The UK’s biggest EV myths revealed
The biggest EV myths have been revealed – including them not being allowed to drive through a car wash, needing to replace the battery every five years, and not having a handbrake.
Continuing to pay for electricity if the car is charging even once the battery is full and being considerably slower than a petrol or diesel model also featured on the list of misconceptions, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
What’s more, 31 per cent assume they can’t travel long distances in these vehicles and, as a result, 36 per cent are put off from ever making the switch – despite EVs being able to travel up to 250 miles on a full battery.
To help put rumours to bed, LV= and ElectriX, which commissioned the research, has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to create a series of family friendly 250-mile UK road trips.
Gill Nowell, head of EV communications at ElectriX, part of LV= General Insurance, said: “Our research shows many Brits incorrectly assume they can’t travel long distances in an EV.
“We’re excited to be teaming up with Ordnance Survey to show the nation just how far an electric vehicle can drive on one charge.
“We know road trips are the perfect family getaway, and with many planning one already this summer we want to bust the myths around going electric.”
The study found 60 per cent weren’t aware an electric car can travel this distance without needing a recharge, with the average adult assuming they can travel for no more than 169 miles.
When quizzed on road trips in general, 73 per cent have previously experienced on one, with 32 per cent set to go on one this summer.
With four hours considered the amount of time when a journey officially becomes a ‘road trip’, according to the OnePoll study.
Music (24 per cent), good weather (28 per cent), and the company (33 per cent) all considered important factors for the perfect car journey.
Encouragingly, 46 per cent would like to explore more of the UK than they currently do and 38 per cent believe it has some of the best cultural landmarks in Europe.
Gill Nowell added: “If you want to go further than 250 miles, there are now over 46,000 public chargers to help you on your way.”
The 250-mile route highlights fun activities for all the family as well as scenic landmarks up and down the country, from the Scottish Highlands and the Pembrokeshire Coast, to the Yorkshire Dales and the South Downs National Park.