Blog: EV Myths: Dispelling Misconceptions on Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are gaining momentum across the UK, and potential buyers naturally have questions and concerns. Many common beliefs about EVs stem from outdated information or complete misconceptions.

At XLCR Vehicle Management, we help you make informed decisions about your next vehicle. Here's the truth about the most persistent myths surrounding electric vehicles.

Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle in the Rain?

The Myth: Many people worry that charging an electric vehicle during wet weather is dangerous, fearing electric shocks or damage to the vehicle's electrical system.

The Reality: You can charge your EV in the rain safely. Electric vehicle charging systems are engineered with multiple layers of protection against water ingress and electrical hazards.

The charging port on your vehicle and the connector from the charging cable meet IP65 or IP67 ratings, so they're sealed against dust and protected against powerful water jets or temporary immersion. The charging process only begins once a secure connection is established, and safety systems monitor the charging session continuously.

EVs and charging infrastructure include earth fault detection, insulation monitoring, and automatic shut-off mechanisms that activate immediately if any anomaly is detected. The design is robust enough that you could theoretically charge your vehicle whilst standing in a puddle without risk, though we don't recommend testing this unnecessarily.

Electric vehicles are driven in all weather conditions, including through floods and car washes. The entire electrical system, including the battery and charging port, is sealed and weatherproof by design. Charging in the rain is no more dangerous than filling up a petrol car in wet weather.

Do EV Batteries Only Last Around Two Years?

The Myth: One of the most damaging misconceptions is that electric vehicle batteries degrade rapidly and need replacing after just two years, making EVs financially unviable.

The Reality: EV batteries are designed to last far longer than two years, typically outlasting the vehicle's useful life. Most manufacturers warrant their batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during this period.

Real-world data is encouraging. Studies of Tesla vehicles with high mileage show an average battery degradation of only 10% after 160,000 miles. Many Nissan Leaf owners report their batteries still performing well after a decade of use. The battery technology in EVs differs from the batteries in your mobile phone or laptop, with thermal management systems and battery management software that actively preserve battery health.

Battery degradation is greatest in the first year, typically around 2-3%, then slows considerably. After this initial drop, annual degradation typically settles to less than 1% per year. After ten years of ownership, many EV batteries still retain 85-90% of their original capacity, which is more than adequate for daily driving needs.

Battery technology keeps advancing, and newer EVs are showing better degradation profiles. The chemistry, thermal management, and software controls are improving steadily, so batteries in vehicles purchased today will likely last longer than those in earlier models.

Must Batteries Be Fully Charged Every Night?

The Myth: Some believe that EV batteries must be charged to 100% every single night to maintain battery health and guarantee adequate range for the following day.

The Reality: Nightly full charging is unnecessary and can be detrimental to long-term battery health. The optimal charging strategy for most EV owners differs from this myth.

For daily driving, most experts recommend charging your EV to around 80% for regular use. Lithium-ion batteries, which power the majority of electric vehicles, experience less stress and degradation when kept within a moderate state of charge, typically between 20% and 80%. Charging to 100% consistently can accelerate battery degradation over time.

The average UK driver covers roughly 20 miles per day. With even entry-level EVs offering ranges exceeding 150 miles, charging to 80% delivers more than enough capacity for several days of typical driving. Many EV owners find they only need to charge once or twice per week for their regular routine.

Full charges to 100% are fine when you need the extra range for longer journeys, but they shouldn't be your default setting for everyday charging. Most EVs let you set a charging limit through the vehicle's settings or accompanying smartphone app, making it easy to optimise your charging routine.

Many EVs feature scheduled charging or "smart charging" capabilities, letting you programme the vehicle to complete charging just before you need to use it, which helps maintain optimal battery temperature and reduces the time the battery spends at high states of charge.

Are EVs More Likely to Catch Fire Than Petrol or Diesel Cars?

The Myth: Sensational media coverage of EV fires has led some to believe that electric vehicles are fire hazards and more dangerous than traditional combustion engine vehicles.

The Reality: Statistical evidence shows that EVs are less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles. According to data from various studies and insurance statistics, EVs experience fires at a rate of roughly 25 incidents per 100,000 vehicles, compared to 1,530 per 100,000 for petrol vehicles.

EV fires receive disproportionate media attention precisely because they're rare and novel. When a petrol car catches fire, it rarely makes headlines because such incidents are common. The unfamiliarity of EV technology means these events generate more coverage, creating a perception that doesn't match reality.

Electric vehicles lack many of the flammable fluids found in traditional cars, such as petrol, engine oil, and transmission fluid. There are no hot exhaust systems or spark plugs that could ignite leaking fluids. The battery packs are housed in reinforced, sealed enclosures designed to contain and manage thermal events should they occur.

When EV fires do occur, they can be more challenging to extinguish due to thermal runaway in battery cells, which is why emergency services have developed protocols for handling them. The probability of an EV fire occurring in the first place is dramatically lower than with conventional vehicles.

EVs incorporate multiple safety systems including battery thermal management, crash protection structures around the battery pack, and automatic disconnect systems that isolate the high-voltage system if an accident occurs.

Making Informed Decisions About Electric Vehicles

Grasping the reality behind these common myths is important for anyone considering the switch to electric. At XLCR Vehicle Management, we deliver accurate, evidence-based information to help you find the best vehicle for your needs.

Electric vehicles represent a mature, safe, and practical technology that's suitable for most drivers. The combination of lower running costs, reduced environmental impact, and competitive pricing makes EVs an attractive option for both personal and fleet use.

If you're considering an electric vehicle but still have questions or concerns, our team at thebestcardeals.co.uk is here to help. We can offer personalised advice based on your driving patterns, charging options, and budget to help you make the right choice.

The transition to electric mobility is underway, and grasping the facts rather than the fiction will help you make a confident, informed decision about your next vehicle.