From battery replacement to range anxiety – busting the biggest EV myths
Misconceptions around EVs could slow the electric transition, here Chris Chandler, principal consultant at Lex Autolease, dispels some of the most common
The shift to net zero is gaining momentum across the UK, and electric vehicles (EVs) are central to that journey, with the latest SMMT data showing that in August over a quarter of all new cars sold were electric.
Despite the rising number of EVs on our roads and major investments in charging infrastructure, myths persist – from poor battery longevity to reliability concerns. These misconceptions risk slowing the transition to cleaner, greener transport.
A recent study from BYD UK found that many drivers still mistakenly believe EVs need gearboxes or that they wear out faster than petrol or diesel cars.
At Lex Autolease – one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing provider – we work closely with thousands of businesses making the switch to electric. This gives us real world operational insight into EV performance at scale.
So let’s set the record straight. Here are three of the biggest myths and the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: EV batteries need replacing after a few years
This myth is particularly stubborn and one of the most inaccurate.
Modern EV batteries are designed for longevity. In the UK, every new EV comes with a minimum standard eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% capacity during that period and many perform well beyond it. Thanks to advances in battery chemistry and better thermal management systems, modern EV battery packs are designed to last longer than the vehicle itself.
Need proof? Take the nine-year-old Tesla Model S that we drove in the 2024 GreenFleet EV Rally, with over 250,000 miles on the clock, for example. It completed a 1,500-mile journey without a hitch – still running on its original battery, motors and drivetrain. Tesla’s own data shows batteries retain around 88% of their capacity even after 200,000 miles.
These aren’t hypotheticals, they’re real-world results that show how robust EV batteries truly are.
Myth 2: EVs cost more to maintain
Based on actual maintenance figures from three- and four-year lease terms, EVs are 27% to 37% cheaper to maintain than their petrol or diesel equivalents. That’s a potential saving of up to £1,400 over a four-year lease.
Why the difference? EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil changes and reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
A report by Tusker similarly shows that EVs are between 14% to 32% cheaper to service than traditional cars.
When accounting for operating costs, EVs frequently prove the more cost-effective choice over a typical lease term.
Myth 3: EV drivers are constantly getting stranded
Most new EVs now offer around 275 miles per charge, with high-end models topping 400. Our own EV fleet averages just under 300 miles, comfortably above the distance of 99% of UK journeys, which are under 100 miles.
As for those feared breakdowns? Our data shows that ‘out of charge’ issues accounted for just 1.85% of EV callouts in 2024 – barely above the 1% of fuel-related callouts for petrol and diesel. With better public charging and smarter route planning, drivers are adapting quickly and range anxiety is fading.
The road ahead
The EV landscape is evolving rapidly. Market forces are phasing out early-generation models. Charging infrastructure is expanding. Battery tech is improving. And the real-world performance of EVs continues to outshine outdated assumptions.
But to unlock the full potential of electric transport, we need to keep challenging myths with facts. Public discourse must shift away from fear and focus on the tangible progress being made.
The data is clear – and the case for EV adoption is only getting stronger. It’s time we left the myths behind.
