Heading
Close X
Menu
Welcome back to the third instalment of our series, "EV Myths: Charging Up the Truth"! Over the past few weeks, we've been tackling the common misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) with a healthy dose of facts and data.
In this part, we're diving into the long-term ownership costs, range anxiety, and the sustainability of battery materials. Let's plug into the final truths.
EV MYTH #7: EVs are expensive to maintain due to complex battery technology.
This couldn't be further from the truth! In reality, EVs have significantly fewer moving parts compared to their combustion engine counterparts. Think around 20 in an EV versus over 2,000 in a traditional car. This fundamental difference translates directly to lower maintenance costs.
Without the need for spark plugs, oil changes, timing belts or chains, exhausts, particulate filters, or clutches, the total cost of ownership for an EV is demonstrably less than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
Real-world data backs this up:
The Truth: EVs are cheaper to maintain than ICE cars due to their simpler mechanical structure and the elimination of many common wear-and-tear components.
EV MYTH #8: EVs have limited real-world range, making them impractical for most drivers.
Range anxiety is a common concern, but the reality of modern EVs is increasingly reassuring.
According to EV charging provider Gridserve, the average real-world range of an EV in the UK in 2023 was 219 miles. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)'s average figure is slightly higher at 236 miles. Importantly, this data suggests that the average UK motorist could potentially drive for two weeks on a single charge.
Furthermore, the latest EV models boast significantly improved battery chemistries and, consequently, much longer ranges. Examples include the Polestar 3 (claiming 379 miles), the Polestar 2 (406 miles), and the latest Tesla Model 3 (391 miles). The current UK range leader is the Mercedes EQS, with a claimed 458 miles on a single charge.
It's crucial to remember that these are official WLTP figures and, like fuel economy in combustion cars, real-world range can vary depending on driving style and temperature. However, research from Cap hpi indicates that EVs are now covering similar annual mileages as combustion cars, with only a small difference of 743 miles separating the average annual mileage of the two fuel types (8,292 miles for EVs vs. 9,035 for petrol and diesel). This increase in yearly EV mileage is a direct result of longer-range batteries and a continuously improving charging infrastructure.
The Truth: The average real-world range of EVs is substantial and growing, often exceeding the daily needs of most drivers. Longer-range models and expanding charging infrastructure are further alleviating range concerns.
EV MYTH #9: The world will run out of lithium and other critical minerals needed for EV batteries.
Concerns about the long-term availability of lithium and other battery materials are understandable. However, current data and future projections offer a more optimistic outlook.
A 2023 paper in Sustainability by Numbers reported that the world has known reserves of 88 million tonnes of lithium, stating that this is "enough for our electric vehicles, decades into the future." The report also highlighted that "known feasible lithium reserves" have seen a significant increase, rising from 4 million tonnes in 2008 to 22 million tonnes in 2020, as ongoing exploration continues to identify commercially viable deposits. Given the relatively recent focus on lithium exploration, the full extent of global reserves is still being uncovered.
Moreover, the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC)'s 2023 report indicates that advancements in battery designs and improved electrochemistry have already led to a 50% reduction in future cobalt needs in just five years. Notably, 50% of Teslas now utilise no cobalt, and nickel-free LFP batteries are increasingly common, now found in 40% of EVs (up from just 7% in 2019). The ETC also estimates that over 50% of lithium used in batteries could come from recycling by 2040.
It's also important to remember that cobalt isn't exclusive to EV batteries; it has been used in refining petrol and diesel for the past 25 years, as well as in batteries for phones, laptops, and tablets. Initiatives like The Fair Cobalt Alliance, which includes most of Europe and America's major car, computer, and chip manufacturers, are working to ensure that the cobalt used comes from audited sources that do not employ child labour.
Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in battery chemistries, particularly the development of solid-state batteries and the use of alternative materials like silicon in place of graphite, are expected to dramatically reduce the reliance on critical or rare earth minerals.
The Truth: Current lithium reserves are substantial, and ongoing exploration continues to identify new resources. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology and increasing recycling efforts are significantly reducing the reliance on critical minerals like cobalt.
The Road Ahead is Electric and Informed:
We hope this series is helping to clarify some of the most common myths surrounding electric vehicles. The evidence is clear: EVs offer a compelling and increasingly sustainable alternative to traditional combustion engine cars, with lower running costs, sufficient range for most drivers, and a future built on increasingly abundant and ethically sourced materials.
As the electric revolution continues to accelerate, staying informed with accurate data is crucial. At Renault Retail Group, we're committed to providing you with the knowledge you need to confidently embrace the future of driving. If you have any further questions about EVs, don't hesitate to reach out to our expert team. The electric road awaits!