Don't be spooked! 5 EV myths - busted

This Halloween, make sure you're not haunted by these common EV misconceptions

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining popularity in recent years. The start of 2024 saw us reach a millionth EV milestone, with one million EVs now registered in the UK. The UK government is encouraging adoption: new diesel and petrol cars will be phased out by 2030, and more than £1.8 billion has been invested in infrastructure and grants to increase access to zero-emission vehicles. Despite this, some misconceptions about EVs persist. Here, we address five common concerns.

1. 'The switch to EV is far off'

The government has pledged to create EV-making gigafactories in the UK as part of its strategy to place the UK in the global race for EV adoption. So it may be safe to assume that the government has solid plans to build on the £1.8 billion already invested in the industry.

Additionally, the numbers speak for themselves. EVs have been gaining popularity in recent years, and 2024 saw a significant milestone. The start of 2024 saw the registration of the millionth BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) which means there's now an estimated 1 million EVs using UK roads.

And those who have adopted EVs appear to be converted: according to a UK government survey, 79% of EV drivers reported using their EV as their main vehicle, while nine in 10 respondents reported driving their EV frequently (3+ times per week). And adoption isn’t unique to the UK, either: worldwide, there are now approximately 26 million EVs on the roads – quite a step up from the 10 million we reported on back in March 2023.

All in all, it doesn’t feel like the switch is far off. You could say the switch is already here.

2. ‘EVs have a limited battery range and are not practical for long trips’

Range anxiety – the concern around your EV running out of power at an inconvenient part of a journey – is a common concern, but a closer look can bust this myth.

The average battery range for new EVs launched in the UK in 2023 is now around 300 miles, according to industry research, which is nearly three times the average daily mileage. As 99% of car journeys in the UK are under 99 miles, it’s likely that, with the right make and model for your needs, range anxiety is not a worry you need to have.

If you’d like even more peace of mind about range, we regularly post about turning range anxiety into range confidence. Being aware of the factors that can lead to running out of charge could banish that pesky range anxiety forever.

3. 'There aren't enough chargepoints to meet demand'

It’s perfectly understandable to have doubts about charging network availability, but a glance at the numbers of chargers in the UK can be very reassuring.

As of July 2024 there were 64,632 public electric vehicle charging devices (from different charging providers) available across the UK, and we’re pleased to say that around 75% of people in the UK live within a five-mile radius of a bp pulse rapid or ultrafast charger.

And, because of government investment to date and of course our own into the public charging infrastructure it’s possible to charge your rented, owned, or leased EV without owning a charger at home, depending on your location.

Remember, you can find all our EV chargers across the UK with our free app - in which you can search by availability, connector type and speed.

4. ‘EVs are more expensive'

Once you dig into the numbers around the cost of EV ownership, you could find there’s more flexibility – and room for costs to drop – than you originally expected. There are quite a few factors to consider here, so why not put the kettle on, then get comfortable?

EVs can cost more to buy outright – but typically have a lower running cost. According to a recent fact-checking article, it could cost you an average of £3,985 to run an electric car for five years, compared to £6,125 to run a petrol car over the same period.

And, while EVs might once have been more expensive than traditional vehicles, today, lower-priced models are making the switch to EV more accessible. With more manufacturers making electric vehicles, drivers have greater variety and price points to choose from. And as battery prices fall – and are expected to keep falling, according to this recent government report – we may expect EV prices to further fall to reflect this.

If you’re open to the possibility of buying a used EV, you can find some with prices at around £15,000 at time of writing for a used Peugeot e-208. If you’re open to second-hand EVs, you wouldn’t be the only one – sales of second-hand EVs went up by 90% in 2023 with nearly 120,000 changing hands in one year. You might be pleasantly surprised by the savings that you might make, and with our tips on finding the right one for you this could be a way of making EV ownership even more accessible for a wide range of budgets.

In addition, there are initiatives and incentives to make the switch to electric vehicles easier and less expensive – including road tax exemption, and favourable company car tax rates (until 2025).

In areas with low emission zones, EVs can be exempt from charges: in London zero emission vehicles that meet criteria are eligible for a 100% discount on Congestion Charge, until 25 December 2025, with some boroughs providing free or reduced-charge parking for EVs. Drivers may also be exempt from charges travelling through Clear Air Zones in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Greater Manchester, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside.

The government also offers grant schemes for EV charging infrastructure, which can help to alleviate costs. Individuals and businesses eligible for grants can receive funding towards the cost of installing electric vehicle chargers at properties across the UK. If you’re a non-commercial landlord, you can apply for up to 75% off the cost of installing a charging set up at home – up until March 2025.

5. ‘EVs are slow and lack power.’

Contemporary EVs can provide acceleration and top speeds to rival their diesel and petrol equivalents. For example, the Kia EV6 GT can go from zero to 60mph in 3.5 seconds, while the Tesla Model S Plaid can go from zero to 60mph in an impressive 2.1 seconds. With many EVs offering ‘sports mode’ when you’re driving, meaning you can switch into a faster acceleration, and prioritise performance over battery efficiency – handy for short drives where you want a bit of oomph. Depending on the make and model you select, a switch to EV doesn’t have to mean a compromise on performance.

We hope that this article has helped you say BOO to a few common fears about the EV world, and got you feeling informed and empowered about finding the right one for your budget and needs. Have a lovely Halloween.