Myth Busters: Uncovering The Truth About Electric Vehicles

Myth One: The Distance Range Of Electric Vehicles Is Poor

In the past, electric vehicles were certainly limited in the distance they could travel - however, for the most part this is no longer the case. Thanks to the ongoing development of technology within the electric vehicles and the batteries themselves, batteries are longer-lasting, and the vehicles are more efficient in the way they use energy. 

You only have to look at the development of different vehicles under different manufacturers to see how things are changing - the Nissan Leaf has a range of around 230 miles, while the original Tesla model sits at just 220 miles, and a future Tesla model (named the Roadster) is said to be working on a range of around 640 miles. 

The truth is that technology is constantly changing to adapt to the way that consumers use different products - and electric vehicles and their batteries are no different. 

Myth Two: Charging Takes Ages!

Filling up a petrol or diesel car has long been considered a rapid but costly activity, with car owners stopping to fill up when they’re running low on fuel. Running and charging an electric car is of course much more cost efficient and yes, it can take a lot longer - but only if you adopt the same attitude as you would with a standard car. 

When you charge an electric vehicle, rather than allowing it to run close to empty and then waiting hours for it to charge back up again, it is recommended that you top up the charge in short bursts - giving it some charge time when you’re at home, in the supermarket, or in the office. 

Different charge points also operate at different speeds, with rapid chargers available in some commercial spaces - offering an efficient charge at a higher cost. Meanwhile slower chargers may be available free of charge, so that you can benefit from a few extra miles on the clock at no extra cost. 

Myth Three: Electric Vehicles Are Slow To Drive

Electric vehicles are manufactured to produce maximum power and tread across all revs, with only one forward gear. What this means is that your car will accelerate without the need to move through the gears - completely disproving the myth that electric vehicles are slow. 

Myth Four: The Battery Life Of An EV Is Poor

Most batteries in electric vehicles are designed to last for years, with battery warranty available for peace of mind and a little extra reassurance. Always check the warranty for each individual manufacturer before purchasing, as some offer better warranty packages than others. 

You can also make some changes to help optimise the lifespan of your battery, such as never overcharging it, keeping the vehicle cool, and avoiding letting the battery run to flat. 

Myth Five: You Can’t Drive An Electric Vehicle In The Rain

Believe it or not, this is a genuine question we get asked quite frequently - and yes, it is a complete myth. While mixing water and electricity is of course a bad idea in most domestic instances, vehicles are designed to be used in the rain and it is perfectly safe to both drive and charge your electric vehicle in wet weather.