Common EV Myths Debunked

So we all know electric vehicles are growing in popularity as the world transitions to cleaner transportation but yet why do so many myths persist about their reliability? In DoneDeal headquarters we often hear about concerns on battery life, fears about charging infrastructure and general misinformation that is often just hearsay. Here, we debunk some of the most common myths about EVs and try to set the record straight.

Battery Health

One of the most widespread myths about EVs is that their batteries degrade quickly and require frequent replacement. In reality, modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Most EV manufacturers offer warranties covering battery packs for at least eight years or 160,000 kilometres, ensuring long-term durability. Advances in battery management systems (BMS) and cooling technologies have significantly improved battery longevity, with some studies showing that EV batteries lose only a small percentage of capacity over time. While degradation does occur, it is generally slow, meaning most drivers will never need a battery replacement during the vehicle's lifetime.

Battery Replacement

Another common concern is the cost and difficulty of replacing an EV battery. While early EVs did suffer from costly battery replacements, modern EVs feature more durable and efficient battery packs that rarely require full replacement. If a battery does need servicing, manufacturers increasingly offer modular repairs, replacing only the faulty cells instead of the entire pack. Furthermore, battery prices have been decreasing due to advancements in production and recycling methods, making replacements more affordable in the future.

Weather Related Performance

Many people believe that EVs perform poorly in cold weather, with drastic reductions in range and performance. While cold temperatures do affect battery efficiency, much like fuel economy drops in petrol and diesel cars during winter, modern EVs are designed to mitigate these effects. Features such as heat pumps, battery preconditioning, and regenerative braking help maintain range and performance. Additionally, while range may decrease in extreme cold, most daily commutes are well within an EV’s adjusted range, and public charging networks help alleviate concerns on longer trips. Scandinavian countries, where winters are harsh, have some of the highest EV adoption rates, demonstrating that EVs function well in cold climates when properly managed.

Possible Fire Hazard

Another persistent myth is that EVs are more prone to catching fire than conventional vehicles. While any vehicle with an energy storage system carries some fire risk, data shows that EVs are actually less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars. Battery fires do occur, but at a significantly lower rate than internal combustion engine fires, largely due to strict safety standards, thermal management systems, and crash-resistant battery designs. In the rare event of an EV fire, it does require different firefighting techniques, but emergency services worldwide are increasingly trained to handle such incidents safely.

Servicing Electric Vehicles

There is also a misconception that EVs require the same level of servicing as traditional petrol and diesel cars, leading to worries about maintenance costs. In fact, EVs have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, which means there is less that can go wrong. There are no oil changes, fewer fluids to replace, and minimal wear on braking systems thanks to regenerative braking. While some components, such as tyres and brake pads, still require maintenance, overall servicing costs for EVs tend to be significantly lower than their fossil-fuel counterparts.

Charging Infrastructure

A major concern in Ireland is the availability of charging infrastructure, with some believing it is insufficient to support widespread EV adoption. While it is true that Ireland’s charging network is still expanding, the situation is steadily improving. The government and private sector are investing in a more robust infrastructure, including high-speed charging hubs and residential charging incentives. Many EV owners charge their cars at home overnight, reducing reliance on public chargers. Additionally, with an increasing number of workplaces and shopping centres providing charging points, range anxiety is becoming less of an issue. As EV adoption grows, infrastructure development is continuing to accelerate to meet demand.

Conclusion

Despite these persistent myths, electric vehicles are proving to be a practical, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cars. As technology advances and infrastructure expands, the concerns surrounding EV ownership continue to diminish. DoneDeal believe by understanding the realities behind these common misconceptions, consumers can make more informed decisions about switching to an EV.