Misconceptions Surrounding Electric Vehicles 

 

Making the change from a petrol or diesel (ICE – Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle to one that’s powered by electricity can be quite a big step. Many motorists are still put off by misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles, in this blog, we learn more about the reality of owning an EV in 2025.

 

Range Anxiety

One top misconception is that of range anxiety. Only a few years ago, early EV’s would have had a range of 100 to perhaps 150 miles, if you were very lucky. Then there was the worry of long recharging periods lasting perhaps an hour and the lack of charging infrastructure, so would be able to find a charging point before the juice runs out, leaving you stranded. Battery technology has moved on a pace since those early days of electric motoring. Today, batteries are safer, they charge much more quickly and they’re able to deliver power for longer in terms of mileage.

Today’s electric vehicles are far more efficient than earlier generation EV models. Range anxiety is largely a thing of the past, with most EV’s managing at least 250 miles between charges. Indeed, there are models, albeit top end prestige vehicles, that can drive up to 500 miles or more before there’s the need to visit a charge point. Rapid chargers can mean that your EV can be at least partially recharged in just minutes, particularly in newer models.

Charging Infrastructure

So what about the lack of EV charging infrastructure? Well even that situation is rapidly improving. Of course, it’s true that many people aren’t able to have home chargers, those of us who may live in terraced houses without a front garden, use communal car parking or live in apartments. However, in a bid to cut air pollution, local authorities are rolling out chargers in car parks while fuel forecourt operators are, albeit belatedly, finally equipping their premises with charging facilities. In addition, hotels and palaces of interest are catching onto idea of EV charging as the number of electric vehicle on our roads continues to rise. Airports too, have opened EV charging stations, with one impressive operation being recently opened at Gatwick.

Electric Vehicle Fires

There’s the pretty much outdated idea that electric vehicles can burst into flames, it’s not impossible, but today, there’s really very little difference between electric or internal combustion engine vehicles in their ability to catch fire. However, fire and rescue services have to use different chemicals to extinguish fires, depending on the type of vehicle involved.

Electric Vehicles Are Expensive

Many believe that electric vehicles are expensive to maintain. It’s simply not true. EV’s are relatively simple machines, at least mechanically, with far fewer moving parts than you get in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. There’s actually less to go wrong as far as the moving the vehicle is concerned. As for the cost of ownership, it’s precisely because EV’s container fewer moving parts that servicing and repair work needs to be less frequent, and usually, less expensive. However, not all garages are equipped to handle the work on electric vehicles, although that too is an improving situation. Here at Lindleys Autocentres in Nottinghamshire, we have the skills and facilities necessary to perform servicing and repairs on most electric vehicles. Finally, through EV ownership, you’ll save substantial sums on road tax, and if you drive a company fleet EV, you’ll save on BiK (Business in Kind) rates too. To sum up, there are far fewer reasons not to make that switch from petrol or diesel than there used to be. And, with more affordably priced EV’s now available, and yet more on the way, switching just might make a great deal of sense. Want a halfway house? How about a Hybrid?