EV Myths

False.

EV’s are sold with an 8-year, 100,000 miles battery warranty that covers all types of failure should this happen to your vehicle. However, this is unlikely to happen at all.

False.

The truth is EV batteries are far too valuable to simply be thrown away. Instead, these batteries are sent to specialised recycling facilities and broken down into their core components, most of which are ‘infinitely recyclable’.

False.

Range anxiety is one of the leading issues surrounding EV’s. However, these anxieties are unfounded. Some EV’s currently available have a maximum range of 450 miles in a singular charge, almost double the mileage of the average weekly driver.

False.

With Range anxiety rife, other questions have arisen, including the worry of an EV’s ability to outlast a traffic jam. An understandable worry, however unlike a petrol or diesel vehicle, an EV uses considerably little power.

False.

While it is true that a larger infrastructure will be needed to support the increasing interest in EV’s, as of May 2024, the UK already boasts 61,000 charging points according to ZapMaps, with a rolling 50% year on year increase. This means an average of 1,100 new installations per month.

False.

It is true that charging an EV will take longer than filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle, however it is important to consider how and when EV’s are charged.

The majority of EV’s are charged at home, or via street charging points overnight, while the driver is asleep. This provides the vehicle with 6-12 hours of charging and more than enough energy to sustain the average driver for a whole week. Moreover, ultra-rapid charging points can add 100 miles to your EV within 15 minutes.

False.

As it stands the National Grid can and is coping with the amount of EVs currently in circulation and is confident that it could ‘comfortable handle’ and overnight switch to EV’s, which would push up demand by only 10%.

False.

As with all new things, learning to drive an EV will take time – but it doesn’t have to be hard. EV’s don’t have an ignition, instead operating with a touch screen in the centre console of the car. However, if you can use a smart phone, an EV won’t be a challenge.

False.

It has been suggested that due to the electrical component EV’s would not be able to navigate water, whether that be a flooded road or large puddle. However, EV’s are in fact more equipped in these situations than petrol or diesel vehicles as they do not inhale water.

False.

In 2022, The Fire Service reported 18,991 road vehicle fires in the UK, only 239 of these fires were caused by battery powered vehicles, which includes the like of e-scooters, e-bikes and electric forklifts. This means only 1.25% of all vehicle fires were caused by electric vehicles of any kind during the entire year.

False.

EV prices already have and continue to fall, closing the gap between EV’s and petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles.

False.

Maintenance costs are a worry for any driver – however, choosing an EV will not break the bank. EV service can cost up to 30% less than a petrol vehicle and 60% less than a diesel vehicle. This is due to the lack of moving parts featured in an EV engine meaning there are no spark plugs, oil, belts, chains, exhausts or clutches to service or repair.