There are many claims made about EVs. We’ve looked into the latest ones to find out if they are myth, or reality.
If you or your employees have been considering electric cars or vans, there’s no doubt at some point, various questions have been raised about using them.
Not just the practical ones about how to charge, or the cost of electric, but everything from ‘the batteries will need replacing every five years’ to ‘you can’t put an EV through a car wash’.
Usually the claims about EV shortcomings can be debunked (you can put them through a car wash, and batteries are lasting over a decade now), but it doesn’t stop new concerns appearing.
So we’ve looked at some of the most recent criticisms to see if there is any truth to them, or if they’re as much as myth as ‘ you can’t go on long journeys in an EV’ (you can!).
Electric cars catch fire more than ICE vehicles
The Myth
Whether it’s claims of setting entire airport car parks aflame, or continuing to burn days after first catching fire, there have been many claims that electric vehicles catch fire more than petrol or diesel vehicles.
The Reality
Research suggests that in fact, EVs, are much less likely to catch fire than internal combustion engines.
Analysis by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency discovered that the rate of fires per 100,000 electric or hybrid cars in 2022, was 3.8, while for all vehicles of all fuel types, the rate was 68 fires per 100,000 cars.
In Australia, the government-funded EV Firesafe project, looked at the new challenges faced by firefighters of battling battery blazes. They found a 0.0012% chance of a passenger electric vehicle battery catching fire, compared to 0.1% for an internal combustion (ICE) equivalent.
Myth… busted!
EVs create more brake and tyre pollution
The Myth
Because of the weight of electric vehicles, more particulate matter pollution is created from electric vehicles’ brakes and tyres.
The Reality
For brakes, it seems there is less pollution from EVs than from ICE vehicles. That’s because brakes are often worked less hard thanks to regenerative braking, where the motor slows the car rather than the brakes.
Also, because they are worked less hard, EV brakes have more time to cool, which means manufacturers can use enclosed drum brakes, which reduces pollution, rather than exposed discs, especially on the rear wheels.
Myth… busted!
For tyres, the picture is less clear. What is certain is that the heavier the vehicle, the more tyre wear there is, and electric vehicles are usually heavier than similar petrol or diesel models: a VW ID.4 is around 700kg heavier than an equivalent VW Golf, for example.
So that suggests that they may wear tyres more quickly, but there are other factors involved. EV tyres often are a different composition, for reduced rolling resistance, and drivers may also drive in a different way as they seek to maximise range.
Currently, the jury is out on this subject, as there is not enough evidence to give a clear picture of all the technical and behavioural influences involved.
Myth… partly true.
Poor mobile phone coverage stops EVs charging
The Myth
It’s been claimed that poor 4G mobile signal at two-thirds of charge points means drivers may struggle to access apps in order to start charging sessions.
The Reality
Firstly the report, looked at the slower Type-2 charge points, and the four main network providers. If one of those four had a poor signal at the charge point, it got marked down as being inadequate.
Secondly, if a driver uses a card such as Allstar Chargepass, they don’t need a phone signal anyway. Chargepass works at more than 51,000 chargers and 83% are either, fast, rapid, or ultra rapid chargers. Although, where business drivers do have good signal, they can use the Allstar Co-Pilot app to pay for EV charging.
Myth…busted!
Drivers don’t want EVs any more
The Myth
Drivers are turning away from electric vehicles in droves, put off by the price, range and charging difficulties.
The Reality
So far in 2024, over 8,000 more electric cars have been sold than at the same time in 2023, with market share marginally up at 15.5%, compared to 15.4%. Over 11,000 more plug-in hybrids were sold in the first three months of 2024 than in 2023.
There is clearly demand for electric vehicles, and much of this is powered by large fleets, the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) says.
There are some underlying issues the SMMT says, particularly with private buyer demand for EVs but, overall, private demand for all vehicle types is sluggish, with sales down more than 9% on 2023.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Market growth continues, fuelled by fleets investing after two tough years of constrained supply. A sluggish private market and shrinking EV market share, however, show the challenge ahead. Manufacturers are providing compelling offers, but they can’t single-handedly fund the transition indefinitely.
“Government support for private consumers – not just business and fleets – would send a positive message and deliver a faster, fairer transition on time and on target.”
Myth…partly true.
To help you navigate the myths about electric vehicles, head to EV Insights where we explore the broad range of topics and news about electric vehicles.
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