Electric Vehicle Myths Busted

1. ‘EVs have limited range and aren’t suitable for long journeys’

Range anxiety - the fear of running out of battery charge during a journey, is a common EV myth. The reality is very different. According to 2025 research, the average EV range now exceeds 300 miles, with some models achieving 400 miles or more. That leaves plenty in reserve when you consider 2022 Department of Transport data estimates the UK’s average daily mileage to be 14.7 miles (5,373 miles per year, divided by 365 days), with commuting being the biggest factor.

With that sort of battery range widely available, drivers are unlikely to come close to running out of juice – widening their options when choosing a make and model. Not only that, but there are several ways to maximise your EV range, including:

• Drive efficiently: Smooth driving and good anticipation conserve energy
• Regenerative breaking: Recaptures energy when you lift your foot off the accelerator
• Manage systems: Use electrical devices and features sparingly to reduce energy use
• Use smartphone apps: Monitor range, find charging stations and pre-condition the vehicle

2. 'There aren’t enough charge points to meet demand’

Concern about the availability of public charging is one of the most common EV myths. The UK’s charging network is larger and growing faster than many people realise, in line with increasing demand.

The government aims to deliver over 100,000 new public EV chargepoints across the UK over the next few years. That’s on top of the 80,000 that already exist.

So, a general lack of chargepoints is just another of the common electric car myths. In fact, the majority of UK people live within a short distance of a public chargepoint. With rapid and ultrafast public charging widely available alongside standard home chargepoints, it has never been easier or more convenient to charge an EV.

Thanks to continued government and private investment, it’s even possible to charge a rented, owned, or leased EV without having a home charger, depending on where you live.

3. ‘EVs are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars’

At first glance, electric vehicles can appear more expensive than petrol and diesel cars. But a closer look at overall ownership costs reveals greater flexibility and more opportunities for savings than many people expect.

According to the RAC, any higher upfront cost of an EV can be offset by significantly lower running expenses. From road tax and fuel costs to maintenance and repairs, electric cars are often cheaper to own and operate than ICE vehicles. For example:

• Low charging cost: Charging an electric car at home is generally the most cost-effective option, with many energy providers offering EV-specific tariffs that are cheaper overnight or discounted for EV owners. Public charging, especially at motorway services, car parks, or petrol forecourts, is significantly more expensive, with faster chargers typically costing more.
• Cheaper maintenance: Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, making them cheaper to maintain and repair. EV batteries also come with long warranties, typically around eight years. While simpler mechanically, EVs still require regular servicing, and heavier weight can lead to faster wear on tyres and suspension. However, this cost is offset by other maintenance savings elsewhere.

• Less to insure: EV insurance used to be higher than for petrol or diesel cars. However, insurance quotes are now more influenced by factors like vehicle price, power, and driver experience than by the power source. This is helping drive EV insurance costs down.
• Low-emission benefits: EVs offer perks like access to low-emission zones without charges. EV drivers may also enjoy free or discounted parking, especially where charging points are available.
• Benefit-in-Kind breaks: Company EV drivers continue to benefit from significantly lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rates. Like vehicle tax (VED), BIK rates favour environmentally friendly cars, with lower CO2-emitting vehicles attracting much lower taxation.
• Lower initial road tax: From 1 April 2025, electric, zero, and low-emission vehicles are subject to new vehicle tax rates. However, there are still savings to be made as new or existing vehicles registered on or after this date pay a first-year rate of £10, followed by the standard rate of £195 for subsequent years.
• Government grant schemes: The Government Electric Car Grant can save you £3,750 off the on-the-road price of certain EV makes and models, with the choice of available vehicles expanding all the time.
• Home charger grants: EV chargepoint grants are available to support the installation of chargers for individuals, landlords, businesses, public sector organisations, charities and educational institutions. For example, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home charging point.

4. ‘EVs are slow and lack power’

One of the biggest EV myths is that they can’t compete with petrol and diesel cars when it comes to performance. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and modern electric vehicles can match and outperform conventional cars in speed, acceleration and handling.

EVs provide instant torque delivered by their electric motors. Unlike combustion engines, which build power through rising RPMs, EVs can reach maximum torque immediately, giving rapid acceleration from a standstill. Today’s electric models can achieve 0–60 mph times that rival or even surpass high-performance petrol cars, while also offering smooth, seamless power delivery with fewer mechanical interruptions.

Additionally, advanced features like sports or performance modes allow drivers to prioritise speed and responsiveness over efficiency, meaning that in real-world driving, electric cars can feel quicker, more agile, and more exciting to drive than many traditional petrol vehicles.

5. ‘EV batteries don’t last’

The simple truth is that all cars gradually wear over time, which is why most vehicles depreciate in value. But concerns that EV batteries need to be replaced regularly are just an electric car myth. While it’s natural to wonder about the long-term performance of an EV and its battery, the reality is that battery degradation is comparable to the general wear experienced by petrol or diesel cars. In fact, many batteries retain over 80% of their capacity even after hundreds of thousands of miles.

The National Grid estimates that EV batteries typically last for 15 to 20 years within the car. Not only that, but most manufacturers such as Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall offer battery warranties of around 8 years or 100,000 miles. This typically guarantees a minimum of 70% battery capacity (and therefore range) at the end of the cover period. That’s also far longer than the cover provided for vehicle parts, strongly indicating the general reliability of EV batteries and their lifespan. You can also extend battery life by not fully charging your EV, avoiding letting the charge get too low and not exposing it to extreme temperatures.