The biggest EV myths BUSTED
Back to 'Expert guides'With the government confirming a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and the increasing availability of affordable EVs, you'd think we’d all be making the switch to electric by now – and many of us are.
But despite rising EV uptake, a significant number of UK drivers still feel unsure about going electric. According to a recent survey by Peugeot, two in five UK motorists rate their understanding of EVs as poor — highlighting just how much confusion and misinformation still exists.
So let’s bust some of the biggest EV myths once and for all…
“The range of electric vehicles is too limited”
The average daily car journey in the UK is under 25 miles — yet many drivers still worry about EV range. This is often based on outdated information.
In 2025, most new EVs comfortably offer 200+ miles of real-world range, with premium models exceeding 400 miles. Even compact EVs like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric offer enough range for a week’s worth of commuting on a single charge for many drivers.
Battery tech continues to improve, and while factors like weather, tyre size and air-con use can impact range, the same is true for petrol and diesel vehicles.
“EVs are too expensive for mass uptake”
It’s true that EVs started out as premium-priced tech. But in 2025, there’s now an electric car to suit most budgets — and leasing makes them more affordable than ever.
From the retro Renault 5 hatchback to the family-sized Vauxhall Grandland, there’s lots of impressive EVs now available to lease from under £250 per month. The all-electric Dacia Spring is currently one of the most affordable cars on the leasing market.
And remember, for many, EVs will be cheaper to run and maintain than their petrol equivalents. According to recent BBC analysis, the cost per mile for EVs is significantly lower if you solely charge at home – typically around 9p per mile. Petrol vehicles, on the other hand, typically cost around 13p per mile.
Compare EV deals under £200 per month
“EV charging is inconvenient”
There’s no denying that charging remains a pain point if you don’t have a drive way. But the UK’s public charging network has grown dramatically in recent years. As of 2025, there are over 60,000 public charge points across the UK — a 45% increase since 2022.
Around 1,000 new chargers are being added every month. New laws now require major retailers and motorway service stations to install rapid chargers, and most modern EVs support ultra-fast charging — giving you 100+ miles of range in as little as 15 minutes.
“The grid can’t handle the switch to electric”
Contrary to alarmist headlines, the UK’s electricity grid is well on its way to supporting mass EV adoption. Ofgem and the National Grid have both stated that smart charging and better energy management will allow millions more EVs to be added without building new power stations.
In fact, EVs are part of the solution. Innovations like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allow cars to send power back to the grid when demand peaks — turning them into mobile energy storage units.
So while we do need investment in infrastructure, the shift to EVs is entirely manageable. Think of it like the move from gas boilers to heat pumps — it’s a big change, but the grid is evolving with us.
“EVs aren’t actually greener than petrol or diesel”
One of the most persistent EV myths is that they aren’t really any better for the environment once you factor in battery production and electricity generation.
But multiple studies — including one by the University of Exeter — have proven this false. Even when powered by fossil fuel-heavy electricity, EVs produce significantly lower emissions over their lifetime than petrol or diesel vehicles.
And things are improving every year. The UK’s grid is now 60% low carbon, and as it continues to decarbonise, the environmental benefits of driving electric will only increase.
“You can’t drive an EV through shallow water”
Yes, you absolutely can. This myth has been debunked time and time again. EVs are subjected to the same rigorous waterproof testing as any other vehicle — often more.
They pass “soak tests” and flood simulations to make sure their battery packs and motors are sealed and protected. In fact, EVs are often more resilient in floods than internal combustion vehicles, which are far more susceptible to water damage.
“Electric vehicles are involved in more fires”
Again, ignore the alarmists here, this one is simply not true. In fact, all the evidence suggests that EV fires are less frequent compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Consider this: a study in Sweden reported 23 fires per 611,000 EVs in 2022.
On the other hand, there were 3,400 fires involving a total of 4.4 million internal combustion engine cars. Based on this data, EV fires are 20 times less likely to occur than with an ICE vehicle.
Still confused? Let us help
Despite years of progress, a huge proportion of drivers still feel in the dark about EVs. According to Stellantis research, 40% of UK motorists rate their understanding of EVs as poor, with confusion around range, charging, and running costs topping the list.
That’s why we created our choosing your fuel type guide. For more info on going electric, check out our growing range of informative articles in our guides hub. We’re here to make switching to electric as simple as possible.
