge points to make having an EV convenient

Truth: There are currently over 42,000 public charging stations in the UK, with more being added every day! This means there is plenty of charging capacity for all EV owners to top-up when out and about. 

Most EV drivers also install a charger at home, which makes things a lot more convenient (not to mention cheaper!)

Myth: The energy grid won’t be able to cope if everyone buys an EV

Truth: It’s estimated that by 2050, EVs will account for approximately 15-20% of the total electricity demand. It sounds a lot, but there are plenty of investments and updates being made to help the National Grid comfortably cope with the increased demand. Smart charging also reduces the need for new infrastructure.

Myth: EVs aren’t actually that environmentally friendly

Truth: It’s been a debate since EVs started to rise in popularity, and many still question how “green” EVs really are. More emissions are created when manufacturing EVs compared to diesel and petrol cars because of the lithium-ion batteries used, but technology is constantly improving, moving us towards more efficient and sustainable production methods. 

Even considering production, EVs are still the greener option for drivers. They have a much lower carbon footprint than petrol or diesel cars, sometimes up to 80%, and their advantages increase the more they’re driven.

Now you know the truths behind these common EV myths. If you're looking to make the change to an EV, be sure to check out our range of chargers here.