With many drivers making the switch to electric, we thought now would be the best time to debunk a few common misconceptions.
From 2030, sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK and leading car manufacturers are continuing to expand their electric range.
But if you’re thinking about moving to electric, we understand you might have a few questions.
Below, we debunk a few misconceptions amongst drivers when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric vehicles are expensive.
EVs do cost more to buy outright, however, it can cost as little as 2p a mile to run an EV when charging on off-peak electricity. This is compared to over 20p per mile for petrol and diesel.
As EVs have far fewer moving parts, there’s also less maintenance to be done.
There are also tax incentives in place for owners of EVs, including zero road tax and favourable company car tax rates.
Electric vehicles don’t have the necessary range.
The average range of an EV is roughly 194 miles.
For those travelling further, there are over 20 models available with a quoted 200-plus mile range. There are also some new electric cars coming soon with a range of over 300 miles.
Electric vehicle batteries need replacing every five years.
There are well over 10 million EVs on the world’s roads already. There is no evidence to suggest their lifespans are any different from a petrol or diesel vehicle. Most EV batteries have warranties of around eight years (or 100,000 miles) but are expected to last much longer, and their lifespan continues to improve.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
Electric vehicle batteries cannot be recycled.
Existing regulations ban the disposal of EV batteries to landfill and incineration. Car manufacturers are obligated to take back EV batteries free of charge and ensure they are treated at permitted facilities that meet the required recycling efficiency standards.
Electric vehicles won’t work in the rain.
Not true. EVs have to comply with tough technical rules prior to entering the market, including crash and electrical safety. This means they are safe to drive and charge in a wide range of weather conditions. Drivers should take the usual precautions by following the manufacturer’s instructions, only using the correct charging cable and ensuring the EV and cable are not damaged. As with any vehicle, drivers should also consult the owner manual for guidance on the maximum depth of water the car is safe to drive through.
There are not enough charging points to meet demand.
On average, over 600 new chargers are being added to the UK’s road network each month, of which over 100 are rapid. There are over 31,000 public charging points available across the UK, a significant increase from 7,211 in 2017. There are also more than 5,800 rapid chargers currently available.
It takes too long to charge electric vehicles.
Most charging will be done at or near home overnight. However, some new cars are capable of charging up 200 miles in as little as 20 minutes – the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Potential charging speeds have increased by a factor of five in the past few years as businesses have started to focus seriously on EVs as the future of road transport.
Where can I find out more about electric vehicles?
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow’s West End with the aim of educating visitors about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles and why they are becoming so important.
There are more than 60 vehicles on site available to test-drive, from plug-in and self-charging hybrids to fully electric vehicles.
There are no sales at the site, which is specifically an innovation, information, and educational centre.
You can also learn about the different types of charging and generous government tax and grants available if you're thinking of moving to electric.
We have also recently opened a second Innovation Centre in Stafford, England.