10 Electric Vehicle Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Electric vehicles have gone from niche curiosity to mainstream reality, yet misconceptions persist. As more UK drivers consider making the switch, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Let’s debunk the ten most common EV myths.

Myth 1: “Electric cars don’t have enough range for real driving”

The Reality: Modern EVs routinely offer 250-400 miles of real-world range, with premium models exceeding 450 miles. The average UK driver covers just 20 miles per day—a fraction of what most EVs can handle on a single charge.

Consider this: with a 300-mile range EV and home charging, you could drive for over a week on a single charge. For the 1% of journeys that exceed your range, the UK’s 70,000+ public charge points have you covered.

Myth 2: “Charging takes forever”

The Reality: Most charging happens at home, overnight, while you sleep. Plug in when you get home, wake up to a full battery—no different from charging your phone.

For longer journeys, rapid chargers can add 100+ miles of range in just 20 minutes. That’s barely enough time for a coffee and toilet break at a motorway service station.

The question isn’t “how long does it take to charge?” but “how often do you actually need to wait for charging?” For most people, the answer is rarely.

Myth 3: “EVs are too expensive”

The Reality: While purchase prices are higher, total cost of ownership tells a different story. Consider:

• Fuel savings: £900-1,400 per year for average drivers
• Road tax: £10 vs £190+ for petrol
• Maintenance: 30-50% lower costs
• Company car tax: 3% vs up to 37%

Over a 5-year ownership period, an EV can cost significantly less than an equivalent petrol car. Plus, used EVs are becoming increasingly affordable—ex-lease models offer excellent value.

Myth 4: “The batteries don’t last and are expensive to replace”

The Reality: Modern EV batteries are proving remarkably durable. Studies show most retain 80-90% capacity after 200,000 miles. Manufacturers warranty batteries for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and real-world data suggests they typically exceed these warranties.

Battery replacement costs have plummeted by 90% since 2010, and most EV owners never need to replace their battery. The fear of battery degradation is largely unfounded with modern lithium-ion technology.

Myth 5: “There aren’t enough charging points”

The Reality: The UK now has over 70,000 public charge points across 35,000+ locations—more than petrol stations. This network is growing rapidly, with new installations every day.

More importantly, 80% of EV charging happens at home. If you can charge overnight, public infrastructure is mainly needed for occasional long trips, and major routes are well served.

Myth 6: “EVs aren’t really greener—they just move pollution elsewhere”

The Reality: Even accounting for manufacturing and electricity generation, EVs produce 50-70% fewer lifetime CO2 emissions than petrol cars in the UK.

The manufacturing “carbon debt” is typically paid off within 2-3 years of average driving. As the UK grid gets greener (now 50%+ renewable), this advantage grows every year. And unlike petrol cars, EVs get cleaner over time as electricity generation improves.

Myth 7: “EVs can’t be charged in the rain”

The Reality: EV charging systems are designed for all weather conditions. Connectors are waterproofed, and multiple safety systems prevent any electrical issues. Charging in rain is completely safe—millions of people do it every day worldwide.

The charging systems are rated to IP67 or higher, meaning they can be submerged in water without issue. Rain is no problem.

Myth 8: “Electric cars are boring to drive”

The Reality: EVs offer instant torque, meaning immediate acceleration with no lag. Many EVs outperform sports cars in 0-60 times. The Tesla Model S Plaid, for example, hits 60mph in under 2 seconds.

The low centre of gravity (due to floor-mounted batteries) also improves handling. EVs are genuinely fun to drive—most owners report they’d never go back to petrol.

Myth 9: “The grid can’t handle everyone charging EVs”

The Reality: National Grid has confirmed the UK electricity system can accommodate the transition to electric vehicles with planned investments. Most EV charging happens overnight when demand is lowest, effectively filling the gap when other consumption drops.

Smart charging technology, which is now standard in most EVs and home chargers, automatically schedules charging for off-peak times. This benefits both the grid and your wallet (cheaper electricity rates).

Myth 10: “EVs catch fire more than petrol cars”

The Reality: Data consistently shows that EVs catch fire at significantly lower rates than petrol vehicles. Petrol is inherently flammable; batteries are not.

A 2022 study found EVs had 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, compared to 1,530 for petrol cars. While any vehicle fire is serious, the evidence clearly shows EVs are safer in this regard.

The Bottom Line

Most EV myths stem from outdated information or misunderstanding. The technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, and the practical realities of EV ownership are far more positive than many people realise.

If you’re considering an electric car, focus on your actual needs and circumstances rather than myths. Use our savings calculator to see what EV ownership could mean for you.

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