Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been painted as an elitist indulgence, impractical for the masses and no better than petrol or diesel cars when you consider the "bigger picture” on climate change”. Open up social media and it won’t take long for you to see these conversations between EV sceptics in full flow.
These misconceptions persist and they are harming the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. Ultimately, EVs have a PR problem and it is stalling progress and both perpetuating dependence on outdated, polluting technologies but also holding back the commercial opportunities that transition leadership would avail.
EVs are by no means perfect but they are largely the future. Whether we like it or not, mainstream adoption of electric vehicles is as inevitable as death and taxes. But I have empathy for consumers who simply don’t know where to start when it comes to researching an EV – and with so much misinformation online, it can feel like a losing battle. I’ve pulled together this helpful guide to make you aware of common myths you may see online about EVs.
Myth 1: EVs Are Just as Polluting as Internal Combustion Cars
One of the most common claims against EVs is that their production and the electricity they use make them as polluting as traditional vehicles. Yes, manufacturing an EV involves, for now, higher upfront emissions, primarily from battery production. However, multiple lifecycle analyses show that once on the road, EVs more than compensate for this difference. Over their lifespan, EVs emit significantly less greenhouse gas - up to 70% less when charged on cleaner grids. And as renewable energy continues to grow, this advantage will only increase. Let’s also not ignore the local benefits. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning no nitrogen oxides (NOx), no particulate matter (PM), and no carbon monoxide choking our cities. These pollutants, emitted in abundance by petrol and diesel cars, are directly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Air pollution claims over 7 million lives globally each year, according to the World Health Organization. EVs are a powerful tool in reducing this silent killer. It is true that EVs are not entirely emission free. Brake dust and tyre wear emissions are harmful and still present in EVs at about the same level as an ICE, but the reduction of tailpipe emissions are a huge boost for cleaner air in our cities and towns.
Myth 2: EVs Are Too Expensive
Critics often cite the higher purchase price of EVs as a barrier– and I have some sympathy with this argument. While it’s true that EVs have historically been more expensive upfront, this gap is closing fast. Battery costs, the primary driver of EV prices, have fallen by over 80% in the past decade, and continue to drop. Government incentives and tax breaks further reduce costs, and many EVs are now price-competitive with internal combustion cars and better when total cost of ownership is considered. Fuel and maintenance savings are substantial. EVs cost far less to run than petrol or diesel cars, thanks to lower energy costs and fewer moving parts requiring maintenance. Over a vehicle’s lifetime, these savings can run into thousands of pounds, making EVs not just cleaner but also more economical. An additional upfront cost will lead to cheaper motoring over the long-term compared to most internal combustion engine alternatives. It’s likely in future, that combined with PV and home / grid scale batteries, bi directional charging will significantly lower the cost of “fuelling” your electric car.
Myth 3: EVs don’t give you enough range
"Range anxiety" is another popular critique. When I first began working on electric vehicles and launched the Nissan LEAF in 2010, it had a limited range of around 70 miles – but this is no longer the case. Most modern EVs offer ranges of 200-300 miles on a single charge, with some exceeding 400 miles. Charging networks have expanded rapidly, with around 70,000 public chargers now available across the UK, including high-speed chargers that can replenish a battery in under 30 minutes. That said, we do need extra investment in the EV charging network – but for most people, range anxiety should no longer be an issue. It’s also worth noting that most people don’t actually need 300+ miles of range. According to government statistics, the average car journey in the UK is less than 10 miles. Even the average daily mileage for drivers—around 20 miles—is a fraction of the range modern EVs offer. For the vast majority of trips, EVs are more than capable of meeting daily travel needs without requiring a recharge. Home charging is another game-changer. Around 80% of EV charging happens at home overnight, meaning most drivers wake up to a "full tank" every morning. For those without off-street parking, public infrastructure continues to improve, with both government and private sector investment driving growth. But we do need more and in particular, address the issues of planning and grid connection approvals.
Myth 4: EVs Aren’t Really Green Because of Their Batteries
Much has been made of the environmental impact of mining for battery materials like lithium and cobalt. These are real challenges, but they’re being addressed. Battery recycling is advancing rapidly, with companies developing technologies to recover and reuse materials at scale. Meanwhile, manufacturers are reducing reliance on rare materials through innovation and new chemistries. It’s also worth noting that the environmental toll of extracting and refining oil for internal combustion engines is rarely scrutinised with the same intensity. From drilling and transportation to refining and combustion, the petrol and diesel supply chain is far from being a greener alternative.
Myth 5: EVs aren’t fun to drive
Another common misconception is that EVs are washing machines with wheels that can’t deliver the thrill of driving. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Electric motors deliver instant torque, meaning EVs can accelerate much faster than most petrol or diesel cars. The Tesla Model S Plaid, for example, can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds - a feat no combustion engine Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin can match. Beyond speed, EVs offer a smoother, quieter, and more refined driving experience. With no engine noise or vibrations, the cabin remains serene, making long journeys far less fatiguing. And for enthusiasts, EVs like the Porsche Taycan and the upcoming electric Lotus models prove that high performance and excitement are not sacrificed in the transition to electric. In fact, many first-time EV drivers are pleasantly surprised by how engaging and fun these cars are to drive. Whether it’s the sharp handling enabled by a low centre of gravity (thanks to the battery placement) or the responsive acceleration, EVs are proving that sustainability and driving enjoyment can go hand in hand.
The Truth About EVsThe transition to EVs isn’t just about climate change - though that alone should be reason enough. It’s about cleaner air, healthier communities, and breaking free from the stranglehold of oil dependency. It’s about embracing technology that works better for people and the planet. The objections to EVs are no longer grounded in fact, but in resistance to change. And for almost every negative that can be cited, there is a technological countermeasure. I love combustion engines just as much as the next car nut, but EVs are wonderful feats of engineering that should continue to be enjoyed and celebrated.
The internal combustion engine is responsible for most of my career, but it is a 19th-century solution to 2024 problems. EVs are the future, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re immeasurably better. It’s vital that we in the U.K. both embrace the change, but also seek to prosper from it commercially by creating a favourable home market that attracts inward investment; we can already see for example that the U.K. has technical leadership in battery electronics. Let us not cede this Intellectual Property to overseas competitors as we did with Lithium Ion chemistry.
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