Eight Electric Vehicle Maintenance Myths Debunked

Like all revolutionary ideas, electric vehicles have been met with scepticism. There are plenty of myths about EVs that have been passed around with little to no truth about them which are putting drivers off the idea of making the switch.

 

As we creep closer to the 2035 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars, these myths need to be debunked so that drivers aren’t put off making the switch to electric.

 

Myth: There Isn’t Enough Electricity or Capacity

One of the biggest concerns surrounding electric vehicles is that our electric grid and infrastructure cannot support a fully electric automotive industry.

 

It is important to remember that the switch to EVs isn’t happening overnight – there are multiple plans and funding in place to build the infrastructure over the next decade to ensure we are ready for nationwide electrification.

 

It is also estimated that refining one gallon of petrol uses around 4.5 kWh of electricity – so once the need for this stop, we can use this electricity to charge our cars.

 

Regardless, it is estimated that the demand will only increase by 10% once everyone is driving electric, so it is a manageable increase, especially with the correct planning in place.

 

Myth: EVs Require More Maintenance Than ICE Vehicles

Since the technology used by electric vehicles is fairly new, many people presume that an electric car needs more maintenance than an ICE vehicle. This is not true.

 

In fact, there are only 20 moving parts in the average EV, compared to almost 2000 in an ICE vehicle. This means there is less that could potentially go wrong.

 

Electric vehicles also don’t require oil changes or top ups since they don’t have an engine. They also don’t use a clutch system or a gearbox, which means you will never have to worry about forking out for a clutch replacement.

 

EVs also use regenerative braking, which means there is less wear and tear on your brake pads and discs, meaning less frequent brake maintenance.

 

Myth: EVs are More Difficult to Repair Than ICE Vehicles

It is true that EVs can only be repaired by mechanics with specialist training – and only 16% of mechanics are currently qualified to work on electric vehicles. While it may be harder to find a mechanic that can repair your car, it won’t be any more difficult for the mechanic to do so.

 

Plus, many aspects of the vehicle are the same as an ICE vehicle – for example, changing the tyres, wheel alignment and brake repair are all carried out in the same way.

 

Myth: There Aren’t Enough Public Chargers Available

Since petrol stations are so easily come across, many people are put off driving EVs due to the apparent lack of charging points in the UK.

 

According to Zapmap, there over 55,000 charging devices in the UK as of January 2024, across over 31,000 different locations – and these numbers are consistently growing.

 

With a growth of 46% of charger installation rate since January 2023, it is safe to assume that we will see a huge uplift in the number of EV chargers available in the UK.

 

While the majority of the charging points are in larger cities and counties such as Greater London and the South West, there are plenty of funding schemes available to local councils to help grow the charging infrastructure.

 

Myth: EVs are More Expensive to Service

According to BookMyGarage bookings data, electric cars cost a third less to service in comparison to an ICE vehicle. This is thought to be down to the fact there are fewer moving parts – aspects such as oil changes and spark plug replacements are not necessary for EVs, which saves the mechanics time and effort, and saves you money.

 

It is still recommended that you service your electric car as often as you would an ICE vehicle. You can book your EV’s service with BookMyGarage and compare prices across your local area.

 

Myth: EVs Don’t Need MOTs

Despite having fewer moving parts, electric cars older than three years old need an annual MOT to be driven legally on UK roads. Many people buy their electric cars brand new, so don’t need to worry about an MOT for the first couple of years of driving it, which is where this may myth come from.

 

You are still subject to the same fines and penalties if you are found to be driving without a valid MOT.

 

An EV MOT does differ from a traditional ICE MOT, naturally. There is no need for an emissions test, or any fluid changes. It will, however, need the same safety checks on things such as the seatbelts, the suspension, and the tyres, among others.

 

You can book your electric car in for its MOT by using BookMyGarage to compare garages in your local area.

 

Myth: The 2035 Ban Will Mean You Won’t Be Able to Drive ICE Vehicles at All

The government’s plan to ban the sale of new ICE vehicles has sent certain drivers into a panic. Many people presume that their cars will be taken off them and they’ll be forced to buy an electric car, and this simply is not true.

 

You will still be able to buy second-hand ICE vehicles, and nothing will change in terms of driving them day to day. Mechanics will still be able to repair and service ICE vehicles and there will be no penalties for owning an ICE vehicle.

 

Car manufacturers will not be able to sell brand new ICE vehicles, rather they will have to switch to selling zero-emission models. It may be worth getting ahead and considering buying an electric car sooner rather than later.

 

Myth: Electric Vehicles Don’t Travel Far Enough on a Single Charge

The average range of an electric car is 260 miles. According to NimbleFins, the average UK driver travels an average of 18 miles a day. That’s just over two weeks of driving every day without needing to recharge!

 

Understandably you may worry if you driver longer distances daily, but with a home electric charger you can charge your car overnight at a reduced rate, so it is ready for you to drive the next day.

 

Alternatively, ultra-rapid chargers can charge your car in as little as 20 minutes – just enough time to grab a coffee and stretch your legs after a long drive.

 

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