With the new petrol and diesel vehicle ban coming into force in 2035, drivers are already preparing for the shift towards electric vehicles as the latest figures show that there are already over a million EVs on the road in the UK.
However, there’s been speculation about EVs, and how they perform in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicles from some drivers who are sceptical about making the move.
That’s why the EV charge card experts at Right Fuel Card have shared their insight to put some of the more common myths to rest, and provide reassurance for anyone thinking about an EV as their next vehicle.
Matthew Briggs, CEO at Right Fuel Card says: “It’s fantastic to see so many EVs on the road in the UK, and we’re excited to have launched our EV Charge Cards, which will help businesses effectively manage their vehicle charging costs.
“Whilst the deadline seems years away, there are many benefits of switching to an EV now, whether it’s for personal or professional use – from the sustainability impact, to long-term cost savings.
“With this in mind, we’re keen to ensure that all drivers are empowered with the right information to decide whether an EV might be for them, and share some myth-busting insights to eliminate any unnecessary concerns.”
Myth 1: There aren’t enough public charge points
According to the latest figures from Zapmap, there are more than 57,000 public EV charging points in the UK, across more than 32,000 locations. This is a 47% increase since February 2023, and 1,989 of these charging points have been installed in the last month alone.
The public EV charging infrastructure is continuously expanding, and as we grow nearer to the 2035 deadline, even more charging points will be created to meet the increased demand.
Myth 2: EV charging takes too long
Most EV drivers with access to a charge point at home will charge their vehicles overnight, so there’s no need to worry about recharging whilst on the move.
Even if you do need to recharge your EV mid-trip, you can use publicly accessible rapid charging points that can fully charge your vehicle within an hour. If planned ahead of time, this should have minimal impact on your journey and also gives you time to stretch your legs before getting back on the road.
The latest data shows that there are 10,967 rapid or ultra-rapid charging devices available across 5,113 locations across the UK – be sure to check that your planned stop features these fast-charging services.
Myth 3: Electric cars break down more than other cars
There’s no evidence to suggest that EVs break down more than other cars – due to fewer moving parts, they break down less often than cars with a combustion engine.
Drivers must keep on top of their scheduled maintenance and servicing, as with any vehicle, to ensure they’re in the best condition possible on the road. Maintenance costs for EVs are around 30% less than traditional vehicles, however, drivers must refer to their specific vehicle’s handbook for servicing requirements.
Matthew adds: “Whilst the move to EVs is a positive step for sustainability, many drivers don’t have access to an at-home charging point and rely on the thousands of public charging stations.
“We were hoping the Chancellor’s Spring Budget announcement would have addressed the calls for a reduction in the VAT costs associated with charging EVs in public, to match domestic energy costs.
“To install an at-home charging station, Brits will need to make a serious investment and those without access to this should not be financially penalised for charging in public. Investment in electric vehicles should be regarded as a positive step taken by eco-conscious drivers and businesses.
“We urge the government to rethink this and look at equalising the VAT rate to that of domestic energy costs at the very least, to support even more Brits making the move to EVs over the next few years.”
For more driving top tips, please visit: https://www.rightfuelcard.co.uk/news
References:
- https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/ev-market#:~:text=With%20increasing%20consumer%20demand%20and,further%20620%2C000%20plug%2Din%20hybrids.
- https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points#:~:text=The%20geographical%20area%20that%20has,6%2C661%20and%20Scotland%20with%204%2C880.
- https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/electric-cars/charging/electric-car-charging-speeds/
- https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points#:~:text=The%20geographical%20area%20that%20has,6%2C661%20and%20Scotland%20with%204%2C880.
- https://www.rightfuelcard.co.uk/news/electric-vehicle-maintenance-repairs-and-servicing/
