The Top 10 myths about electric cars

Added: 19 March 2020

Electric and hybrid electric cars have rapidly become the new normal, yet many car owners are still not convinced by the new, cleaner mode of transport. While we are all aware that electric power is both cheaper and better for the environment, many drivers don’t know enough about electric vehicles to feel confident enough to buy one.

Here are ten common myths about electric cars, as well as the facts behind them that you need to know.

1 - There won’t be enough places to charge

This is probably the most common concern around owning an electric vehicle right now. While the UK, like the rest of the world, is in this transitional phase, the number of public charging points is still growing. But, it’s growing surprisingly fast! There are now more than 9,000 locations throughout the UK where you can charge your electric vehicle, and that number is growing daily. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, the number of charging points will only grow (and the number of petrol stations will likely decline).

2 - Electric cars are too expensive

When you look at the upfront buying cost, electric vehicles often come with a slightly higher price tag than their non-electric counterparts. However, electric cars are much cheaper to run and work out to be much more affordable in the long run.

3 - There isn’t enough choice

Right now, car manufacturers such as Honda and Nissan are focusing on an electric-first future. That means that electric power is at the forefront of all of their new releases, and the options are only increasing every day. Both Nissan and Honda already have a range of electric or electrified vehicles in their current and upcoming releases.

4 - Electric cars aren’t as safe

There is no research to suggest that electric vehicles are any less safe than their petrol and diesel-fuelled counterparts. You can rest assured that they all undergo the same rigorous safety testing.

5 - They don’t have the same power

You don’t need to compromise on power when you buy an electric vehicle. As cars like the Honda CR-V Hybrid prove, you really can have it all when it comes to owning an efficient yet powerful vehicle.

6 - Electric vehicles can’t travel very far

A typical electric vehicle can take you much further than you might think. For example, the new Nissan Leaf e+ has an official range of up to 239 miles (WLTP), which is enough to take you from London to Blackpoool without needing to recharge at all!

7 - Driving an electric car won’t feel the same

If anything, we think it feels better. Electric vehicles can accelerate at impressive speeds!

8 - Breakdown cover isn’t available for electric vehicles

The majority of breakdown cover suppliers now provide the same services and support for drivers of electric vehicles as they do for those of regular cars.

9 - Electric car batteries are bad for the environment

Electric cars are great news for the environment, not just because they emit zero emissions but also because the batteries can be recycled.

10 - Electric vehicles have to be washed by hand

It’s perfectly safe to take an electric car through a car wash, so you won’t need to compromise on convenience.