Electric Car Myths: Are They Really Expensive, Lacking in Range, and Difficult to Charge?

Registrations of electrified vehicles (100% electric + plug-in hybrids) have surged by 45.1% in the first quarter, reaching 44,903 units, according to data from the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE) and the National Association of Vehicle Sellers (GANVAM).

In an analysis by vehicle type, registrations of 100% electric cars continue to rise with a 93.4% increase in March, totalling 8,314 units. So far this year, they have risen by 69.1%, reaching 19,733 units.

Meanwhile, registrations of electric mopeds fell by more than 45% last month, down to 131 units. However, by March, they had grown by over 4%, reaching 539 registered units.

Despite this significant progress, numerous obstacles still stand in the way of those who doubt the suitability of these types of vehicles. Some of the drawbacks are true, but there are also many myths that have little to do with reality, especially those related to consumption, price, or the difficulty of charging a plug-in vehicle.

To address some of the doubts raised, Arval Consulting has produced the white paper 'Electric Vehicles for Fleets: Dispelling the Myths Around EVs', which tackles the main false beliefs the public holds about electric vehicles.

Firstly, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles is 10% lower than that of internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids. Electric vehicles often have higher initial costs, although this gap is narrowing. Government incentives and the falling price of batteries can further improve this situation; however, the real driver for electrification is the long-term benefits of electric vehicles: lower operating costs and environmental footprint.

Electric vehicles offer savings due to their lower energy costs (42% and 21% lower than petrol and hybrid vehicles, respectively), maintenance (combustion vehicles have 66% higher service, maintenance, and repair costs, while in hybrids this cost is 49% higher), and operational expenses.

Regarding range, thanks to battery improvements, the development of charging infrastructure, and optimisation through telematics, current range limitations are easily overcome. The current average range of electric vehicles covers the vast majority of fleet operations. Telematics systems provide real-time data on battery status, range, and driving patterns, allowing energy consumption to be controlled based on payload, driving habits, and weather conditions. This means vehicle use can be precisely planned according to needs, increasing operational efficiency across the board.

Charging infrastructure is improving, with the European Union increasing from 172,000 charging points in 2020 to 821,000 in 2024. Additionally, charging times are becoming faster, with less vehicle downtime. On the other hand, charging points now offer simplified payment options. Charging points at employees' homes or in the office are becoming a strategic investment for many companies. According to data from the Arval Mobility Observatory, 19% of organisations surveyed in the EU have chargers on company premises, and another 32% plan to install charging points in the next 12 months. For another 22%, companies subsidise the installation of home chargers.

Another myth concerns the potential rapid wear of batteries. However, in this regard, after their first cycle of use, many electric vehicles not only remain functional but continue to perform well. On average, electric vehicles resold by Arval still have 93% of their original battery capacity. Arval's study indicates that modern electric vehicle batteries degrade by an average of 1.7% annually, meaning that after 7 years, they will still have more than 85% of their State-Of-Health (SOH). At 200,000 km, the average SOH remains close to 90%.

Throughout their lifecycle, an electric vehicle emits approximately half the carbon dioxide of a combustion vehicle: between 19.7 and 21.7 tonnes of CO2, compared to an average of 41.9 tonnes in combustion vehicles. The energy mix plays a crucial role, but even in countries with a high-carbon energy mix, electric vehicles still produce fewer emissions over their lifetime. The higher emissions from battery production are offset by the lower operational emissions of the vehicle from 18,000 km onwards, according to EU data on cars purchased in 2022.

A final myth debunked is the impossibility of electrifying commercial fleets. With recent developments in battery technology, the wide variety of models, and improvements in charging infrastructure, the adoption of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) is not only possible but increasingly practical. Moreover, fleet electrification is one of the most effective ways to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with regulatory standards.

Many light commercial vehicles operate within predictable daily routes of 200 to 300 km, which are within the capabilities of electric commercial vehicles. By analysing and understanding usage patterns, fleet managers can plan charging schedules.

For a smooth transition, operational needs must be carefully assessed to determine the most suitable vehicles for each use case, whether electric vehicles, PHEVs, or sometimes internal combustion vehicles, and seek leasing contracts that align with their financial and operational objectives. Charging needs should also be considered, the total cost of ownership analysed, and phased implementation planned, starting with the simplest use cases.