The top 5 EV myths debunked

As we accelerate towards a greener future, the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate for 2024 marks a significant milestone. This mandate sets an ambitious target: 22% of all car manufacturers’ annual sales must come from zero-emission vehicles.

The good news? Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, with 18.1% of new cars registered so far this year being electric—a clear sign of growing adoption.

But, with many drivers still unfamiliar with EV technology, there are still a number of misconceptions around EV ownership that could be slowing the pace of change.

Clearing up the confusion

At Energy Park, we’re passionate about the lifestyle and environmental benefits EVs can bring - from cost-savings and convenience to helping to build a more sustainable future.

So, here we want to debunk some of the most common myths and help bridge the gap between EV supply and demand - empowering more people to embrace cleaner, more sustainable transport.

Myth 1: There aren’t enough charge points for everyone

The belief that there are an insufficient number of charge points feeds into the broader concern of range anxiety—the fear that an EV might run out of power before reaching a charger.

However, EV charging infrastructure in the UK is expanding rapidly, and in many regions the number of charge points is increasingly sufficiently to meet demand. While lack of charge points and range anxiety was more valid in the early days of EV adoption, the situation has improved significantly. Governments and private companies are now investing heavily in charging networks to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road.

As of October 2024, there were over 71,000 public charge points across the UK. And as the majority of EV owners charge at home or at their workplace, public charge points are mostly used to top up on long journeys.

For those living in multi-dwelling units such as apartments buildings, however, charging an EV at home may not be feasible due to a limited number of EV charging solutions available for residential communal car parks.

This is something we’re addressing at Energy Park, as we believe EV charging should be fair and accessible to everyone, regardless of where you live. We now offer landlords a fully funded and fully managed EV charging solution, so they can offer residents low-cost, accessible EV charging at home, which we hope will further accelerate the switch to EVs in the UK.

Myth 2: There isn’t enough electricity to charge all the EVs

To achieve net zero by 2050, transitioning all cars to electric is essential. However, this shift has raised concerns about whether the national grid will be able to handle the increased demand for electricity.

As EV adoption grows, it’s possible that the surge in electricity usage could strain the grid, particularly during peak charging times. Experts acknowledge these concerns but point to various solutions that can be implemented as EV adoption grows such as smart charging technologies, investment in renewable energy sources and grid upgrades to ensure the system can manage the additional load.

At Energy Park, we address this current challenge through load management. Our smart charging solutions ensure that electricity demand is distributed efficiently without the risk of any power outages. By monitoring and controlling charging schedules, we can avoid overloading the system during peak times, such as during the early evening when people return home from work, and help balance supply with demand

Myth 3: EVs are unaffordable

It’s true that the upfront cost of an EV is typically higher than that of an internal combustion engine car (ICE). This is largely due to the advanced technology and materials used in EVs, as well as the specialised manufacturing processes required. Car manufacturers are still scaling up EV production capabilities, which adds to the cost. However, as the market matures and economies of scale come into play, these costs are expected to decrease, making EVs more affordable over time.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) forecasts that EVs and ICE vehicles will achieve price parity by the end of the decade. To bridge the gap in the meantime, the government provides various subsidies and incentives to encourage EV adoption.  These include salary sacrifice schemes for tax-efficient EV leasing and grants for workplace charge points.

While EVs may have higher upfront costs, they offer significantly lower running costs compared to ICE vehicles. With fewer moving parts, they are cheaper to maintain, and electricity is typically much more affordable than petrol or diesel. These savings leave you with more money in your pocket each month, making EV ownership more budget-friendly over time.

At Energy Park, we understand that high upfront costs can deter the switch to EVs. That’s why we offer landlords of apartment buildings fully funded charging solutions, enabling residents to conveniently charge their vehicles at home, with a simple monthly charge and no installation fees.

Myth 4: Charging takes too long

One of the key benefits of combustion engine vehicles is the ability to refuel within minutes at a petrol station. The idea of owning a car that takes 20 – 40 minutes to charge to 80% using a rapid charger might seem less appealing at first. However, EV charging offers a different kind of convenience—one that’s more flexible and often less time-intensive than many realise.

Owning an EV shifts the way you think about refuelling, prioritising convenience over urgency. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, EVs don’t require dedicated trips to recharge. Charging typically happens passively while you’re busy with other activities. Overnight home charging, for example, is the most common and cost-effective method. Though it may take 6–8 hours for a full charge, it happens while you’re asleep, so there’s no need to carve out extra time for a petrol station visit.

The same applies to charging at workplaces or other destinations. While you work, shop or exercise, your EV can be charging in the background, seamlessly integrating it into your routine.

For most people in the UK, where the average daily commute is under 30 miles, an EV can easily handle daily travel needs with minimal charging. For longer journeys, some planning may be necessary, but the expanding charging infrastructure ensures these trips are increasingly manageable and convenient. EV charging doesn’t demand more time—it simply uses time differently.

Myth 5: EVs are a fire risk

As the world adapts to new EV technologies, some have questioned the safety of EVs and suggested that they could pose a potential fire risk.

However, recent data suggests the opposite. Research by NFPA found that EV fires are actually statistically much less common than traditional ICE vehicle fires, with EVs experiencing 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles annually, compared to approximately 1,500 fires per 100,000 ICE vehicles.

Modern EVs undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure their batteries are highly secure and stable, with built-in systems to manage and prevent overheating. While no vehicle is entirely free of fire risk, EVs are designed to minimise it, making them a safe and reliable choice for drivers.

Another common misconception is that charge points contribute to EV fires. Such incidents are extremely rare and are usually linked to faulty equipment, improper installation, or user error.

At Energy Park, we implement safety measures to ensure the reliability of our charging infrastructure. Our equipment is manufacturer-approved and installed by certified electricians in accordance with stringent standards such as BS 7671. These standards include using appropriately rated circuit breakers to protect against electrical faults. To further enhance safety, we conduct regular inspections of charging cables and connectors to identify and address any signs of wear or damage. These measures reflect our commitment to providing safe, reliable charging solutions.

The future’s electric

While there are still challenges to overcome, many of the myths surrounding EVs stem from misinformation or outdated perceptions. As EV technology advances and infrastructure continues to improve, concerns such as affordability, charging speed, range and grid capacity are being addressed with innovative solutions.

At Energy Park, we’re committed to playing our part in accelerating the transition to sustainable transport. By offering fully funded charging solutions for apartment buildings, we’re not only making EV ownership more accessible and affordable but also setting industry standards for reliability and safety.

Find out more

To find out more about our fully funded EV charging solutions for apartment buildings, contact us HERE.