With the Labour party back in power, the newly appointed party are set to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel cars back to 2030 making electric vehicles (EVs) the next choice of vehicle for many looking to buy a new car. However numerous myths and concerns about EVs continue to circulate, potentially slowing their adoption.
Whilst the adoption of EV’s is still in its infancy, there are many benefits and rapidly changing technologies available which are making EV ownership more accessible. In this blog we aim to debunk these myths and address common concerns and misconceptions so that motorists can feel confident about EV ownership.
Myth 1: The electric can’t handle all these EVs
Concern: Can the power grid supply enough electricity and handle the demand from all EVs charging?
Truth: The labour party have pledged to deliver to work with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind, by 2030. They have plans to invest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and marine energy, and ensure we have the long-term energy storage our country needs. [31]
It’s important to remember that the shift to EV adoption will happen gradually over time and as EV ownership becomes more affordable. Preparations to make sure the grid is ready are well underway and are improving everyday. The grid is continuously being upgraded to support a decarbonised transport network, ensuring it can handle the increased electricity consumption from EVs [1].
The power grid has the capacity to supply enough electricity and handle the demand from all electric vehicles (EVs) charging. In the UK, the highest peak electricity demand has decreased over the years, and even if everyone switched to EVs overnight, the estimated increase in demand would be manageable [1]. As mentioned above, the Labour party have plans to expand on the sources of electric energy.
Electric car owners tend to charge their vehicles overnight when electricity demand is low, helping to balance out peaks in demand and making it easier for the grid to cope with the surge in electric vehicles [3].
Additionally, smart charging technology and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems play a crucial role in managing electricity demand efficiently and utilising renewable energy sources effectively [4]. Overall, with advancements in grid infrastructure and technology, the power grid can indeed meet the demands of a growing number of electric vehicles charging.
Myth 2: There’s not enough public EV chargers
Concern: There seems to be a shortage of public charging stations in the UK.
Truth: The UK is ensuring fast chargers are accessible within 30 miles on major roads. More chargers are being added regularly.
The myth that the UK does not have enough public EV chargers is increasingly being debunked as the infrastructure rapidly expands. As of the latest data, there are over 42,000 charge point connectors across the UK in more than 15,500 locations [13], which is more than the number of petrol stations. This expansion is complemented by the fact that the majority of EV charging happens at home or at work, with public chargers being an additional convenience for longer journeys or for those without access to private charging [10].
The UK government’s Rapid Charging Fund (RCF) is also aimed at further increasing the number of high-powered chargers [6]. Additionally, misconceptions persist, such as a survey where 42% of Brits underestimated the number of chargers, thinking there were only 6,000 when there were over 16,738 at the time of the survey [7]. The reality is that the UK is actively working to ensure that the charging infrastructure keeps pace with the growing adoption of EVs, and the situation is improving day by day [11].
Myth 3: Range anxiety – EVs don’t have enough range
Concern: EVs can’t travel far on a single charge.
Truth: Most EVs now have a range of 200-300 miles, which should comfortably cover most daily travel needs.
The energy company Octopus says the average EV range in the UK is 211 miles, and more expensive models can reach 300 miles. If you can charge overnight (when energy prices are cheapest) then there is simply no need to worry about typical usage.
On a daily basis, cars in the UK drive an average of 18 miles a day [19], making electric vehicles (EVs) a practical option for daily commutes. Even for those with longer daily drives, there are numerous EV models available to meet various needs:
- Polestar 2: Offers an impressive range of 336 miles [15].
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4MATIC: Provides a substantial range of 325 miles [14].
- BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon: Offers a reliable range of 260 miles [14].
- MG ZS: Provides a range of 273 miles.
- Nissan Leaf: Offers a range of approximately 149 miles.
The growth of public charging stations in the UK further enhances the practicality of EVs, with significant investments aimed at improving accessibility. Additionally, charging on longer trips is becoming easier with the availability of fast chargers.
To alleviate range anxiety, strategic trip planning including charging stops, utilising EV travel apps, and the increasing availability of fast-charging stations are effective strategies. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, concerns over range anxiety are expected to diminish, making EVs an increasingly viable choice for more drivers.
Moreover, a range of new EV charging apps, such as Octopus’ Electroverse, Bonnet, Chargepoint, Plugsurfing, ChargeNow, and Zap Pay, are available to assist users in finding public charging spots.
The table below provides a basic comparison of several popular EV charging apps. It’s important to note that the effectiveness and benefits of each app can vary significantly based on factors such as the user’s location, the type of EV they drive, and their specific charging needs. Additionally, these apps are continually evolving, with updates that may extend coverage, improve functionality, or adjust pricing.
| EV charging app | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus’ Electroverse | – Wide network of chargers – Offers renewable energy options – Transparent pricing | – Limited geographical coverage in some areas – May require a subscription |
| Bonnet | – Flat-rate pricing available – Easy to use interface – Access to multiple networks without separate accounts | – Coverage can be limited depending on location – Predominantly UK-focused |
| Chargepoint | – Large network of chargers internationally – Offers a mobile app for easy access and payment – Can filter searches by charger type and availability | – Some users report issues with app reliability – Prices can vary significantly by location |
| Plugsurfing | – Offers a wide network across Europe – No subscription needed to start – Flexible payment options including pay-as-you-go | – Pricing can be less transparent – Some users find customer service response slow |
| ChargeNow | – Integrated with BMW vehicles for seamless use – Access to a large network of chargers – User-friendly interface | – Primarily benefits BMW EV owners – Limited functionality for non-BMW vehicles |
| Zap Play | – Simplifies payment across different networks – Good coverage in the UK – Part of Zap-Map, offering detailed charger info and navigation | – Newer service with growing network – May not cover all charging networks yet |
Myth 4: I won’t be able to drive abroad in my EV
Concern: Not all countries in Europe have a good charging infrastructure and you won’t be able to find any charging points easily.
Truth: There are 500,000 EV charging points throughout Western Europe but there are still some geographical areas with little coverage.
By 2030, Europe aims to install 2.7 million new public charging stations. There is also a substantial disparity that exists between Western and Eastern Europe, when it comes to charging infrastructure, with countries such as Poland, Bulgaria and Romania having very few charging points.
Western Europe’s charging stations for electric vehicles are quickly increasing in number, but there are still problems with how evenly they are spread out. Even though there are about 500,000 charging points across the European Union, they are not distributed equally, making it hard for some areas to access them.
Germany is working hard, with nearly 97,000 public charging stations, including more than 18,000 fast-charging ones. However, it needs to speed up its efforts to reach its goal of 1 million charging points by 2030.
Right now, half of all the charging stations in the EU are found in just two countries, which shows a big gap in availability, especially between Western and Central/Eastern Europe.
Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and France have the most charging points, but there’s a clear need for more balanced development across Europe.
Myth 5: EVs still cause emissions
Concern: Charging EVs with electricity from fossil fuels means they still emit pollutants.
Truth: A large and growing portion of electricity now comes from clean, renewable sources. This means EVs are becoming greener.
Electric vehicles (EVs) can still cause emissions despite their zero exhaust emissions on the road. The primary source of emissions associated with EVs comes from the electricity generation used to charge them. The carbon pollution generated during electricity production varies based on the energy mix of the grid, with coal and natural gas power plants emitting carbon pollution, while renewable sources like wind and solar do not [20]. Studies indicate that in some cases, manufacturing an EV can produce more carbon pollution than manufacturing a gasoline car due to the energy-intensive process of making batteries [2]. This is known as carbon debt.
However, over the lifetime of an EV, including manufacturing, charging, and driving, the total greenhouse gas emissions are lower than those of a fossil fuel car due to zero exhaust emissions and overall lower greenhouse gas emissions during operation [22]. As countries transition to cleaner energy sources and improve battery production processes, the environmental impact of EVs is expected to decrease even further [22].
The picture for electric cars will improve as power from the wind and the sun replaces gas and oil, reducing carbon emissions from generating electricity. Colin Walker, the head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit thinktank, said: “Even if you have a really dirty grid, EVs are still better for the environment. That will keep going as the grid gets cleaner and cleaner.” [5]
Myth 6: EVs are too expensive
Concern: EVs cost more than petrol or diesel cars.
Truth: While initially more expensive, prices for both new and used EV cars are now dropping, as more cars come onto the market from both new and traditional manufacturers, and running costs become lower.
Cheap electric vehicles from China are already pushing into Europe, undercutting one of the region’s biggest industries. BYD Co., which overtook Tesla Inc. last year to become the biggest global EV maker, is about to raise the stakes, making EV purchases more affordable.
Volkswagen are set to produce a more affordable electric vehicle, which will make its debut in the European market in 2027. VW’s CEO, Oliver Blume, has said “Generations of people associate the strong brands of the Volkswagen group with their first car – and with affordable mobility”, this vision will be reflected in their new model, which is expected to be priced at £17,000, making it more affordable than many other EV’s. [30]
Aside from the cost to buy, electric vehicles (EVs) can be as affordable as petrol or diesel cars over time. Even though some EVs might cost more upfront, you should also think about ongoing costs like electricity, insurance, and upkeep.
Research shows that when you add up all these costs, EVs can be just as cost effective or even cheaper than traditional cars in some cases [24][26]. As more people buy EVs and technology gets better, the price difference between EVs and regular cars is expected to shrink, making EVs an economically smart choice [27].
Myth 7: Used EV batteries harm the environment
Concern: EV batteries will end up in landfills.
Truth: EV batteries can be recycled or repurposed for energy storage, reducing waste.
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries shouldn’t be thrown away and buried in landfills. They contain materials that can harm the environment and are valuable. So, it’s important to recycle them instead of just getting rid of them.
By recycling old EV batteries, we can retain valuable materials such as Cobalt and Manganese; this means that we don’t have to dig and extract as much from the earth which is better for the environment. In addition to this, if we use these batteries to store energy in one place, it helps us use more renewable energy sources and keeps the power grid stable, which is also good for the environment.
Used EV car batteries can be repurposed in various ways to extend their lifespan and minimize environmental impact. One way is by using them to store energy in one place without moving around. Even though they might not work well for cars anymore because they don’t hold as much power, they can still hold a lot of energy. These repurposed batteries can be used at homes or businesses to store extra power, which can be useful during blackouts or when electricity costs are high.
Myth 8: EVs are less reliable
Concern: EVs are less reliable than traditional cars.
Truth: EVs can require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts, but this doesn’t make them more reliable.
The reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to traditional cars can vary based on the specific make and model of the vehicle, its age, and how well it has been maintained however, the jury is out on whether this myth can be de-bunked.
Generally, EVs have fewer moving parts and simpler drivetrains than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which can potentially lead to fewer mechanical issues and lower maintenance costs over time. However, Consumer Reports found that EV owners have 79 percent more reliability problems than a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle, on average. Plug-in hybrids fared even worse; they have 146 percent more issues on average than the conventional alternative [29]. This is largely due to the EV manufacturing infrastructure still being relatively new. With this inevitably comes some teething issues.
It’s essential to consider that EV technology is continually evolving, with improvements being made in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle reliability. If you own an EV or hybrid vehicle, an extended warranty that covers all critical parts, including the battery, can offer some peace of mind and help protect you from unplanned repairs.
Myth 9: EVs are slower
Concern: EVs can’t compete with the speed of petrol and diesel cars.
Truth: Many EVs offer faster acceleration due to instant torque delivery, making them feel quicker off the mark.
Electric vehicles (EVs) can vary in speed compared to petrol engine cars depending on several factors such as the specific model, battery capacity, and motor power. In general, many EVs offer quick acceleration and impressive torque due to the instantaneous delivery of power from electric motors. This can make them feel faster off the line compared to traditional petrol engine cars, especially in urban driving conditions. However, at very high speeds, some (high performance) petrol engine cars may have higher top speeds than certain EVs.
Additionally, factors like vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and battery charge level can also influence performance. Overall, while EVs may not always have the same top speeds as some petrol engine cars, they can offer excellent acceleration and performance in most driving situations.
The future is electric
As we move closer to a future dominated by electric vehicles, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. The transition to electric vehicles not only promises a cleaner, more sustainable future but also offers practical and economic advantages that make it an increasingly viable choice for everyone. For now, should you wish to continue owning a petrol or diesel vehicle, there is still plenty of time to do so whilst you learn more about EV’s. If you are concerned about your carbon emissions whilst driving a combustion engine vehicle, take a look at our guide on how to offset your carbon emissions.
Be future-ready with an extended warranty
Those who already enjoy EV ownership, or are looking to purchase and EV, may wish to create some added peace of mind with an extended vehicle warranty. As a new to market vehicle owner, having a warranty will not only help ease your repair anxiety, but it can also help you budget effectively. Start your quote with our friendly warranty experts today.
References:
[30] Volkswagen planning to launch £17,000 compact EV in 2027 (fleetnews.co.uk) accessed on 30/05/2024
[31] Labour Party. (n.d.). Make Britain a clean energy superpower. Labour. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://labour.org.uk/change/make-britain-a-clean-energy-superpower/#:~:text=Clean%20power%20by%202030,-Families%20and%20businesses&text=To%20deliver%20our%20clean%20power,energy%20storage%20our%20country%20needs.