Old Myths, New Technology
Electric cars have come a long way in the past decade, but some opinions haven’t caught up. You still hear the same worries in car parks and pub conversations; “the battery won’t last”, “you’ll be stuck waiting hours to charge”, or “they’re only good for city driving”. Most of these ideas come from the early days of EVs. The technology, and the reality of using one, is very different now.
Here’s a look at the most common misconceptions about electric cars; and what’s really true for today’s drivers.
1. “The Range Is Too Short”
This used to be fair. Early electric cars struggled to go 100 miles without a recharge. Now, many mainstream models easily manage 200 to 300 miles on a single charge. That’s more than enough for daily driving; and, for most people, far beyond their average weekly mileage. Public chargers are also appearing in more places every month, from motorway services to supermarket car parks.
The trick is learning to plan ahead. Just like you’d check fuel before a long trip, EV drivers learn to top up when convenient rather than waiting until empty.
2. “Charging Takes Forever”
Home charging overnight is still the easiest and cheapest option, but it doesn’t take as long as people think. Plug in before bed, and you’ll wake up to a full battery; no petrol station queues, no morning rush. On the road, rapid chargers can add 100 miles in about 20 minutes. Some ultra-fast units deliver 80% charge in less time than it takes for a coffee break.
If your image of charging is sitting in a car park for hours in the rain, that’s well out of date.
3. “Batteries Wear Out Quickly”
Batteries don’t last forever, but they’re much tougher than most drivers think. Modern lithium-ion packs are designed to last well over 100,000 miles; often longer than the rest of the car. Manufacturers typically guarantee the battery for eight years or more, and real-world data shows only gradual loss of range over time.
Most EVs will still have 80–90% of their original range after many years of normal use. That’s far from the short lifespan some people imagine.
4. “They’re Expensive to Run”
The purchase price of an electric car can be higher, yes. But once you’re driving it, the maths usually tilts the other way. Charging at home is cheaper per mile than filling a tank; even with rising electricity prices. There’s no engine oil, no clutch, no exhaust system, and far fewer moving parts to maintain. Servicing is simpler and often cheaper.
Insurance can still vary, but when you add in reduced tax and running costs, electric driving usually comes out ahead over a few years.
5. “They’re Only for City Driving”
Early EVs were small, urban runabouts. That’s no longer the case. There are now electric SUVs, estates, vans, and sports cars; with enough torque to outpace many petrol models. Motorway driving is smooth and quiet, and regenerative braking helps recharge the battery on downhill runs or stop–start traffic. Whether you live in London or rural Cumbria, there’s likely an electric option that suits your lifestyle.
6. “Public Chargers Are Impossible to Find”
Finding a charger used to mean scrolling through apps and hoping it worked when you arrived. Things are improving fast. The UK now has over 60,000 public charging points and counting. Networks like Zap-Map and Pod Point make locating and checking availability easy. Many modern cars even show live charger information directly on the dashboard or sat nav.
Granted, rural areas can still be patchy; but coverage is expanding month by month.
7. “They’re Boring to Drive”
Anyone who’s driven an electric car knows this one’s nonsense. Instant torque means quick acceleration from a standing start, and the lack of gear changes makes for smooth, quiet motoring. Most owners say once they’ve driven electric, they don’t want to go back. Even modest EVs feel lively around town.
It’s a different kind of power; silent but surprisingly satisfying.
8. “Charging Is Complicated”
It’s not. You plug in, and it charges; just like a phone. Tariffs, cables, and charger speeds take a week or two to get used to, but after that it becomes second nature. Apps help you monitor costs and manage overnight charging when electricity is cheapest. Once the routine clicks, it’s actually simpler than traditional refuelling.
Useful UK Resources
Electric cars are here to stay; and the more people drive them, the faster the myths fade. Know someone who still thinks EVs can’t handle real life? Share this page; it might just change their mind before their next car purchase.