The Facts About Electric Cars: Separating EV Myths From Reality As UK Drivers Remain Unsure on Key Topics
Summary
When it comes to choosing between car brands and models, there are plenty of elements that come into play. One of which is whether we want a fuel, hybrid or EV model.
But there can be beliefs that we hold influencing us without us knowing. And sometimes these may not even be true. So what are the facts about electric cars? And what are the myths?
We surveyed 1,000 UK drivers to discover the main beliefs we hold around electric cars, and see whether they are based in fact or fiction.
What are the common misconceptions around EVs?
The factors drivers said they were most uncertain about were safety and the costs that come with owning an EV.
How many electric car fires are there every year? Do electric car batteries explode?
Plenty wonder, “are electric cars more reliable than the alternatives?” In fact, 28% of drivers said that they believe EVs are likely to explode if overheated, while another two in five (40%) were uncertain on the topic.
Just how many electric cars catch fire every year? In 2024, there were 232 electric car fires, UK reports indicate. This has sparked a wider concern and conversation around lithium-ion batteries that are in EVs.
However, despite these numbers, electric cars account for under 1% of all reported car fires. Reports suggest there is around a 0.0012% chance of an EV catching fire, versus 0.1% for petrol or diesel vehicles–meaning an EV is around 20 times less likely to catch fire compared to internal combustion engines.
Are electric cars more expensive than petrol or fuel?
A quarter (24%) think that EV drivers face more costs than petrol drivers, while another two in five (40%) were uncertain on the topic.
However, despite some new EV charges such as the proposed 3p per mile tax, electric car drivers still face much lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel drivers. In fact, in cash terms, EV drivers could save as much as £1,000 a year when looking at average first year road tax and fuel duty rates that petrol drivers face.
There are also plenty of ways to keep running costs down when it comes to the day-to-day running of your EV. Instead of using public rapid charging points which can be a costly option, primarily using a home charging system with an EV-specific tariff will offer drivers much lower everyday costs.
You can use Dick Lovett’s Savings Calculator tool to find out how much you could save from making the switch.
How does the weather impact our EV confidence?
Similar to UK driver’s thoughts around EVs, plenty aren’t sure on how you handle an EV when the weather is wet or cold.
Can you drive an electric car through water? Driving an electric car in snow, sleet and rain
When it comes to driving in adverse weather conditions, one in three (32%) aren’t sure if you can drive an electric car in the snow, and 14% believe this is an absolute no-go.
However, like driving in the rain, driving an electric car in snowy conditions is totally fine. Similar to going through a car wash, driving through any rain, sleet or snow won’t mean any water gets into your vehicle.
One thing to consider when driving in the snow is an electric car’s cold weather range. On particularly cold days it’s estimated that you can lose between 15% and 20% of your battery’s range because of the drop in temperature. So it’s important to keep your battery topped up and your driving efficient when it comes to cold conditions.
13% of UK drivers also stated that you can’t drive an EV through puddles. But an EV is just as safe to drive through a puddle as a petrol or diesel car.
Like any conventional car, you should avoid deep puddles if you can. If you have to drive through water, do so at a slow pace to avoid splashing any water on pedestrians or having any water go into the front of your vehicle.
Can you charge an electric car in the rain?
Similar to questions around driving an EV, 15% of drivers believe you can’t charge an EV in the rain, while almost 3 in 10 (29%) weren’t sure of the safety of this.
But similar to an electric car, EV chargers are totally safe from water.
All the components in an EV charging point, whether they’re public charging points or your at-home charger, are sealed and made to work within the rain or any other weather conditions, so you don’t need to worry about any electrocution risks.
Deciding if an EV is right for you
From fire risks and running costs to charging in the rain and driving in snow, many common concerns around EVs are rooted in myth rather than evidence. As technology continues to evolve, understanding the realities behind these misconceptions is key to helping more drivers feel confident about making the switch to electric across the UK.
At Dick Lovett, we champion drivers making informed decisions when it comes to their vehicle. From understanding fact from fiction, how a car will fit your lifestyle and maintenance costs, our expert teams at our dealerships are here to help customers find their dream car and stay informed on the real information behind all of their options.
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