If you're a fleet manager with a number of business drivers pushing back against EV adoption, you're not alone. FleetWise is here to arm you with the facts to make a compelling case about why electric vehicles can work for the driver, the company and the environment.
Both here in the UK, and abroad, EVs are becoming more popular and accessible, with more models available and government grants and tax-incentives to help with costs. Add in EV performance and you have a situation where independent research shows that fewer than one-in-10 EV drivers would ever revert back to ICE-powered vehicles.
Of course, EVs aren't yet perfect for every situation, but as technology advances at startling pace, the gaps are quickly being filled.
Here are the most common issues, and the factual responses.
1. EVs are too expensive
40% of used EVs cost under £20,000, with some listed for less than £2000. Many have low mileage. Even high-mileage EVs, like a Tesla with 500,000 miles, show minimal battery degradation, proving long-term reliability.
There are also 30+ new EVs priced under £30,000 on offer in the UK. While new EVs can cost more than petrol cars, incentives help. Used five-year-old EVs, like the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe, offer good value, especially when considering running costs.
2. They're no cheaper than petrol or diesel cars to run
Home charging can save you up to £1500 a year. It’s cheaper than public charging and avoids petrol stations altogether. Most EV drivers charge overnight at home with rates as low as 7p/kWh - Octopus) – so, they enjoy savings on fuel, tax and snacks!
3. I'll have problems charging on the go
There are over 80,000 public chargers in the UK, including 16,000+ rapid ones. Speeds vary by location, but some EV and charger combinations can add 150 miles in just 15 minutes. Chargers are common on streets, at car parks and motorway services. Public charging can be as expensive as refuelling an ICE car, so use an app like Zapmap to find the best charging locations.
4. The batteries don't last long and cost a fortune to replace
All EVs come with an eight-year battery warranty. Most lose just 1 to 2% capacity annually. Data from Tesla and Volkswagen shows batteries retain over 90% of range after 7 to 10 years. Fewer moving parts also means fewer repairs over time.
5. EV range isn't sufficient
The average EV range is around 230 miles. Most UK drivers travel just 127 miles weekly, so one charge lasts nearly two weeks. A full charge can easily cover typical commutes and shopping trips, or even longer journeys of two hours or more.
6. EVs are dirtier than ICE cars over their lifetime
EVs emit around a third of the lifetime greenhouse gases of petrol cars. Replacing an old car with an EV benefits the climate after 20,000 to 32,000 miles. Hybrid vehicles can also reduce your carbon footprint.
7. Chances are it'll burst into flames
EVs are significantly less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars. Data from Sweden and Australia confirms that battery fires are extremely rare. Global EV fire rates remain low, with most incidents linked to external causes, not battery faults.
