Charge up your knowledge!

There is no denying the increase in electric vehicles seen out and about and their increasing presence in the news. In 2022, almost a quarter of new cars sold in the UK were electric, with over 1.3 million of them on the road as of June 2023. Like many people, you may have questions about electric vehicles, such as what are the benefits, or do the batteries really last? To help you understand how you could benefit from an electric or hybrid vehicle, we’ve busted some popular EV myths…

1. Electric vehicles have a limited range

Yes, of course, EVs have a limited range as do regular vehicles! But their ranges are probably not as limited as you think it is. While early EVs did have short ranges, modern electric vehicles have made significant advancements in battery technology. Many popular EV models now offer ranges that can compete with or even exceed petrol or diesel cars. There are many EVs that will achieve 300+ miles including the Skoda Enyaq iV, Hyundai Kona Electric and the Tesla Model 3. These ranges are more than sufficient for most daily driving needs, especially when the average commute is less than 10 miles!

2. EVs are slow and lack performance

Electric vehicles are known for their instant torque and quick acceleration. In fact, many high-performance electric cars, like the Tesla Model 3 Performance or the Porsche Taycan, can outperform their gas-powered counterparts in terms of acceleration. EVs have an ability to deliver power to the wheels instantly which makes them exceptionally responsive and fun to drive.

3. Charging an EV is inconvenient and time-consuming

While charging an EV is different from refuelling a petrol or diesel car, it doesn’t have to be inconvenient. Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home overnight using a standard household outlet or a dedicated EV charging point. Public charging infrastructure is also rapidly expanding across the country, with many fast-charging stations capable of adding significant range in a short amount of time. Additionally, many EV owners take advantage of the fact that they can start each day with a fully charged battery, eliminating the need for frequent charging stops. To find EV charging points across the country, visit the Zapmap website or download their free app.

4. EVs are not environmentally friendly because the electricity comes from fossil fuels

While it’s true that the environmental impact of an EV can vary depending on the source of the electricity used to charge it, EVs are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. First, the efficiency of electric motors is significantly higher than that of petrol or diesel engines, meaning EVs can travel more miles on the same amount of energy. Second, the electricity grid is becoming increasingly powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, making EVs even cleaner over time. Additionally, EVs can be charged using off-peak electricity, further reducing their carbon footprint. EVs also don’t emit any tailpipe emissions, helping create greener and more pleasant communities.

5. EVs are too expensive for the average consumer

While some electric vehicles have premium price tags, the market has become much more diverse with options to suit various budgets. There are now affordable EVs available, such as the Nissan Leaf, that are priced competitively. There are also often incentives available to help save on the cost of an EV including salary sacrifice schemes.

There is a huge amount of information online covering the topic of electric (and hybrid) vehicles. Here are some handy resources for you to take a look at:

1. Electric vehicles have a limited range

2. EVs are slow and lack performance

3. Charging an EV is inconvenient and time-consuming

4. EVs are not environmentally friendly because the electricity comes from fossil fuels

5. EVs are too expensive for the average consumer

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