In the previous episode of Electrifying Discussions, we spoke about the many advantages of owning an electric vehicle. Naturally we’re all big fans, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain challenges of EV ownership that need to be addressed. In this episode we discuss the most pressing perceived challenges of owning an electric vehicle and, if you’re considering purchasing one, why these might not be the deal-breaker you think they are.  

Keeping your EV charged

Envisioning horror stories of being stranded with a flat battery, people often cite range anxiety as being one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption. However, often drivers don’t need as much range as they think they do – in fact, did you know that the average Brit only drives 20 miles a day, and the median EV range currently sits at 195 miles? 

If you have a charger at home, this means you can just top up the battery every couple of days, and have more than enough battery to get you to where you need to go.

In the event that you don’t have a home charger, or if you drive longer distances, you will most likely need to rely on public charging. This does require a bit more forward thinking than simply putting petrol into an ICE vehicle does, which admittedly can be a challenge in the beginning. However, resources like Zap Map can make things easier by helping you locate chargers on your journey that are suitable for your vehicle.

Expensive upfront costs

With the average cost of a new EV currently sitting at around £50k, there’s no denying that they’re more expensive than the average ICE vehicle. Understandably, this can be a deterrent for many.

However you may be encouraged to learn that studies have consistently shown that, due to their lower running costs, electric vehicles actually work out cheaper over their lifespan. Not only is this due to recharging being cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel, but also because of their maintenance costs are significantly lower, as they have less parts.  

Furthermore, as the technology continues to evolve, this is going to help bring down the overall cost of an electric vehicle. In the meantime, due to the surge in electric vehicles over the past few years, more are making their way to the second-hand market. This makes them more affordable for those on a tighter budget.  

Lack of consumer education

Electric vehicles are still a relatively new technology and although early adopters have helped pave the way, there is still a lot of confusion and misconceptions in the consumer sphere. In fact, in a recent study of 1000 motorists, 72% of respondents cited ‘uncertainty’ and ‘confusion’, particularly around things like cost, range and how to charge, as being the main reasons why they were delaying purchasing an electric vehicle. 

As the market evolves however, the information is becoming easier to access, with electric vehicle purchase and charging guides becoming more frequent. The rise in popularity of YouTube channels such as Fully Charged, also helps to feed consumer appetite. 

So while owning your first EV may initially seem quite daunting, after you’ve experienced your first charging session and long journey, many EV drivers agree that the challenges of owning an electric vehicle massively decrease. If you still have concerns, you may find joining an EV forum beneficial or check out this handy guide from Zap Map.

Want to learn more?

Electrifying Discussions: Why should I buy an electric vehicle?

Why buy a charger for your home?