*This is a collaborative post
Electric vehicles cannot seem to keep out of the news nowadays, and the models we see are far more advanced than the ones that entered the market five years ago. In the UK, market share for electric models continues to rise, as electric car sales made up 16% of new-car registrations in March 2022. Nevertheless, as with any new technology, electric vehicles have received their fair share of criticism. The limitations that electric vehicles once had are often used as warning statements. As a result, there are still some barriers preventing those considering electric cars to make the switch. From the availability of charging to range anxiety, we will debunk seven of the most common misconceptions about electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicles Are Limited In Their Range
One of the most outdated myths is that electric vehicles can’t travel far enough. Although the range was a concern a few years ago, electric vehicles now have fewer limitations when it comes to range. The reality is that most drivers can get to where they need to be as many car journeys as possible in the UK are under 100 miles. Moreover, if you need to travel further than that, you will find a variety of models that feature a 200-plus mile range. Additionally, some new models have been found to travel 270 miles without needing to be charged.
Electric Vehicles Are Too Expensive
Another major concern for most drivers is the initial cost of electric vehicles. While electric cars were more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts for some time, that is quickly changing. If you visit the ElectriX knowledge hub, you will be able to work out the cost of running and maintaining an electric car. As a result, it may turn out to be more affordable than you imagined. Exploring electric car leasing deals will ensure you can reap the benefits of an electric vehicle by driving an excellent car for a fraction of the price.
Electric Vehicles Take Too Long To Charge
Although refuelling is yet to be done at the same pace as filling up a petrol tank, charging speeds have increased significantly in the last few years. This is because engineers have begun to focus seriously on electric vehicles as the future of transport. The truth is that most charging will be completed at or near home overnight. However, new models are now able to travel 120 miles on just a 20-minute charge. Also, while electric vehicles may not go as long before they need to be refuelled, they are expected to continue pushing higher boundaries.
Batteries Need To Be Replaced Every Five Years
There are plenty of headlines which have put electric vehicle batteries under scrutiny. They often claim that batteries need to be replaced as often as every five years. However, in reality, most models on the market have an eight to ten-year warranty but are expected to last even longer. Currently, there are over 10 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads and there has been no proof that their lifespan is lower than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Additionally, new batteries’ lifespans are always improving to achieve maximum operational efficiency.
Electric Vehicles Can’t Be Towed
When an electric vehicle breaks down, it can be towed slowly and securely out of immediate danger, such as in a live traffic lane. This ensures that it can await further assistance, just like any other vehicle. For towing at longer distances and higher speeds, electric vehicles need to be towed with the wheels off the ground. However, this also applies to many automatic petrol and diesel vehicles, meaning that this is not a new challenge for vehicle recovery companies.
There Aren’t Enough Charging Points
This is another common misconception that cannot be further from the truth. The reality is that the number of electric car charging points has increased exponentially year on year and there have been no signs of slowing down. It has never been easier to locate and navigate to available charging points in the UK. Moreover, the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme is available to all UK local authorities. It aims to proactively support the delivery of public electric vehicle chargepoints in residential streets.
Electric Vehicles Can’t Be Driven Or Charged In Rain
Electric vehicles can be driven and charged in a wide range of weather conditions. This is because they need to comply with technical rules and undergo crash and electrical safety testing before they can enter the market. Just like other cars, electric vehicles have been built to be used outside regardless of the weather. Drivers are advised to check they are using the correct charging cable and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Similar to other vehicles, drivers must also consult the owner’s manual to determine the maximum wading depth.