Fact or fiction? Debunking popular EV myths.

Note: This article was published in August 2024 and updated in April 2026.

From range and charging to battery life and reliability, many drivers are still unsure what to expect from electric car ownership in 2026.

In this guide, we break down some of the most common EV myths and give you the reality, so you can decide with confidence whether an electric vehicle is right for you.

Key facts at a glance:

• Many EVs now offer a range of 250–350 miles.

• The UK now has 119,000+ public chargers nationwide.

• EV batteries are built to last 10+ years.

• Some new EVs are now price-competitive with petrol cars.

• EV running costs can be as low as 2–5p per mile when charging at home.

Myth 1 – Range anxiety:

The concern:

EVs don’t provide enough range, leaving drivers worried about how far they can really go on a single charge.

The reality:

As EV technology has developed, range has improved significantly and for the average driver it’s no longer a daily concern.

As of 2026:

• Typical EV range: 250-350 miles

• Premium models: 400+ miles

• Average UK daily driving: ~19 miles

Many petrol and diesel vehicles offer a range of 400-500 miles on a full tank. Higher-end EVs are now operating in that same range, while even mid-range models comfortably cover day-to-day driving.

Will EVs need charging less often in the future?

New research in the UK is exploring how solar panels could be built directly into EVs to improve efficiency and extend range. Projects like Oxford PV’s work with Nissan are developing lightweight, high-efficiency panels that generate energy while the car is parked or driving.

While this won’t replace charging entirely, it could add extra miles each day and reduce how often drivers need to plug in, helping to ease range anxiety over time.

What this means for you:

Depending on usage, drivers may need to charge less often than before, with many models now covering everyday driving comfortably.

As EV range has improved considerably, running low on charge is becoming more comparable to running low on fuel in some situations.

Myth 2 – The charging infrastructure isn’t good enough:

The concern:

There aren’t enough chargers, they take too long to use, or they don’t work as expected, so drivers may struggle to find a reliable and convenient place to charge.

The reality:

Over 3,000 public chargers have been added in 2026 alone, alongside ongoing advancements in charging speed and technology.

What’s changed:

• The UK now has over 119,000 public chargers, with extensive motorway coverage.

• Public chargers can be found in over 45,000 locations including on-street charging.

• Ultra-rapid chargers are becoming more common, with faster charging technology being introduced.

However:

• Reliability can still vary between networks.

• Public charging is often more expensive than charging at home.

• Availability can be limited in some rural areas.

How many chargers were added last year?

In 2025, 13,281 EV chargers were added to the public network, representing a 13% increase.

In the first quarter of 2026, over 3,000 chargers were added, bringing the EV charging infrastructure to over 119,000 chargers in more than 45,000 locations.

Are EV charging speeds improving?

Charging speeds are improving quickly, with new ultra-fast chargers set to make a big difference.

EV manufacturer BYD has announced plans for a UK network of 1,500kW chargers, which could add significant range in just a few minutes. While most current EVs can’t fully take advantage yet, it shows how quickly charging is catching up with the convenience of refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle.

What is the average charging time for EVs?

Charging time depends on the charger type, but in the UK most EVs can reach up to 80% in around 30–40 minutes using a rapid charger.

Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) can add over 100 miles in as little as 15–20 minutes, while slower home or on-street chargers typically take 8–10 hours for a full charge.

EVs are often topped up as needed, rather than charged from empty to full each time.

How reliable are EV chargers?

Reliability is improving, with new UK regulations requiring rapid and ultra-rapid chargers to meet 99% uptime standards. Networks are also investing in better monitoring and faster repairs, helping reduce faults and downtime.

While issues can still occur, the overall charging experience is becoming more consistent and dependable for drivers.

What this means for you:

The UK’s charging network is expanding rapidly, with more locations, faster charging speeds and improved reliability.

While the experience can still vary, continued investment and new standards are making public charging more accessible and dependable for everyday use.

Myth 3 – The battery won’t last:

The concern:

EV batteries degrade quickly and are expensive to replace, leaving drivers unsure whether an EV will last as long as a petrol or diesel car.

The reality:

Modern EV batteries are typically designed for long term use and are often backed by extended manufacturer warranties. Data from used EV listings suggests battery health is often still high, depending on the vehicle and how it’s been used.

As of 2026:

• Batteries are designed to last over 10 years.

• Most manufacturers offer extended warranties for the batteries.

• Used EVs battery health sits at 95.15% on average.

While battery replacement costs can be expensive if needed, improvements in battery longevity mean most drivers are unlikely to face this during typical ownership.

What this means for you:

Battery lifespan is less of a concern than it once was, but it’s still one of the most expensive components in an EV. It’s worth factoring this into your long-term ownership plans.

Myth 4 – EVs are too expensive to buy:

The concern:

EVs cost significantly more than petrol or diesel vehicles, making them less affordable upfront for many drivers.

The reality:

While EV costs have typically been higher, the gap is narrowing – and this trend is expected to continue.

What’s changing:

• Used EV prices have fallen, making them more accessible to a wider range of buyers.

• More affordable new models are entering the market.

• Increased competition between manufacturers is helping to drive prices down.

While some EVs remain expensive, there are now more options available at different price points than ever before.

What is the average price of a new EV?

According to Autotrader, the average price of a new EV listed on their website is £42,620. Compare this to the average cost of a new petrol model at £43,405, the average price of a new EV is not only comparable – it works out at £785 cheaper.

What is the average price of a used EV?

The average cost for a used EV is more difficult to pin down, as there are many variables to consider. However, data from the Electric Car Scheme shows the average price for popular used EVs at around £16,800.

If depreciation is something you are concerned about, you can take a look at our EV depreciation article to learn more.

What this means for you:

EVs are becoming increasingly competitive on price, with some new models now on par with petrol equivalents.

If you are considering a used EV, it’s worth looking beyond the purchase price.

Factoring in long-term value and running costs can help you find an option that fits your budget and driving needs. An EV extended warranty from Warrantywise can offer added support, helping you manage unexpected repair costs.

Myth 5 – EVs don’t save money:

The concern:

When you factor in purchase price, charging, insurance and setup costs, EVs don’t offer meaningful savings compared to petrol or diesel cars.

The reality:

Running costs can be lower than petrol or diesel, but it depends on how and where you drive and charge.

Where EVs can help reduce costs:

• Charging at home is typically much cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel.

• Fewer moving parts can mean lower servicing and maintenance costs over time.

Where costs can be higher:

• Public and rapid charging can be more expensive, particularly for regular use.

• Insurance premiums can be slightly higher, depending on the model and repair costs.

• Installing a home charger involves an upfront cost.

What are the typical EV running costs?

When charging at home, costs can be as low as 2–5p per mile, compared to 14–19p per mile for petrol or diesel – though this varies depending on energy tariffs and driving habits. However, public and rapid charging can be significantly more expensive, sometimes bringing costs closer to petrol equivalents.

Other costs are also evolving. Since April 2025, EVs are subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), and insurance can be slightly higher due to repair costs and specialist parts, although this varies by model and driver.

EVs can offer a lower total cost of ownership over time, depending on mileage, charging habits and purchase price.

What incentives are available for EV drivers in the UK?

While many early incentives for buying EVs have been reduced, there is still financial support available in 2026. This includes grants, tax benefits and workplace schemes designed to reduce both upfront and running costs, although availability often depends on individual circumstances.

Current UK EV incentives include:

• Electric Car Grant – discounts of up to £3,750 on selected new EVs, applied at the dealership.

• Home charger grants – up to £350–£500 towards installation, mainly for renters, flat owners and landlords.

• Salary sacrifice schemes – potential savings of 20–50% on a new EV through tax and National Insurance benefits.

• Workplace Charging Scheme – businesses can claim up to £500 per socket to install chargers for staff.

• Low company car tax (BiK) – EVs remain significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel as company cars.

You can find more detail on eligibility and current schemes here: EV chargepoint grants (GOV.UK).

What this means for you:

EVs can be cheaper to run, but savings will depend largely on how and where you charge. There are still various incentives and government grants available to help with the costs of setting up home charging.

Is an EV right for you?

An EV could be a good fit if:

• Your daily driving falls within typical EV range (which now comfortably covers most journeys).

• You have access to convenient charging, whether at home, work or nearby.

• You’re looking to reduce emissions or benefit from lower running costs over time.

• You’re open to planning longer journeys around charging stops.

However, it may require more consideration if:

• You rely heavily on public charging in areas with limited availability.

• You regularly drive long distances without the opportunity to stop and charge.

• You’re concerned primarily with short-term costs rather than long-term value.

EVs are more practical than ever, with improvements in range, charging infrastructure and affordability making them a realistic option for many drivers.

While they won’t suit everyone just yet, ongoing developments mean they’re becoming an increasingly viable choice for a wider range of drivers.

Be future-ready with an extended warranty:

Whether you’re new to used EV ownership or considering making the switch, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll manage unexpected repair costs over time.

While EVs have fewer moving parts, key electrical components can be expensive to repair if something goes wrong. An extended warranty can help with unexpected repair costs and make it easier to budget as EV technology continues to evolve.

Get a quote today to see how Warrantywise can support your used EV ownership journey.