Debunking EV Myths: What You Really Need to Know

Even accounting for battery production, EVs offset their higher manufacturing impact within a few years of driving. Once on the road, they emit no carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulates, all of which cause air pollution and climate harm.

In the UK, nearly half of all electricity already comes from renewable energy sources, and the grid is becoming cleaner every year. However, a significant portion of electricity is still generated from natural gas, which contributes to emissions involved in charging EVs, though less than coal. As this trend continues, the carbon emissions from charging an EV will keep falling.

In short: EVs are cleaner to operate, produce fewer emissions over their lifetime, and get greener as renewable energy grows.

Myth 2: EV Batteries Don’t Last

Fact: Modern EV batteries are built to last 10 to 15 years and rarely need replacement.

Early electric vehicles entering the market faced issues with battery degradation, but modern EVs have improved dramatically. Most models now come with battery warranties covering 8 to 10 years, and data shows they maintain most of their capacity even beyond that. In comparison, an electric vehicle typically requires less maintenance and offers greater long-term reliability than a diesel car.

The myth that EV batteries fail every five years is outdated. Battery management systems regulate temperature and prevent overcharging, ensuring long lifespans. When a battery’s driving capacity decreases, it can still be repurposed for energy storage in homes or businesses.

Recycling programs also recover raw materials such as lithium and nickel, reducing the environmental impact of battery manufacturing.

In short: EV batteries are durable, backed by long warranties, and recyclable or reusable when their automotive life ends.

Myth 3: The Power Grid Can’t Handle EV Adoption

Fact: The power grid has more than enough capacity to support growing EV adoption, thanks to smart technology and renewable generation.

A frequent concern is that millions of EVs charging at once could strain the electricity grid. However, the shift to electric vehicles is gradual, allowing utilities to upgrade infrastructure and integrate renewable energy sources. Electricity networks are being upgraded and expanded to ensure reliable power delivery for the increasing number of electric vehicles, supporting a resilient and robust power infrastructure.

According to National Grid, even if everyone in the UK switched to an EV overnight, electricity demand would only rise about 10 percent, still below the country’s peak usage from 2002. The U.S. grid shows similar readiness, with projected increases of just 10 to 15 percent at 80 percent EV ownership.

Smart charging EVs helps balance loads by charging during low-demand hours and using cheaper off-peak tariffs. Technologies like vehicle-to-grid allow cars to return unused power to the grid, strengthening reliability.

In short: Smart systems, gradual adoption, and cleaner electricity make the grid ready for EVs.

Myth 4: There Aren’t Enough EV Charging Stations

Fact: EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, and most charging happens conveniently at home.

“Charging anxiety” is one of the most common EV myths, but infrastructure growth tells a different story. The U.S. now has over 77,000 public EV chargers and millions more home charging solutions available to drivers through EV chargers designed for residential use.

In the UK, government-backed initiatives ensure that no one on a major road is more than 30 miles from an ultra-rapid charger. Projects like the Rapid Charging Fund and Take Charge are further expanding access.

For most EV owners, however, home charging remains the easiest option. Around 80 percent of EV charging occurs at home using a standard outlet or Level 2 home charger, while those without off-street parking increasingly benefit from public curbside or workplace charging. Using smart charging solutions and renewable energy sources to charge EVs can help optimize energy use and significantly reduce environmental impact.

Charging Tip: Most EV owners rely on home charging for daily convenience. The Lectron Home Level 2 J1772 V-BOX Pro EV Charging Station WiFi App Version offers fast, reliable overnight charging right from your garage. With WiFi connectivity and smart scheduling, it makes EV ownership is easier and more efficient.

In short: EV drivers already enjoy widespread charging access, and infrastructure expansion continues nationwide.

Myth 5: EVs Don’t Have Enough Range

Fact: Most modern EVs can travel between 200 and 300 miles per charge, more than enough for daily driving.

Range anxiety once kept drivers from going electric, but today’s electric cars offer impressive performance. For instance, the latest Nissan Leaf provides over 200 miles of range, while premium models surpass 350 miles.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 85 percent of daily trips are under 100 miles. That means the average range of a typical EV far exceeds most driving needs. For long trips, rapid chargers can restore up to 80 percent of power in just 20 to 30 minutes, enough for hundreds of additional miles.

Cold weather or aggressive driving can temporarily reduce range, but modern thermal management systems minimize these effects.

For drivers who take longer trips, a portable charger is a smart backup. The Lectron Portable Level 2 J1772 EV Charger (WiFi-Enabled) delivers up to 40 amps of power and adds about 30 miles of range per hour of charge—perfect for recharging at home or on the road.

In short: Range concerns are outdated. Today’s EVs are capable, efficient, and perfect for both short commutes and long journeys.

Myth 6: EVs Are Too Expensive

Fact: While new EVs can have higher upfront costs, they are cheaper to own and maintain over time.

The idea that electric vehicles are unaffordable ignores their long-term running costs. Although purchase prices are still higher than petrol and diesel cars, the total cost of ownership is typically lower.

Electric cars have fewer moving parts than combustion vehicles, which means less maintenance and fewer fluids to replace. They do not need oil changes, and brake systems generally last longer because of regenerative braking.

Fueling is also much cheaper. With off-peak tariffs, home charging can be significantly cheaper per mile. Battery manufacturing costs are falling each year, and governments provide incentives or rebates to encourage buyers. The used EV market is also thriving, making electric cars more accessible.

Editor’s Pick: The Lectron Portable Level 1 J1772 EV Charger (WiFi) offers affordable, convenient overnight charging using a standard household outlet. It connects through the Lectron App for real-time monitoring and energy scheduling, helping EV owners save even more on electricity.

In short: EVs save money in fuel and maintenance, making them more cost-effective than conventional cars in the long run.

Myth 7: EV Batteries End Up in Landfill

Fact: Disposal of EV batteries in landfills is banned; they are recycled or repurposed for energy storage.

A common misconception is that electric vehicle batteries are discarded as hazardous waste. In reality, regulations in the UK, EU, and U.S. require manufacturers to collect, recycle, or reuse EV batteries.

The materials inside, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, are valuable and can be extracted for reuse in new batteries. Some used EV batteries are repurposed for grid storage, helping stabilize the renewable power supply.

With the shift toward a circular economy, the environmental impact of battery manufacturing continues to decline. This ensures EVs remain part of a sustainable future.

In short: EV batteries are safely recycled, reused, or repurposed, keeping them out of landfills and supporting renewable energy systems.

Myth 8: EVs Are Less Safe and Catch Fire Easily

Fact: EVs meet strict global safety standards and are less likely to catch fire than conventional vehicles.

Stories about EV fires often make headlines, but research shows that electric cars are statistically less prone to fires than petrol and diesel cars. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency found lower fire incident rates for EVs compared to normal cars.

Electric vehicle batteries are enclosed in protective casings and undergo extensive testing to prevent overheating or short-circuiting. Manufacturers include automatic shut-off systems and robust cooling technology to ensure battery safety.

In short: EVs are among the safest vehicles on the road, with fewer fire risks than gasoline cars or diesel cars.

Myth 9: EVs Break Down More Often

Fact: Electric vehicles have fewer mechanical failures than combustion engine cars due to simpler designs.

EVs do not rely on oil, exhaust systems, or spark plugs, meaning fewer parts can fail. Their brake systems also last longer thanks to regenerative braking, which reduces wear and captures energy during deceleration.

A study by National Grid revealed that fewer than 4 percent of EV breakdowns involve depleted batteries, and most calls are for common issues like flat tires, just like conventional cars.

In short: With fewer moving parts and simpler drivetrains, EVs are more reliable and easier to maintain than internal combustion engine cars.

Myth 10: Charging EVs Creates as Many Emissions as Gas Cars

Fact: Even when powered by grids using fossil fuels, EVs emit less carbon dioxide than comparable gasoline vehicles.

Critics argue that charging EVs is pointless if the electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, but this ignores efficiency. EVs convert up to 91 percent of electrical energy into motion, while internal combustion engine cars convert only about 25 percent of fuel energy.

As the share of renewable energy grows, the environmental impact of EV charging declines. In the UK, nearly 50 percent of electricity already comes from clean sources. Smart charging systems and vehicle-to-grid technology further reduce emissions by prioritizing renewable power during charging.

In short: EVs remain cleaner than gasoline cars, and their carbon footprint continues to drop as grids go green.

The Bigger Picture: EVs and the Future of Transportation

The shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerates the global transition to renewable energy. Future models like the Equinox EV demonstrate how design, range, and affordability continue to improve.

Beyond environmental gains, EV growth boosts local economies by creating jobs in battery manufacturing, recycling, and charging infrastructure. As more home chargers and public EV chargers appear, drivers will find EV ownership increasingly convenient.

As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, reliable home charging is key to a seamless transition. Solutions like Lectron’s line of portable Level 1 and Level 2 chargers make charging simple, safe, and accessible, whether at home, work, or on the go.

In short: EVs are driving a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable transportation future worldwide.

• Are electric vehicles cheaper to own than gas cars?

  Over time, yes. EVs have higher upfront costs but lower running costs. They require less maintenance, fewer fluids, and benefit from regenerative braking, which extends brake system life. Home charging is also much cheaper than refueling with petrol or diesel.

• What happens to EV batteries when they wear out?

  EV batteries are not sent to landfills. New electric car battery technology allows them to be recycled to recover valuable materials or reused for grid and home energy storage. This helps reduce waste, supports renewable energy integration, and makes EVs more sustainable overall.