Think you know about electric cars? Think again

Writer Stephen Armstrong busts some commonly believed myths about EVs. Turns out, you can charge them in the rain

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25 August 2022

Myth 1: There aren’t many charging points... Actually, there are more electric charging points in the UK than petrol stations. At the end of July 2022, there were 33,281 charging points in 20,336 charging locations compared with 8,380 petrol stations. It just doesn’t feel like that, as they are not distributed effectively – yet.

Myth 2: EVs are slow... They’re really much faster: no gears = instant torque. An electric motor reacts the moment you hit the accelerator and delivers peak torque right away. Seven of the top 10 fastest production cars to reach 60mph are electric. Even the Kia EV6 GT will do 0-60 in under four seconds, leaving the Lotus Elise Sport standing.

Myth 3: charging takes ages... It’s true that you can charge your car for longer overnight to take advantage of nighttime electricity rates, but most cars come with the option of accelerated charging. Select this option and a rapid charger fills ’er up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.

Myth 4: they are expensive to care for... There is very little difference - and, in fact, they cost less to service. The technology of an electric drivetrain is much simpler than that of a combustion engine. Fewer rotating parts and less fluids means, according to a US survey, electric car owners save up to 50 per cent on their maintenance costs.

Myth 5: EVs cost you more... This one is complicated. In general though, EVs cost more to buy but much less to run – and they can also cost less to lease.

In a somewhat long-winded, real-life example from this year, car sales and leasing site carwow.co.uk compared two equivalent cars, the Seat Leon Estate and the MG5 Estate EV. Same kit, same interior space, comparable performance.

> The Seat costs £26,835 while the MG5 EV is £28,195 – once the Government EV grant is factored in.

> The Leon offers 49.9mpg and filling its 50-litre – 11 gallon – tank with standard unleaded costs roughly £86, or just over £0.15 per mile. That’s £1,500 for every 10,000 miles travelled.

> The MG5 EV promises a range of 250 miles from its 61.1kWh battery pack. With electricity costing an average of 18.9p/kWh in the UK that’s £11.52 to fully charge the MG5, or £460 for every 10,000 miles travelled if you charge at home.

> For the Leon, add £495 road tax, £450 ULEZ charges (entering a £12.50 ULEZ zone) and £555 estimated cost of three servicings. For the MG5 add £0 road tax, £0 ULEZ charges and £216 estimated cost of three servicings.

> Carwow claims leasing costs over 36 months with six months deposit would be £12,905 for the Seat and £12,221 for the MG5.

You do the maths.

Myth 6: the second-hand EV market is more complicated than algebra... It’s actually pretty simple ‒ EVs keep their value much better than petrol cars. The complication is the battery. They’re guaranteed to have 70 per cent of original capacity after seven years, but this means the battery can have a different lifespan than the car – causing financing confusion. Ask to see the car fully charged and check what the info screen says about battery health.

And finally... Just ticking off some of the common questions EV owners get asked, according to a recent survey:

It is safe to go through a car wash.

It does still need an MOT.

It might be quiet ‒ but people in the street still can’t hear you talking inside the car.

You don’t need a different licence.