Debunking EV Myths with Hyundai Kidderminster & Hyundai Stourbridge

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, but there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions that can make drivers hesitate. Are EVs really expensive to run? Will Hydrogens really displace EVs? Can they handle long journeys?

At Hyundai Kidderminster & Hyundai Stourbridge, we’re here to separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re considering making the switch or just curious about how EVs work, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you see why electric driving is the future.

Myth 1

“EVs Regularly Catch Fire”

One of the biggest misconceptions about electric vehicles is that they frequently catch fire. In reality, the data tells a very different story.

  • In the UK, only 0.24% of car fires involve an EV.
  • Petrol and diesel (ICE) vehicles are 20 times more likely to catch fire than EVs.
  • In Sweden it was found that out of 611,000 vehicle fires, only 23 were EVs.

EV battery technology is designed with multiple safety layers, and strict regulations ensure they meet the highest safety standards.

Electric Vehicle Myth Busting
Electric Vehicle Myth Busting

Myth 2

“EVs Pollute More Than ICE Cars”

EVs Pay Off Carbon Debt Quickly and Are Cleaner Over Their Lifespan.

It’s a common misconception that electric vehicles (EVs) contribute more to pollution than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. In reality, EVs pay off their carbon debt within just 11,000 miles of driving. After that point, their full life cycle CO2 emissions are three times lower than the average ICE vehicle.

Over their lifetime, EVs produce far fewer emissions, thanks to their energy-efficient electric motors and the increasing use of renewable energy sources to charge them.

Myth 3

“The Electricity Grid Won’t Cope”

EVs Could Actually Support the Grid. A common concern is whether the electricity grid can handle the increased demand. However, the reality is that EVs have the potential to support the grid not just draw from it.

With the ability to store energy, EVs can store excess electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind during off-peak times. Then, in times of high demand, EVs can return that stored energy to the grid, helping to balance supply and demand and improve grid stability.

Electric Vehicle Myth Busting
Electric Vehicle Myth Busting

Myth 4

“EVs Cost More to Maintain”

One of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the significantly lower maintenance costs. While a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) car has around 2,000 moving parts, an EV has only 20 moving parts -a huge difference!

With fewer parts to wear out or break, EV owners don’t need to worry about costly maintenance tasks such as changing spark plugs, replacing oil, servicing timing belts or chains, fixing exhaust systems, or replacing clutch components. Plus, there are no air or fuel filters to change.

When you factor in the reduced need for maintenance, the total ownership cost of an EV is often significantly lower than that of an ICE vehicle.

Myth 5

“EVs Lose More Range Than ICE Cars in Winter”

It's true that cold weather can impact the range of any vehicle, whether electric or combustion-powered. In winter, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars can lose up to 20% of their range on shorter trips due to the inefficiency of their engines in low temperatures, thicker fluids, and the need for extra power to heat the cabin.

EVs also experience range loss in colder conditions, but the good news is that the latest EV models are equipped with heat pumps that help warm the battery more efficiently. This technology helps minimize range loss in low temperatures, ensuring that the vehicle maintains better performance in the winter months..

So, while both ICE and EVs experience some range loss in the winter, the gap is smaller than many think.

Electric Vehicle Myth Busting
Electric Vehicle Myth Busting

Myth 6

“EVs Run out of Power and Break Down”

Only 2% of breakdowns reported by the AA last year were due to an EV running out of charge. Interestingly, the majority of breakdown calls (45%) were for issues like punctures and problems with the 12v battery—the same common issues faced by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

With advances in charging infrastructure and more efficient battery management systems, EVs are just as reliable as traditional vehicles. So, the idea that EVs are prone to running out of power and breaking down is simply a myth.

Myth 7

“EVs Have a Short Range”

The idea that electric vehicles (EVs) have a short range is quickly becoming outdated. The average real-world range of an EV in the UK is now around 219 miles -plenty for daily use. In fact, the average UK driver only covers between 6 and 10 miles per day.

This means that for around 95% of the journeys we make, an EV has more than enough range to get us where we need to go. So, whether you're commuting, running errands, or going on a road trip, an EV is more than capable of handling your travel needs.

Electric Vehicle Myth Busting
Electric Vehicle Myth Busting

The Biggest Myth of All: "We Only Sell Electric Cars"

With a name like All Electric Hyundai, we understand why people might think we only sell electric vehicles. But that’s not the case!

Our name actually comes from having the first electric petrol station back in 1917. While we’re proud to offer electric vehicles, we also provide a full range of petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars, at Hyundai Kidderminster and Hyundai Stourbridge.

So, whether you’re looking for a traditional petrol or diesel model, a hybrid for the best of both worlds, or a fully electric vehicle, we have something for everyone. Visit us today and find the right Hyundai for you!

While there are still some misconceptions about electric vehicles, the facts show that they offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. With their lower maintenance needs, growing charging infrastructure, and impressive range, EVs are increasingly becoming a practical choice for everyday driving.

As technology continues to improve, the advantages of owning an EV are only becoming more apparent. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right option for your needs - and for many, an electric vehicle is a great fit for the future of driving. If you would like to find out more about electric vehicles, please don't hesitate to contact us!

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