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At PayByPhone, we’re committed to simplifying your journey, and also to supporting our customers towards a more sustainable future through electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
But some people may be put off by some myths around their cost, durability and everyday usability.
So, it’s time to start debunking.
Myth No1: You Can’t Use EVs for Long-Distance Drives
The most well-known EV myth. Early models were quite limited in how far they could travel without needing to top up, this was purely down to limited battery capacity.
There’s even a phrase - ‘range anxiety’ - to describe the fear that potential EV owners have where their vehicle might run out of charge at the wrong time.
Modern EVs often have ranges of more than 200 miles, while high-end models by Tesla can go as far as 400 miles without needing to be topped up! And batteries are improving all the time, meaning it surely won’t be long before we see the average EV range being equivalent to a traditional fuel vehicle.
While EVs generally need to be charged more often than an ICE vehicle needs filling up, public chargers are much easier to find year on year. And with apps like ours making finding a charger when on the road easier, there’s no need to panic if you’re thinking of going electric.
And with high-speed chargers becoming more common, range anxiety will soon become a thing of the past. If you want to put your mind at ease, get to know the different charger types and speeds here.
Myth No2: EVs are Expensive
While it’s true that many EVs are expensive to buy up front, they’re generally cheaper to run day-by-day. The cost-per-mile of charging is usually significantly less than the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel car.
EVs also have much fewer moving parts and are mostly automatic rather than manually driven. This means there are generally fewer things that can go wrong, which means less expensive trips to the garage to get them fixed.
And because EVs have such an important role to play in the UK’s journey to net zero, there are many government incentives and tax credits available to make them more affordable.
Myth No3: EVs Aren’t Even Environmentally Friendly
A more common myth is the claim that driving an EV is no better (or even worse) for the environment than just sticking with a traditional fuel vehicle. This claim is usually because of the carbon footprint of battery production and disposal, which is high. But the long-term impacts of an EV are lower overall than a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle.
The main difference: EVs don’t produce carbon emissions, making them especially better for air quality in urban areas like towns or cities. The fuel they do use is also better for the planet, as electricity is being generated more often through renewable sources like wind, solar, hydroelectric and biomass.
Myth No4: It’s Hard to Find a Charger in Public
EV drivers used to face some issues when looking for places to easily charge out in public, as the infrastructure wasn’t there. The situation has improved dramatically in recent years – the number of public chargers installed in the UK grew by 45% in 2023 – you can now find chargers in more office and public car parks, fuel stations, supermarkets and many more spaces throughout the country.
It’s also easier to find chargers thanks to apps (like ours!) helping drivers find their nearest locations. And with the ability to search by charger speed, you won’t be waiting long to get back on the road.
Ready to find the most convenient charger on the move? Download the PayByPhone app today on Google Play or App Store. Locate your nearest EV charger in just a few taps and pay at over 20,000 locations across the UK.
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