Watt’s the truth? Busting common EV myths!

As the world shifts towards a greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionising the way we drive. With Britain now being Europe’s largest EV market and over 1.25 million EVs driving on UK roads since September 2024, it’s clear that the transition to cleaner transport is well underway. But, with this rapid change comes a wave of questions, doubts, and misconceptions.

Do EVs really have enough range for daily travel? Are they too expensive to own? Do they take forever to charge? Is the UK’s charging infrastructure up to the task? With petrol and diesel car sales set to end by 2035, it’s more important than ever to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll tackle the biggest myths surrounding EVs, giving you the clarity you need to confidently navigate your road to net zero.

Myth: EVs don’t have enough range for daily travel

As the electric world continues to grow, the range that EVs can travel on a single charge has drastically improved. Most EVs can now travel over 250-300 miles on a single charge, making long-distance journeys more convenient than ever. EVs are no longer just for short-distance travel — they’re now suitable to those who need both practicality and endurance.

To bring you options that go the extra distance without breaking the bank, EDF joined forces with DriveElectric in 2019. They’re one of the UK’s leading EV lease providers and have over 10 years’ experience delivering thousands of EVs.

If you lease from DriveElectric, you could get your hands on the Polestar 4 for only £445.97 per month. With an impressive range of 305 miles, this EV would get you from London to Newcastle upon Tyne on a single charge.

Or, if you’re looking for a sleek SUV package, you could lease the Audi Q6 e-tron for £643.54 per month. With an exceptional range of 300 miles, drive from Birmingham to Edinburgh on a single charge. 

With most modern EVs offering ranges well beyond the average daily commute and supporting long distance journeys, it's clear that range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past.

Myth: EVs are expensive to run

Typically, EVs cost less than a conventional (petrol or diesel) car. This is due to three main reasons: 

• EVs have fewer parts
• They use regenerative braking which puts less stress on the braking system
• Servicing an EV tends to cost less due to the nature of their technology. 

A regular car can contain hundreds of working parts, so there’s lots that can go wrong, with many parts that may need replacing over time. While EVs still need to be serviced, as there are fewer parts, there's a lot less wear out which means maintenance costs can be up to 50% cheaper. Plus, as all EVs feature regenerative braking (a system that uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle while converting kinetic energy back into electricity), braking efficiency and battery life can be improved, further reducing maintenance costs. 

Alongside cheaper maintenance costs, there are various incentives designed to encourage drivers to join the electric world. For example, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) allows flat owners and renters to offset up to £350 of their residential EV charger. This massively reduces the overall cost of going fully electric. 

Also, the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) provides funding for local authorities towards the cost of installing on-street residential EV chargers. This helps EV drivers access lower charging costs, and helps avoid premium pricing at charging stations.

So, EVs don’t have to be expensive to run, especially if you choose the right tariff for your personal needs. EDF’s GoElectric Overnight tariff, currently Britain’s cheapest EV tariff, lets you charge your EV overnight for less than £10⁽¹⁾ — saving you cash and carbon while you sleep. With costs as low as 51p for a 20-mile commute⁽²⁾, you can power your EV with zero-carbon electricity while keeping running expenses to a minimum.

When considering maintenance savings, government incentives, lower charging costs, and affordable EV tariffs, it's clear EVs are far more affordable to run than many assume. As infrastructure continues to expand and technology advances, the financial advantages of owning an EV will only become greater.

Myth: It takes a long time to charge an EV

One of the most common misconceptions about EVs is that they take forever to charge. Charging times vary depending on the charger type, battery size, and how much charge you actually need.

There are three EV charging speeds:

• Slow - typically rated up to 3kW. Often used to charge overnight or at the workplace. Charging time: 8-10 hours.
• Fast - typically rated at either 7kW or 22kW. Tend to be installed in car parks, supermarkets, leisure centres and houses with off-street parking. Charging time: 3-4 hours.
• Rapid - typically rated from 43 kW. Only compatible with EVs that have rapid charging capability. Charging time: 30-60 minutes.

With the growing number of high-speed chargers and improved battery technology, charging an EV has become more convenient and faster than ever.

Looking for a fast and reliable home charger? We've partnered with Pod Point to offer the Solo 3S 7kW charger, fully installed from £1,099. Enjoy hassle-free charging, a 5-year warranty, and standard installation — making home charging simple and efficient.

Looking for a charger and tariff? Get Pod Point Plug & Power — EDF’s charger and tariff package. Buy Pod Point’s Solo 3S 7kW charger from only £499 upfront and spread the rest of the cost over a two-year fixed priced tariff. Enjoy affordable, simple home charging!

And to make sure your drive is compatible with faster charging solutions, our partner DriveElectric offers models that support rapid charging capabilities. Get your hands on the BMW i4 for a fast-charging time of 27 minutes, or the Audi Q6 e-tron for a fast-charging time of 22 minutes.   

Whether you're charging at home or using public chargers, there are EV charging options to suit every need and schedule. With rapid charging becoming more widely available, EVs are making the transition to electric driving easier for everyone.

Myth: EVs are worse for the environment than petrol cars because of their battery production

While it's true that making EV batteries creates more emissions than petrol engines, EVs are much greener over their lifetime. Unlike petrol cars, which release harmful gases like CO2 and nitrogen oxide during operation, EVs produce no air pollution when being driven. And the environmental benefits can go even further if your EV is charged with renewable energy like solar, wind, or hydro power. By using clean energy instead of fossil fuels, you can reduce overall emissions!

Plus, advancements in battery recycling and sustainable production are helping to lower the environmental impact of EVs. Recycling technologies are making it possible to reuse valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from old batteries, cutting down on the need for mining and reducing waste. Similarly, greener production techniques, including the use of renewable energy in manufacturing and the move towards more environmentally friendly materials, are making EVs even more sustainable over time. As these strategies continue to expand, the environmental footprint of EVs will continue to decrease, making them ever more vital in the transition to a cleaner, greener future.

Myth: Charging stations are difficult to find and access

When EVs first hit the road, charging stations were scarce, but things have changed dramatically. According to Zapmap, the UK’s number one EV charging points app, by the end of January 2025, the UK had 74,611 EV charging points, spread across 37,613 locations, and featuring 109,737 connectors. Among these, 14,711 chargers were rapid or ultra-rapid, spread across 5,920 locations.

Thanks to Zapmap, locating these chargers is easier than ever! You can search for charging points, plan your journeys, and pay for charging – no matter where you are. With the widest choice of charging options in the UK, Zapmap connects you to a supportive community of EV drivers, offering peace of mind as you travel. So, download Zapmap today and never experience charging difficulties again when you’re out and about!

WATT are you waiting for? Join the road to net zero!

As we've discovered, the myths surrounding EVs are increasingly being busted as EV technology continues to advance. With greater range, lower running costs, faster charging times, and improved infrastructure, EVs are becoming a practical and cost-effective choice for drivers. The environmental benefits also make EVs a key part of the transition to a greener future. As more people make the switch, the convenience and affordability of owning an EV will only continue to grow. The road to net zero is clearer than ever —embracing EVs is a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Start your road to net zero, explore EDF’s EV tariffs today!