Electric Car Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

29 April 20268 min read

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely regarded as the future of transport.

Whether your goal is to shrink your carbon footprint, travel in style, or prepare for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the shift to EVs is becoming essential. Yet, despite growing interest, a great deal of misinformation still surrounds electric vehicles. At Allstar, we want to ensure businesses have access to reliable information about EVs so they can feel confident as they transition to electric vehicles. In this article, we will address the most common EV myths, covering everything from fire risks and accident safety to charging concerns and environmental impact. These are the electric car facts you need to know before making the switch, separating reality from the many myths about electric cars that exist today.

Myth 1: Electric vehicles aren't safe

Let's be clear: electric vehicles are safe to drive. Manufacturers must meet stringent safety standards before any model can be sold. While some concerns exist, particularly around lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire, the evidence shows that fires in conventional combustion engines are far more common. For instance, data from 2019 shows that the London Fire Brigade dealt with 54 fires involving electric vehicles, compared to 1,898 fires involving petrol and diesel cars.

That said, the disposal of electric vehicles does carry health hazards due to toxic waste if not handled properly. This is why efficient, specialist recycling of EV batteries is vital to minimise environmental risks. Modern EVs also include multiple airbags, crash sensors, and robust structures to protect occupants. A key safety advantage is that EVs lack the toxic exhaust fumes of internal combustion engines, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which are linked to asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. Many new EVs also come with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a feature not always found in older conventional cars.

Myth 2: Electric cars are more dangerous in an accident

Contrary to popular belief, electric cars are no more prone to fatal accidents than regular cars and are generally safe in an accident. This is one of the most persistent myths about electric cars, but the evidence simply does not support it. In fact, some models have earned top marks for advanced collision protection. Tesla, for example, is renowned for its record-breaking safety standards, with each new model achieving outstanding crash test results. Around the world, Tesla continually proves to be the safest cars on the market as each new model receives groundbreakingly high safety ratings in crash test results.

The Euro NCAP crash tests recently awarded full marks to the Kia EV6 and Volvo C40 Recharge. The tests carried out assess the safety features and ability to protect passengers in a crash, assessing:

Protection of adult occupants (driver and passenger)
Protection of child occupants
Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection (pedestrians and cyclists)
Safety Assist technologies that help prevent crashes

Tesla has gone further with additional safety measures. Its battery pack is strategically placed low in the chassis to reduce rollover risk and avoid impact during a collision. A patented side structure protects both passengers and the battery pack. The rigid-body frame, reinforced side-impact protection, and active safety measures like Autopilot technology all help reduce the risk of fatal incidents. Key features include:

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Uses radar and cameras to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and large animals, applying brakes automatically to avoid or minimise collisions.
Advanced Driver Assistance (ADA): Gently steers you back into your lane if you drift, even when lane markings are faint.
Side Collision Warning (SCW): Uses cameras and ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicles in blind spots or fast-approaching traffic from behind, alerting you with audible and visual warnings.

Myth 3: The risk of fire is greater with an EV than a petrol or diesel car

The short answer is no. Lithium-ion batteries are dangerous primarily when damaged by extreme heat or penetration. While EV fires have occurred (such as a Tesla Model S in 2017), data suggest they are rarer than fires involving petrol or diesel vehicles. However, extensive tests and research confirm that the probability of lithium-ion battery fires in EVs is lower than in gas-powered models.

One challenge is that when an EV fire does happen, usually after a violent crash, it can be incredibly harder to extinguish. Lithium-ion fires can burn for several days, which has attracted negative media coverage. As a fail-safe, Nissan has built circuitry into its batteries that shuts them down if the voltage exceeds safe levels. Still, EV manufacturers continue to work hard on crashworthiness, especially because EV battery packs are heavy and can release more energy during collisions.

Myth 4: It's dangerous to charge an electric vehicle overnight

Charging an EV at home overnight is standard practice and perfectly safe, provided the charging station is professionally installed. This is a common EV charging myth, but the reality is that electric vehicles come with overcharging prevention systems. When the battery nears full charge, the system automatically slows charging using a technique called 'trickle charging' to keep the battery fully charged without being overstressed. A dynamic monitoring system onboard then allocates charge as needed.

Many manufacturers offer smartphone apps that let drivers set charging times and monitor battery status. Overnight charging is not only safe but also the most effective way to charge; energy prices are lower, and it helps reduce strain on the grid during peak hours. Keeping your EV plugged in when not in use is actually one of the best ways to preserve battery health.

Other common EV

concerns answered

Range and daily use

Many worry that batteries don't have enough range. In truth, most EV batteries are more than adequate for daily driving. Take the Hyundai IONIQ 5: its shortest-range version (58kWh battery) delivers over 200 miles. Given that the average annual mileage in 2019 was 7,400 miles, just 20 miles per day, range is rarely a problem. To put this in perspective, the UK reached a milestone of over two million fully electric cars in April 2026, showing how quickly UK drivers are adopting this technology.

Charging in the rain

Towing with an EV

Charging speed

Cost and battery replacement

EVs are more expensive to buy outright because their powertrains, especially the battery, cost more to manufacture. However, strong residual values, lower fuel costs and reduced tax bills often mean that the whole-life costs of EVs are lower than those of petrol or diesel equivalents. Leasing can also offset the high upfront price.

As for battery replacement, most manufacturers offer at least an eight-year warranty, and there is no evidence of widespread degradation requiring replacement within that time. If looked after, most batteries still provide plenty of range after eight years. Frequent ultra-rapid charging can degrade battery life, but EV energy management systems are far more sophisticated than those in mobile phones and actively protect the battery.

Environmental and

grid concerns

Are EVs really green?

There are legitimate environmental concerns about mining precious metals for EV batteries and the electricity needed to power them. However, 'well to wheel' studies, which consider production, manufacturing, and operation, consistently show that EVs are cleaner than petrol, and diesel-powered equivalents. A study of cars sold in the EU in 2025 found that life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions to run an EV were just over 60g/km, compared to 235g/km for petrol and 234g/km for diesel.

Is the electricity green?

Can the grid cope?

The National Grid is confident it can cope with millions of EVs. Unlike kettles all switched on at half-time, EVs will not all charge at once. With ranges of 200–400 miles, most drivers will plug in only once or twice a week, often at night when there is spare grid capacity. With smart charging and renewable energy, an additional 100 terawatt-hours, on top of the current 300 TWh consumed, will provide the necessary headroom.

Charging at home and

on the road

Home charging access

More than 18 million (65%) British houses have off-street parking, and this figure will grow as all new homes and major renovations must include charge points. On-street residential charge points, installed in lamp posts or as dedicated units, are also increasing, with 13,959 public charging devices funded by the ORCS since 2017. For those unable to charge at home, the Government's Workplace Charging Scheme has funded 63,777 sockets since 2016.

Energy bills

Are there enough chargepoints?

Currently, there are over 88,000 connectors on the Allstar electric charging payment network, which is the largest and fastest in the UK. The Government plans for 300,000 public charging points by 2030. With 30 million vehicles eventually to be electrified, it may not seem enough, but increasing battery range, plus more home and workplace charging, means public chargers will become a useful top-up rather than the main solution.

Connector compatibility

Public charging time

A note on pedestrian safety

Final thoughts

Electric vehicles are not inherently more dangerous than petrol or diesel cars. In many respects, thanks to advanced crash protection, lower fire risk, and zero toxic exhaust, they are safer. As EVs become the norm, ongoing research will only make them even more secure. These electric car facts should help you see past common myths and make an informed decision.

If your business is considering switching to electric vehicles as a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative, you can find out more about EV solutions here or explore Allstar Chargepass.