Guide to electric vehicles

Introduction

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) is surrounded in myths due to a lack of knowledge about the technology underlying the production of batteries, electricity, and vehicle operation.

This guide seeks to explore and bust the most prevalent myths, many of which are propagated on social media.

Myth 1: Electric vehicles are not green

A very persistent myth is that EVs are not green after all because they “transfer” the pollution to the grid and generate more pollution through battery mining and manufacturing of the vehicle.  

Research from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has shown that an EV will offset its “carbon emission debt” after 11000 miles that it has been driven. Beyond this point, the EV life cycle emission will be three times lower than an average petrol car.

Since EVs run on electricity and do not have an exhaust pipe, they produce no exhaust emissions even though producing electricity still produces some CO2 emissions. However, fewer emissions are being produced due to the use of renewable energy sources to produce electricity.

Even when charged from fossil fuel heavy grids, EVs would still produce less CO2 emissions compared to a combustion car, simply by being four times more energy efficient.

Did you know? Lucien Mathieu, transport and e-mobility analyst at Transport and Environment, said: “When it comes to raw materials there is simply no comparison. Over its lifetime, an average fossil-fuel car burns the equivalent of a stack of oil barrels, 25 storeys high.”

Myth 2: Batteries won’t last

Even though EV batteries contain lithium-ion, just like any other phone on the market, their internal chemistry is very different. According to recent research by Geotab, batteries have a 20-year or longer lifespan, which means they are likely to outlast the vehicle.

Additionally, the study demonstrated that the annual rate of battery degradation—or the inability to hold a charge—had significantly decreased, going from 2.3% in 2019 to 1.8% in 2024. Even though the number is still dropping, the degradation rate is still considerably better than the wear and tear on drivetrain components in a combustion car.

Car manufacturers now offer warranties on batteries for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, reflecting their confidence in battery durability.

Did you know? In 2023, Recurrent Motors, a battery analysis company based in Seattle, conducted a study on 15,000 electric vehicles and discovered that only 1.5% of the batteries had been replaced under warranty.

Myth 3: EV batteries run out of power and break down

Another misconception is that EVs often run out of battery or break down. As declared by the AA President, Edmund King OBE, in 2023, AA responded to 39.109 EV breakdown of all types, which is a total of 2.86% of their entire calls out breakout (including petrol and diesel vehicles).

Additionally, AA reported that 45% of EV breakdown call out are related to punctures or 12v battery (which is the traditional battery found in any vehicle- despite what the vehicle is powered by).

Did you know? The AA's predicted 1 per cent would put the proportion of petrol or diesel car breakdowns due to running out of fuel equal to that of EVs running out of charge. The AA has recorded its lowest ever proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) running out of charge in June 2024.

Myth 4: Electric vehicles will catch fire

A very common myth is that any Electric vehicles will catch fire at some point in its life.

Data proves that the likelihood of an EV catching fire is significantly less than that of a petrol or diesel car.

The fire service estimated that, out the 100000 vehicles catching fire in UK every year, approximately 0.24% is an EV.  

UK records for 2022 to 2023 show that only 239 vehicles catching fire were electric.

Did you know? In America, data from the National Transportation Safety Board reported that battery-powered vehicles suffer 25 fires for every 100,000 sold, compared to 1,530 fires for petrol vehicles.

Myth 5: EVs cost more to maintain

An Electric vehicle has around 20 moving parts, quite a small number compared to petrol and diesel cars, which have more than 2000 moving parts.

As there are not parts like spark plugs, oil, timing belt, exhaust or filters, the estimate cost for servicing an EV is on average 30% less than an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle.  

As shown by a survey run by “BookMyGarage.com”, overall average maintenance bills for EVs are around 43% lower than petrol or diesel vehicles.

Did you know? According to “American Auto Media”’ report, maintaining a petrol or diesel car over 200000 miles lifetime cost double than maintaining an EV vehicle.

Myth 6: Electric vehicles have a limited range

The typical driving range for EVs is between 200 and 300 miles.  

According to UK statistics, a family's first car typically travels 37 miles per day, while any second car typically travels 11 miles per day.

It makes sense that most people purchase for their longest trips rather than their typical ones. In reality, most of us already stop at service stations for fifteen to twenty minutes during longer trips to get a drink, use the lavatory or fill up with petrol or diesel. With the growing availability of ultra-rapid chargers, the time needed to charge an EV at these stations aligns well with these routine stops.

Charging your EV can take as little as 30 minutes or up to 12 hours – it all depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point.

Did you know? The Highway Code recommends that drivers and riders should take 15-minute break every two hours.

Myth 7: Hydrogen will overtake electric cars

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or FCVs, have long been considered as the clean transportation vehicle of the future due to their potential for zero emissions and quick refuelling times. However, significant barriers prevent them from being widely adopted, which diminishes their appeal and convenience.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that there are only 72,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles globally on the road, which is a significant difference from the 27 million EVs that are presently in use. This discrepancy reinforces the difficult challenge that FCVs must overcome to become a popular option.

Furthermore, hydrogen vehicles tend to have higher operating costs and lower energy efficiency compared to electric vehicles. UK government analysis suggests that even when hydrogen is produced from low-carbon sources, the lifecycle emissions of hydrogen passenger cars can be 60% to 70% higher than those of electric vehicles. This is largely due to the considerable energy required for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, compared to the simpler process of generating and distributing electricity for EVs.

Did you know?  There are just 11 hydrogen filling stations available across the UK.

Myth 8: EV sales are declining

Contrary to the belief that electric vehicle sales are decreasing, recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) paints a different picture. A significant milestone was achieved in January 2024 when the millionth battery electric car was registered in the UK. In that month alone, 20,935 EVs were registered, reflecting a 21% increase compared to January 2023.

Private sales of all fuel types decreased by 15.8%, compared to a 25.1% decline in EV sales. This decline in private automobile sales is not specific to EVs; rather, it is a reflection of more general economic issues like rising interest rates, a worldwide recession, and a decline in confidence and disposable income.

Did you know? Fleet and business demand for EVs surged by 41.7% in January, indicating strong commercial interest.