These Are the Most Common EV Myths You Should Know About
Learn about the top myths surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), and why they are exactly that.
When EVs first started becoming popular, there was little information in the public domain about what they are like to drive.
Most drivers had never come across them, leading to a few myths being shared.
In this article, we take a look at these common myths, and why you shouldn’t let them deter you from buying one.
‘Electric car batteries are unsafe’
A widely circulated myth was that electric car batteries are not safe as they can combust. However, this mainly comes from there being more news stories about EVs catching fire than petrol or diesel cars.
EV makers complete extensive testing of all electrical components to ensure maximum health and safety.
Each battery is made with a Battery Management System (BMS) to help regulate the temperature and assess performance. This greatly reduces the risk of them catching fire.
‘EVs don’t offer enough range’
Range anxiety was a real concern for many in the early stages of electric vehicles. With no engine to take over, it was believed that EVs simply wouldn’t offer the range required to get you where you needed to go.
This too, however, is just another myth. The EV market is rapidly expanding with more options becoming available. Ranges are constantly improving, and with more access to public charging stations, EVs can go further than ever before.
Many models today offer a range of between 300-400 miles and more, giving you more than enough for both the daily commute and longer road trips.
‘Charging takes too long’
Another myth that started during the infancy of EVs. While it’s true that some charging methods can be a lot slower, such as using a standard home wallbox, there are some faster ways to charge.
Rapid DC chargers are widely used at public charging stations and offer a higher voltage of electricity. This allows them to charge your EV from 20-80% in as little as 30 minutes.
Quicker top-ups like these are also ideal to help look after your battery capacity and keep it working optimally.
‘EVs aren’t that good for the environment’
This myth comes from a more logistical point of view, in terms of manufacturing. Most EV batteries are made using rare earth elements including lithium, graphite, nickel, and cobalt.
These are more carbon-intensive, which is why some people argue that EVs might not be 100% eco-friendly. However, EV production plants are actively working to reduce the use of these elements in electric batteries and motors.
When comparing the carbon footprint of an EV to a petrol or diesel car over its whole lifetime, EVs are still far less harmful to the environment. This is because they go on to produce zero tailpipe emissions, unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
‘EVs are too expensive to own’
It can’t be ignored that EVs do have a higher initial price tag than normal petrol or diesel cars. But that’s because of the advanced technology and innovation that goes into making them.
While you might pay more upfront to start with, EVs are actually much cheaper to run in the long term. Since they produce zero emissions, EVs are exempt from Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges. Meaning you can enter cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow as you please!
Other things that make EVs less expensive to run include:
- Exempt from paying road tax (until 1st April 2025).
- Cheaper servicing and maintenance – EVs contain far fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars.
- Reduced charging rates by scheduling charging for off-peak times.
Explore new electric vehicles at Macklin Motors
Now you know that all the rumours around EVs are no more than just rumours, there’s nothing standing in the way of you making the switch.
Ready to find your new electric car and enjoy lower running costs, smoother driving, and zero emissions? At Macklin Motors, we stock a wide range of electric cars from the nation’s favourite brands.
Browse the latest models from manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, MG, Nissan, and many more. Enjoy finance options to help spread the costs, so you can focus more on enjoying your brand-new car.
Want to know more about electric vehicles? Read our handy blog on how EVs work, or visit our Electric Vehicle Hub.