There are many myths surrounding Electric vehicles online and, in the news, which makes it difficult to determine the facts.
How far you can drive
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) say:
- The average range of an EV in the UK is 236 miles.
- Some luxury EVs may be able to drive 400+ miles.
To find the latest EVs on the market, visit: Green Car Guide.
Batteries
How long they last in EVs
Car manufacturers have confidence in them and most offer warranties on their batteries for:
- eight years;
- or 100,000 miles.
What happens to them at the end of their life
They can be recycled or re-used for energy storage.
The electricity grid and the switch to EVs
Lots of work is being done across the UK to make sure the grid can cope, also:
- The uptake of EVs will be gradual.
- Energy companies will offer incentives for cars to be to charged off-peak, which will make it cheaper for drivers too.
Is it better to switch to an electric car?
Research by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has shown that:
- when driven in the UK or Europe, an EV pays off its carbon debt after around 11,000 miles;
- after which, the full life cycle CO2 emissions are around three times lower than an average petrol car.
For more about this, visit:
The cost of EVs
- On average, they cost 12% more up-front than their petrol equivalent.
- We should see EVs and petrol car cost the same in the next few years.
For more details about cost, download the PDF: Price parity 2024: the final mile. There are useful tables on pages 10 and 17 that show some cost comparisons.
Other useful fact and figures
- EVs: The Facts (SMMT).