Electric vehicles have come a long way in the UK, yet some myths cling on with the determination of a heated debate at a Christmas dinner table. Even in 2025, EV drivers still hear the same recycled lines — “they’re useless in winter”, “batteries don’t last”, “you’ll be waiting hours to charge”, “they can’t do long journeys”, or everyone’s favourite: “the grid will explode”.
Most of these myths were born in the early days of EV adoption, back when public chargers were rare, early batteries lacked modern thermal management and the UK had fewer than 2,000 rapid chargers. Today, the landscape looks nothing like it did then — yet the myths keep circulating like urban legends.
This long-form guide breaks down the most persistent EV myths in Britain, explains where they came from and offers the clear, factual truth. Whether you’re an experienced driver, a soon-to-be owner or simply tired of correcting your uncle’s “expert opinions” every December, this article arms you with everything you need.
Myth 1: “EVs Are Useless in Winter”
This is probably the most stubborn myth. Winter does impact EV range — just like cold weather reduces efficiency in petrol and diesel cars — but “useless” is nowhere near accurate.
The Truth
- Most UK EVs lose 15–25% range in winter, not half as is often claimed.
- Modern heat pumps significantly improve efficiency in cold weather.
- Pre-conditioning eliminates the biggest winter energy hit.
- Rapid charging still works — it may just take a little warming time.
EVs are used in countries far colder than Britain — Norway, Sweden, Canada — with no issues. If they can survive a Scandinavian winter, they can survive the A406 at 2°C.
ONEEV helps too: real-time charger availability reduces time spent in cold queues.
Myth 2: “EV Batteries Wear Out Like Phone Batteries”
This myth leans on a comparison that never made sense. Smartphone batteries are tiny, air-cooled and charged constantly to 100%. EV batteries are not.
The Truth
- The average EV battery loses 2–3% capacity per year.
- Most EVs retain 85+% capacity after 8–10 years.
- Modern thermal management prevents overheating and degradation.
- Charging habits, not age, dictate battery health.
In fact, taxis in London have clocked over 200,000 miles on original batteries with minimal degradation. EV batteries are engineered for decades, not upgrades every two years.
Myth 3: “You Can’t Take EVs on Long Trips”
This myth made sense in 2015. It does not make sense in 2025.
The Truth
- Most new EVs can comfortably travel 180–280 miles on motorways in winter.
- Over 16,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are now available in the UK.
- Holiday travel is easy when you plan two stops ahead.
- Ultra-rapid hubs (150–350kW) are multiplying fast.
With ONEEV, you can see charger availability in real time and avoid busy motorways — making long journeys smoother than many petrol trips.
Myth 4: “Charging Takes Hours”
This one combines misunderstanding with outdated information. Slow chargers exist — but they’re not what you use on the road.
The Truth
- Ultra-rapid EV chargers can add 100 miles in 10–15 minutes.
- Most drivers charge from 10% to 60–70% in under 25 minutes.
- Charging slows after 80% to protect battery health.
- Home charging is overnight and fully automatic.
Petrol drivers stop for 10 minutes at services because they have to. EV drivers stop for 15–25 minutes because it is healthy for the battery and more relaxing.
Myth 5: “EVs Are Worse for the Environment Because of the Battery”
This myth mixes half-truths and outdated data.
The Truth
- EVs produce far lower lifetime emissions than petrol cars — even on the current UK grid.
- The emissions “break even point” occurs after 10,000–15,000 miles.
- Batteries are recyclable — metals like lithium, nickel and cobalt can be recovered.
- UK grid electricity gets cleaner every year.
The UK government confirms EVs are the lowest-emission option available for private transport, even when battery production is included.
Myth 6: “The UK Grid Can’t Handle EVs”
This is one of the Internet’s favourite scare stories.
The Truth
- National Grid has confirmed multiple times the UK grid can support mass EV adoption.
- Charging demand is spread throughout the day — not at peak times.
- Smart chargers avoid grid pressure automatically.
- EVs enable energy storage solutions that strengthen the grid.
Ironically, EVs can help stabilise the grid through future vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems.
Myth 7: “EV Tyres Wear Out Faster”
EVs are heavier, yes, but modern tyres are already designed for the extra torque and weight.
The Truth
- Premium EV-specific tyres last just as long as ICE tyres.
- Tyre wear depends more on driving style than vehicle type.
- Regenerative braking reduces brake dust and wear.
It’s not the car — it’s how you drive it.
Myth 8: “Public Chargers Are Always Broken”
This myth comes from early network reliability issues, but today’s UK charging landscape looks very different.
The Truth
- Network reliability is above 97% for most major UK operators.
- Ultra-rapid hubs see fewer failures due to modern hardware.
- ONEEV’s real-time data helps avoid offline chargers instantly.
Chargers are not perfect, but the experience is already dramatically improved compared to even three years ago.
Myth 9: “EVs Are Only for City Drivers”
EV range, charger coverage and motor
