Electric Car Myths, Answered
Electric Car Myths, Answered
Electric cars have gone from rare curiosity to everyday choice, but plenty of old assumptions still hang around. Some started out true and have been overtaken by progress. Others were never accurate in the first place.
If you’re weighing up an EV, here are the most common myths we hear at Westaway Motors, with honest answers.
Myth 1: “There aren’t enough places to charge”
The reality: The UK network has grown fast. Zapmap’s latest figures put the UK total at around 124,700 public chargers across more than 48,000 locations, up 9% year on year. Here in Northamptonshire there are rapid hubs, supermarket and retail park chargers, motorway services and on-street points. We’ve listed many of them in our guide to charging an EV in Northamptonshire. fleetnews
And most charging doesn’t happen on the public network at all. If you have a driveway, you’ll do the bulk of it at home overnight.
Fair caveat: If you have no off-street parking, charging takes a bit more planning, so check what’s near you before you buy.
Myth 2: “Range anxiety means I’ll get stranded”
The reality: Modern EVs have far more range than older models, and most of us drive much less in a day than a full battery can deliver. Your car also warns you well in advance and can route you to chargers.
Range does drop in cold weather and at high motorway speeds, so allow a margin on winter trips, just as you would with a half-empty fuel tank. For longer journeys, a quick stop at a rapid charger, ideally to around 80%, fits naturally into a break.
Myth 3: “The battery will die after a few years”
The reality: EV batteries are designed to last. They do lose a little capacity over time, but typically gradually, and many manufacturers back them with long warranties, often covering around eight years or a set mileage.
Always check the exact battery warranty on the car you’re considering, particularly if you’re buying used. If you’d like to compare, ask us about the warranty on any new or used EV in stock.
Myth 4: “EVs are always more expensive”
The reality: The sticker price can be higher, but the picture is more nuanced. Running costs are often lower, especially if you charge at home, and fewer moving parts can mean simpler maintenance. Finance, contract hire and Motability can also change the monthly numbers.
Costs aren’t entirely rosy, though. EVs now pay road tax (VED), insurance can vary, and public rapid charging costs more per mile than home charging. The honest answer is that it depends on your mileage and how you charge. Check the latest Hot Offers, explore our finance options, and we’ll help you compare like for like.
Myth 5: “EVs catch fire all the time”
The reality: Fires in electric cars make headlines, but available evidence doesn’t show they’re more likely than in petrol or diesel cars. Every car type can catch fire. Electric car batteries are protected by sophisticated management systems and strict safety testing.
If you’re ever concerned, ask the manufacturer about safety features and look at independent crash and safety ratings.
Myth 6: “EVs aren’t really green”
The reality: Building a battery does create emissions, so an EV starts life with a larger carbon footprint than a petrol car. But over its lifetime, an EV usually comes out ahead, and the gap widens as more of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources. EVs also produce no exhaust emissions, which helps local air quality in towns like Northampton.
It’s not a free pass, but the overall picture favours electric.
Myth 7: “They’re slow and boring to drive”
The reality: Most drivers are surprised. Electric motors deliver power instantly, so EVs feel quick and smooth, and they’re quiet and relaxing in traffic. Many people say they don’t want to go back after a test drive.
The best way to settle this one is to try it. Book a test drive and judge for yourself.
Myth 8: “You can’t tow or carry much”
The reality: Many EVs offer generous boot space and practical family layouts, and some can tow. Be aware that towing reduces range noticeably, so check the car’s towing limit and plan stops accordingly. If you tow regularly and cover long distances, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid might suit you better. Our guide to EV vs hybrid vs plug-in hybrid can help you decide.
Myth 9: “EVs don’t need servicing”
The reality: They need less, but not none. Brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, cabin filters, coolant and software all still need attention, and an MOT is required once the car is three years old. Our servicing team can look after your EV just like any other car.
Myth 10: “Newer brands can’t be trusted”
The reality: A brand being new to the UK doesn’t tell you much about quality. What matters is the car’s safety rating, its warranty and the dealer backing it. Westaway has been trading since 1943, and we look after the brands we sell, from GWM and XPENG to Mitsubishi, with servicing and parts support on site.
See for yourself
The best myth-buster is time behind the wheel. Browse our Electric & Hybrid page, then contact your nearest dealership to book a test drive. Our team will happily answer any questions, myth-related or otherwise.