Separating Fact from Fiction to Help You Make Informed Choices About EVs

If you are considering an electric vehicle (EV), you will probably have a few unanswered questions. It’s important that you have all the information you need before you make any kind of commitment. This is where we can help!

In this guide, we will give you some answers to a variety of common myths and questions about electric cars. And discover the sustainable truth about EV’s.

Myth 1: EVs battery life is too short

Worrying about your range is one of the main issues that prevent people from switching over to EVs. However, research has shown the average driver in the UK travels 19 miles a day, which is equivalent to 135 miles a week. And with the evolution of electric vehicles, the mileage range is ever-expanding with vehicles reaching up to 453 miles fully charged. This means that you will be covered for most of your day-to-day journeys.

When you’re planning on traveling for longer journeys, it’s very convenient to plan a quick charge into your pit stop along with a relaxing break and something to eat. This is because most service stations provide a variety of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points. So even when you have a long commute or you’re thinking of using your EV for cross-country drives, you will be covered.

Myth 2: You can’t charge your EV in the rain

As the weather in the UK can be very unpredictable, you may have some concerns with charging your EV in the rain. Well, the good news is that EVs are 100% safe to charge, no matter what the weather is like. All EVs are tested rigorously before launch, which also includes electrical safety. So, there’s no need to worry, your electric vehicle will be safe to drive and charge in any weather condition.

Myth 3: There aren’t enough public charging stations

The UK are on track to reach 100,000 public charge points by summer 2025, meaning there are way more EV charging stations than there are petrol stations in the UK. With the growing number of EVs on the road and an expanding public charging network, you might expect a greater dependence on public charge points. However, the majority of people rely primarily on home charging and don’t often find the need to visit public charging stations for their EVs.

Myth 4: EVs are more likely to set on fire

Several widely publicised car fires have been wrongly linked to electric vehicles. Despite early speculation that EVs are to blame for several incidents, it has been quickly clarified as false information spread across social media. In truth, EVs are no more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars and may even be less prone to doing so. This is backed by data from Sweden, where EVs make up roughly half of new car registrations. According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, only 23 EV fires occurred in 2022, compared to approximately 3,400 involving petrol or diesel vehicles.

Myth 5: Electrical vehicles can’t tow or be towed

That’s a common misconception, EVs can tow or be towed. But like any vehicle, they must be ‘type approved’ for towing, and you must stay within the specified towing capacity. Always check the vehicle’s towing specifications before buying or setting off on a trip. When it comes to being towed, EVs should ideally be transported on a flatbed truck. Since they don’t have a neutral gear, they shouldn’t be towed with two wheels on the ground for extended periods. In the event of a breakdown, especially if the vehicle is in a live traffic lane, an EV can be towed slowly over a short distance to a safe location, where you can wait for further assistance.

Myth 6: Charging an electric car is inconvenient

The most convenient way to charge an electric car is by plugging it in at home. The average homeowner with an electric vehicle has a 7kW wall box installed at their property, which on average can charge their vehicle in roughly eight to nine hours, which is ideal for an overnight top up. This is something that electric car drivers soon get the hang of, it’s like plugging your phone in overnight, and it’s a lot less hassle than visiting a public charging point. If you need a quick charge or you can’t charge at home, EV rapid chargers are popping up at motorway service stations and dedicated EV charging sites, capable of giving a significant boost in just 20 minutes. While these can post a premium (up to 85p per kWh) they’re often still more cost-effective than refuelling many petrol or diesel vehicles.

Myth 7: EVs are more likely to break down

Although some drivers worry that the advanced technology in electric vehicles makes them more prone to breakdowns, EVs are actually less likely to experience issues than traditional petrol or diesel cars. That’s because combustion engines depend on a complex network of mechanical components, any of which can fail overtime, potentially leaving you stranded. With an electric vehicle, there’s no need to worry about things like spark plugs or timing belts. Maintenance is simpler too, there are fewer fluids to check (aside from screen wash), and thanks to regenerative braking, even the brake components tend to last longer.

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