- Electric cars are more expensive to run than petrol and diesel cars
- There aren’t enough EV charging stations
- EV batteries don’t last
- Electric cars don’t have enough range
- Electric vehicles aren’t actually that green
- Electric vehicle batteries are likely to catch fire
- Electric cars break down more often than normal cars
- An electric car is slower than a petrol or diesel car
- EV batteries are wasteful and can’t be recycled
- The national grid can’t support more electric cars
With the rise of electric vehicles on the road, many people are sceptical about their efficiency and reliability. Over time, myths and misconceptions about the dangers and drawbacks of electric vehicles compared to combustion engine vehicles have spread, making many would-be EV buyers reluctant to take the plunge.
Our team at Eric Stead are at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, selling hybrid and pure electric cars since 2017. Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles that often deter potential EV drivers. From concerns about cost and charging infrastructure to doubts about battery longevity and environmental impact, these myths have persisted despite advancements in electric vehicle technology. In this article, we will debunk the top 10 most common EV myths, providing clarity and confidence for those considering switching from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles.
Top 10 myths about electric cars
1. Electric cars are more expensive to run than petrol and diesel cars
Reality: Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to run than combustion engine cars.
Although many people believe an electric car is more expensive to run due to its charging needs, EVs are actually much cheaper to own than a petrol or diesel car.
On average, a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) car owner spends approximately £82 on diesel and £79 on petrol to fuel their vehicle. In contrast, an electric vehicle equipped with a 60kWh EV battery can be charged for as little as £13 when charged at home, or £26 at a public charging station. This cost difference highlights the affordability of electric vehicles compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. Most EV owners charge their vehicles twice a week for regular use, resulting in an average weekly charging cost of just £26. For example, electric cars like the MG ZS EV, which offers an impressive range of 211 miles on a single charge, typically require charging only once or twice a week for daily commuting.
These costings not only emphasise the affordability of running an electric vehicle but also their practicality for everyday use, making them an appealing option for those looking to reduce their transportation expenses without compromising on performance.
2. There aren’t enough EV charging stations
Reality: There are nearly 14,000 rapid chargers and around 72,000 public charge points across the UK with thousands more coming every year.
In 2024 alone, almost 20,000 EV charge points were built across the UK, with numbers increasing every year. When you consider there are only currently 8,353 operational petrol stations in the UK, suddenly the charging opportunities of an electric car don’t seem so limited. In reality, as the popularity of fully electric and hybrid cars continues to rise, the demand for EV charging stations will naturally increase as well. As the electric car trend advances, we can expect to see a growing number of charging points being installed to accommodate this demand.
Want to find your closest EV charging point? Check out charging points near you on our handy map.
3. EV batteries don’t last
Reality: Research shows EV batteries have the same, if not better, longevity as batteries within conventional cars.
The worry about how long an EV battery will last is one of the main factors which make many drivers reluctant to purchase an electric vehicle. Typically, with average daily use, an electric car’s battery will last around 10-20 years before it needs to be replaced, however, if you are worried about your battery failing sooner, most manufacturers have a 5-8 year warranty on their batteries so you can get it replaced should an unexpected malfunction happen. With this said, continued advancements in technology mean newer electric vehicle models are constantly improving in their battery’s expected performance and longevity, meaning the latest car batteries have longer lifespans than ever before.
4. Electric cars don’t have enough range
Reality: Most modern EVs have enough charge for more than 2 weeks of driving for most people.
As mentioned, many individuals who are considering purchasing their first electric car have worries about how far their car will able to go before they have to charge it again. This is often referred to as ‘range anxiety’, but in actuality, electric cars have more miles than you think, and not many drivers a likely to require 250+ miles of continuous driving time.
Just like combustion engine cars, EVs come in various models which are best suited to different lifestyles, some electric vehicles will have shorter ranges, while others like the MG5 EV Long Range, can provide over 320 miles of range on a single charge, enough to get you from Newcastle to London with 50 miles left.
In short, electric vehicles are more than capable of meeting the average driver’s daily needs, with many models offering impressive ranges that rival traditional cars. With advancements in battery technology and a growing network of charging stations across the UK, EVs are proving to be a practical and reliable choice for drivers everywhere.
5. Electric vehicles aren’t actually that green
Reality: Typical EV vehicles only emit a third of the air pollution combustion cars do.
Because EVs rely on electricity consumption rather than petrol and diesel, they do not release the same harmful air pollution which combustion engine cars do. This means the more drivers who switch to using an electric vehicle, the less pollution produced by vehicles on the road, improving air quality and reducing the noise pollution we typically associate with busy areas which as city centres and motorways.
Although the operation of an electric car is much more eco-friendly than their combustion engine counterparts, there is an unavoidable environmental cost of charging them. Even though an electric vehicle itself will not release harmful pollutants during its energy consumption, the electricity used to charge the vehicle which comes from the National Grid, is primarily powered by burning fossil fuels, with only a small amount of the power generated coming from renewable energy sources. Although we cannot directly influence how our National Grid’s power is generated, as the UK government cracks down on the use of fossil fuel electricity, we will see an increase in the use of renewable power sources to charge our electric cars in the future.
6. Electric vehicle batteries are likely to catch fire
Reality: EV fires are less common than petrol and diesel car fires.
When purchasing a new car, one of your main concerns should be safety. Although all cars must go through vigorous testing and adhere to strict safety laws, many potential electric car buyers worry about the risk of EV batteries catching fire.
In reality, EV batteries are no more likely to catch fire when compared to petrol or diesel cars. EV batteries are designed with advanced safety features, including thermal management systems and fire-resistant materials, ensuring a high level of safety for drivers. Rigorous testing by manufacturers ensures EV batteries meet strict safety standards, debunking this persistent myth.
7. Electric cars break down more often than normal cars
Reality: Electric cars are shown to break down less than combustion vehicles.
Electric vehicles are often perceived to break down more frequently than their petrol or diesel counterparts, but this is a misconception. The truth is that electric cars, with their streamlined design, have fewer mechanical components that can fail. Unlike traditional vehicles, they don’t have exhaust systems, clutches, or complex gearboxes, which are common sources of mechanical issues in combustion engine cars.
This simplicity not only reduces the likelihood of breakdowns but also translates into lower maintenance costs over time. In fact, studies have consistently shown that electric vehicles require less upkeep, proving to be a more reliable option for long-term use. With fewer parts to wear out and the benefits of regenerative braking systems that extend the life of brake components, EVs present a compelling case for reliability and efficiency. This makes them an attractive choice for those looking for a dependable and cost-effective alternative to conventional cars.
8. An electric car is slower than a petrol or diesel car
Reality: Many electric vehicles outperform conventional cars.
Contrary to the myth, electric vehicles are known for their exceptional performance, especially in acceleration. Thanks to the instant torque provided by electric motors, EVs like the new MG Cyberster can achieve 0-62mph in as little as 3.2 seconds with top speeds of 125mph, outpacing many petrol-powered cars, although you’ll probably need to go on the Autobahn to experience these speeds. Despite the misconception that electric cars are slower, cars like the Cyberster have impressive power outputs of over 490 horsepower, easily matching the Nissan Z and Ford Mustang GT whilst producing zero emissions.
Whether it’s speed, smooth handling, or overall driving performance, electric vehicles deliver an unmatched experience that rivals or exceeds conventional cars.
9. EV batteries are wasteful and can’t be recycled
Reality: Developments in EV battery component extraction mean processing centres can extract 98% of battery materials for recycling or reuse.
Another common misconception is that electric vehicle batteries are an environmental burden. In reality, modern recycling technologies allow for the recovery of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from EV batteries. These materials are then reused to produce new batteries, significantly reducing waste. Additionally, many EV batteries are repurposed for energy storage solutions, extending their lifecycle and minimising environmental impact.
10. The national grid can’t support more electric cars
Reality: Estimates show that if we all switched our petrol or diesel vehicles to electric overnight, we would experience only a 10% increase in demand, fitting comfortably within the grid’s capacity.
A key myth surrounding electric vehicles is that the UK’s energy grid cannot handle the increased demand. However, the National Grid confirms that even if all petrol and diesel vehicles were replaced with EVs overnight, the grid would only see a 10% increase in demand. Smart charging technologies, off-peak charging options, and renewable energy integration ensure that the grid is equipped to meet the needs of a growing EV market. This myth is outdated, as the shift to electric vehicles is aligned with advancements in energy infrastructure and renewable power sources.
Interested in finding your perfect electric car? Speak with a member of the team at Eric Stead
*information correct at the time of publishing.