Is it safe to go through a car wash? Exploring the myths EV drivers have to dispel

Michael Pullan, Senior Communications Manager

07557 619446

michael.pullan@britishgas.co.uk

Research from British Gas has revealed the top 10 questions electric vehicle (EV) drivers get asked – topped by 'how long does it take to charge the battery’ and ‘is it a lot slower than a petrol or diesel vehicle?’

A poll of 500 EV drivers found half (51%) get bombarded with questions once they reveal they drive a battery powered vehicle – with some being asked if ‘do you have to plan your journeys more carefully now?’

When quizzed on the myths associated with driving an EV, nearly eight in 10 (78 per cent) admitted to believing a misconception before owning one – which they now know not to be true.

There being too many different sockets on vehicles (39 per cent) and the electricity grid not being able to cope if everyone charged their car at once (34%) were among the common ones they believed before ditching fuel vehicles.

Others believed that EVs cannot travel far distances (37 per cent) and that they take a long time to charge (34%).

Henry Duff, head of net zero at British Gas, said: “EV adoption levels continue to rocket as more drivers realise the full potential of making the switch to electric.

"Yet, as demand for EVs intensifies, we must ensure that the UK’s charging network is ready for drivers to access reliable, convenient and easy to operate charge points. If we’re not careful, we could stall the good progress made to encourage more motorists to adopt EVs.”

When talking about EV drivers’ habits behind the wheel, the vast majority (82 per cent) will typically drive slower than the speed limit to save energy.

Of these, the average driver reduces their speed by 15 per cent – compared to when they drove a diesel or petrol car.

While a third (37 per cent) say they are now more aware of how many miles it takes to reach a destination because of their eco-friendly car.

More than one in three (35 per cent) keep the battery between 20 to 80 per cent charged, and a third (34 per cent) will plan their journey more meticulously to include charging stops.

Passengers who get in an EV for the first time react differently when they turn the car on without it making a sound, claimed eight in 10 (82 per cent).

According to the OnePoll study, seven in ten (73 per cent) EV drivers believe people assume they have lots of disposable income because they own an electric vehicle.

While many have adapted their attitudes towards electric vehicles over the years, it is interesting to discover how those behind the wheel have revised how they actually drive.

Henry Duff added: “Switching to an EV requires a change in mindset from the way you drive, to how you refuel and maintain the vehicle. Driving at a slower speed is a common habit newly converted EV drivers adopt –this help to keep the energy consumption low, boosts the battery’s range and allows you to go further for longer. 

“Many motorists will still be wary about making the change from petrol to electric, which is why it is so important that policy makers continue to make the transition to electric seamless by accelerating the roll out of the UKs charging infrastructure and providing incentives to make EVs affordable and accessible to all.”

TOP 20 COMMON QUESTIONS EV DRIVERS GET ASKED:

1. Do you charge your car at home?
2. How long does it take to charge the battery?
3. Have you ever not been able to find anywhere to charge your car?
4. Do you ever worry about the battery dying on you whilst driving?
5. Do you find you have to plan your journeys more carefully now?
6. Can you plug the power cable into a normal three-pin plug socket?
7. Is it fiddly to charge?
8. Does the car move slower when there is less battery?
9. Is it a lot slower than a traditionally-fuelled vehicle?
10. Who would you call if your car broke down? E.g. an emergency service such as the AA
11. Do you just not go on long car journeys anymore?
12. Do you continue to pay for electricity if the car is charging even when the battery is full?
13. Is it safe to go through a car wash?
14. Can people hear you better outside the car because there’s no engine noise? E.g. singing loudly, when on call?
15. Do you need a different driving license to own one?
16. Does it still need an MOT?
17. Can you still charge your car even if it’s raining?
18. Do you need to replace your battery every five years?
19. Which size batteries do they take?
20. Can you drive your car in the rain?