Tackling common EV misconceptions
- 27/01/25
- 4 min
Electric vehicle (EV) technology has been consistently improving, but many myths still surround the technology; stigmas that could mean fleet managers delay their switch and miss out on the many short- and long-term gains that going electric can bring. To set the record straight, we have tackled the most common EV myths to underline the potential that electric mobility can bring to businesses.

Electric vehicle (EV) technology has been consistently improving, but many myths still surround the technology; stigmas that could mean fleet managers delay their switch and miss out on the many short- and long-term gains that going electric can bring. To set the record straight, we have tackled the most common EV myths to underline the potential that electric mobility can bring to businesses.
EVs are too expensive to justify the cost
Based on a comparison across a range of light commercial vehicles, manufacturers have found switching to an EV can save over £300 in running costs for every 1,000 miles, while one Fraikin customer has already seen 50% savings on its weekly ‘fuel’ costs after introducing a fleet of 7.5-tonne battery electric trucks to replace diesel-powered models.
Fleets can also save on R&M – as battery powertrains feature fewer moving parts, they’re less susceptible to breakdowns, improving uptime.
EV driving range is too small for our needs
Data from the Department of Transportation has found that on a typical working day more than half of all vans in the UK operate on routes within a 15-mile radius of their base, with the average mileage for all commercial vans being around 70 miles a day – well within the range of a fully-charged EV.
When factoring in trucks too, Eurostat statistics show that 45% of all goods transported by road in Europe travelled less than 190 miles, also putting them within the range offered by many new heavy-duty electric trucks.
EV charging rates are too slow
The prospect of spending hours charging each day is an understandable concern. However, overnight depot AC charging is possible for many businesses, plus there’s the potential for high-power DC top-up charging at base and enroute too, replenishing as much as 80% of the battery’s charge within 45 minutes.
There aren’t enough public charging points available
Research shows that the UK is one of the best-positioned countries in Europe when it comes to its public EV charging network. Data collated by the Department for Transport found that there are now more than 32,000 charging points in the UK, with more than 600 new chargers being added every month.
The government has also stated it will work with the industry to ascertain fleet charging demand for commercial vehicles to help inform local planning. New research will capture fleet attitudes and preferences towards charging to improve information on depot locations and other large fleet sites.
Most public charging points don’t even work
Data collated by Zap-Map has found that drivers can expect nine out of 10 charge points to be fully operational at any given moment, while the government is expected to lay legislation later this year mandating a 99% reliability standard in the future.
Emissions generated by charging mean EVs aren’t greener than ICE vehicles
The UK already boasts a competitive green energy matrix, with the country seeing a 70% reduction in the greenhouse gases generated by the electricity grid since 1990.
In addition, more than 50% of our electricity is already generated by renewable and low-carbon energy sources. By 2030, the government aims for 95% of the UK’s electricity to come exclusively from low-carbon sources, and 100% by 2035.
The batteries will need replacing in a few years
With more than 10 million EVs on the road worldwide, there is little evidence to suggest that the lifespan of a typical EV battery is any shorter than that of an equivalent petrol or diesel powertrain. Many EV batteries also come backed by robust multi-year warranties, while companies and governments worldwide are investing millions into understanding how we can maximise EV lifespan.
4.25-tonne EVs are subject to the same MOT rules as 3.5-tonne ICE variants
Though drivers holding a Category B Licence simply need additional training to drive heavier 4.25-tonne alternative fuel vehicles, the vehicles themselves fall under the goods vehicle annual testing regime.
This means they require an MOT on the first anniversary of registration and every year thereafter, just like any other vehicle over 3.5 tonnes.
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