Debunking the Myths About Electric Cars

There is a lot of misinformation out there about electric cars. Some people think they are slow and inconvenient, while others believe they are not as environmentally friendly as they seem. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common myths about electric cars and set the record straight.

Electric cars are becoming more popular every day, and it’s important to understand the truth about them before you make a purchase!

Myth Number One: Are Electric Vehicles New Technology?

A regular question people have is when was the first electric car made and why does it seem a modern invention? Well – electric vehicles have been around for over 138 years.

They were not an overnight invention though. Various elements were needed in order to build such a concept, with different inventors around the world creating different models to piece the puzzle together. Notable inventors like Thomas Parker, the British inventor who made it possible for the London Underground to be electrified, made the first production electric vehicle. He could power the car using rechargeable high-capacity batteries which he specially designed. 

At the time, electric vehicles were considered extremely efficient and a great substitution for petrol-powered carts because they didn’t stall or require hand cranking. Since electric cars were becoming increasingly popular, they found themselves embedded into people’s everyday lives and cities across the world.

Although electric vehicles dropped out of production in the 1890s when petrol-powered carts became more available, the myth that electric vehicles are ‘new’ technology has been debunked as it has been around longer than people might think.

Myth Number Two: Low Capacity of Charge Points in the UK

While there is truth to the myth that there are not enough charging points in the UK, it’s not as bad as it may seem.

Yes, there are significantly fewer electric points than petrol stations (8,400 vs 22,049), yet new research shows that we could need between 253,000 and 661,000 extra electric vehicles (EV) charge points by 2035 to meet the phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

While this is a large task, installation and setting up the electric infrastructure doesn’t come too expensive; it typically costs anywhere between £500 and £2,500 to install a single charge point. This cost can even be lower for those eligible for government grants or subsidies. So with these changes in mind, it looks like the UK will have to step up its game regarding charging points!

Myth Number Three: EVs are Not Viable for City Driving

Electric cars have often been accused of being an impractical method of transport in cities due to how they are charged, and the pressing need to break often while driving in built-up areas. This is a common misconception; electric cars actually have the added bonus of an energy-efficient regenerative braking system, which captures energy each time you break.

So, how does an electric car work? It regenerates power as you go along and stores it for later use! This process also helps to extend the range of your electric vehicle between charges. In essence, electric cars are perfectly well-suited to city driving and make navigating urban areas with their frequent stopping and starting much simpler than before.

Myth Number Four: Electric Cars are Too Quiet

It is a common misconception that electric cars are too quiet, however, this is simply not true.

Legislation has been introduced across the globe to require electric vehicles to include artificial noise when driving, as these cars produce significantly less sound than traditional vehicles.

This means that electric cars will no longer be completely silent on the roads, but instead be more audible than regular cars, ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists have plenty of time to react and reducing the risk of being involved in an accident. Therefore it can be argued that while EVs may still appear to be quieter from inside the car, they are now louder from outside the vehicle making them easier to detect on roads.

Myth Number Five: Expensive Road Tax

Many people believe that electric vehicles come with an expensive road tax, but this is not the case. Although “do electric cars pay road tax” remains a common question, the answer generally is no; most do not pay road tax on electric cars – in fact, many do not even require it.

Despite what some may think, there are plenty of very affordable options for those looking to purchase an electric vehicle and still remain mindful of price constraints.

With all of this in mind, cost-conscious drivers should do their research and take full advantage of the lack of road tax on electric cars to own an efficient, environmentally friendly car that doesn’t break their budget.

Myth Number Six: Charge Time is Too Long

Electric cars are growing in popularity, and while they tend to be more cost-effective than petrol cars in the long term, some people believe that it takes too long to charge them. However, this is a myth!

Most public charging points operate at 22kW and can easily take you from 0-80% in just three hours. For those who need even quicker charges, there is a variety of fast charging options available which can get you back on the road in no time – with many achieving 80-90% charge in under an hour!

With advances being made all the time, questions like “how much does it cost to charge an electric car?” and “how long does it take to charge?” – with today’s technology, it’s faster (and cheaper) than ever before.

Myth Number Seven: Electric Cars are Worse for the Environment

For those asking should I buy an electric car? The answer is a resounding yes.

Contrary to popular belief, electric cars are not worse for the environment than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. This is because electric cars produce much less carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions across their entire lifecycle – from production to driving on the roads – as compared to petrol-based cars.

For example, while petrol cars create 16.59 tonnes of CO2e per 47,000 miles driven, electric cars only produce 1.4 tonnes of CO2e. Plus, electricity is increasingly generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power which makes electric vehicles even better for the environment.

Long story short: whether you’re concerned about climate or air pollution, driving an electric car should be your go-to choice for a greener future!

Myth Number Eight: With No Gears, EVs Must Be Slow

People often think electric cars must be slow because they have no gears, however, this simply isn’t true.

While traditional internal combustion vehicles use different gears to maintain a steady speed and smooth power delivery, electric cars do not require them as they can instantly provide peak torque the moment you step on the accelerator. This means that electric cars do have the ability to rapidly accelerate due to the instantaneous nature of their torque delivery which is impossible for any other fuel-type vehicle.

For those wondering are all electric cars automatic – the short answer is yes, the majority are, with the exception of one or two on the market as some manufacturers have continued to produce them with a gearbox and gearstick, to resemble the functionality of petrol cars which drivers have become accustomed to before their switch to electric.

All in all, electric cars are fast, fun to drive and convenient due to their instant torque and lack of gear changing making them an ideal choice for many drivers.

Myth Number Nine: They are FAR Too Expensive

It is a common misconception that electric cars are too expensive to buy and maintain. In reality, how much an electric car costs depends on how it’s being used. The purchase price may be higher than a traditional petrol-powered vehicle, however, you can save significantly over the long term due to reduced fuel costs, maintenance costs and government incentives or rebates.

Electric cars also take advantage of advancements in technology, meaning they now come with longer-range capacity and enhanced performance benefits. Once the initial outlay has been completed and cost savings have been taken into account you will soon see how investing in an electric car can really pay off.

Myth Number Ten: The Electricity Grid Cannot Handle the Increase in Electric Cars

As the shift towards electric vehicles accelerates, the electricity grid in the UK is being designed to keep pace with this change.

In order to make sure that our energy needs can be met with clean and green power sources, the progression of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are being developed. Furthermore, the grid is being adapted and ‘evolved’ to ensure it can cope with changing requirements from consumers.

Although this transition is taking place gradually, over time it will create a more sustainable transport system for the UK.

---

Electric cars are a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the long-run. They have many advantages over traditional petrol vehicles, including superior performance due to instant torque delivery, no need for gears or gear changing and increasingly more affordable purchase prices.

Furthermore, electric car ownership is becoming easier as the electricity grid evolves with renewable energy sources being developed all of the time. With so many benefits now available it really does seem like an obvious decision to make the switch to electric!