Too Expensive, Limited Range? Debunking the Fears of Electric Cars

Electric mobility is gaining ground in Spain, yet it still faces preconceived notions that hinder its adoption. The market share of electric cars in Spain and Europe shows a significant difference.

Electrified vehicles (pure electric and plug-in hybrids) ended 2024 with a market share of 11.4%. ANFAC data for the first months of 2025 indicates an upward trend. For instance, in April 2025, electrified vehicles reached 16.2% of the total market for the month, and by April 2025, they represented 14.74% of the year's total.

Regarding their evolution in recent years, by the end of 2023, while Spain closed with a 12% share for electrified vehicles, the European average exceeded 21%.

In 2022 reports, ANFAC already indicated that Spain, with a 9.6% share of electrified vehicles, was far behind European leaders like Germany (31.4%), the United Kingdom (22.8%), or Portugal (21.7%).

These figures lead to questions such as: Are they too expensive? Is there a lack of infrastructure? Do they take too long to charge? A recent analysis by Driveco debunks the five most common myths about electric cars, showing that their present is much more promising than many believe.

While the initial purchase price may be higher, the long-term usage costs are significantly lower. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, maintenance is reduced, and there are incentives like the MOVES Plan, offering up to €7,000 in aid. Moreover, the range of affordable models is rapidly expanding; according to ANFAC, there are already 273 electrified models available in Spain.

The public charging infrastructure in Spain continues to grow. The latest data from AEDIVE (April 2025) records more than 43,500 public charging points, a network expanding in cities, tourist destinations, and main corridors. Current technology allows for real-time location of available chargers, facilitating journeys.

Technological advances have drastically shortened charging times. Ultra-fast chargers can recover up to 80% of the range in less than an hour, ideal for road stops. For daily use, most users charge their vehicles at home or work overnight, taking advantage of off-peak hours.

"Range anxiety" is a thing of the past. Most current electric vehicles exceed 300 kilometers on a single charge, more than enough for daily commutes. For long trips, good planning and the growing charging network make any journey possible without issues.

The capacity of the grid is a logical concern, but not an immediate obstacle. Much of the charging is done in a staggered manner, during low-demand hours, and smart solutions are being implemented to distribute the load efficiently. Electric system operators, including a major player buying energy directly from the wholesale market to offer competitive prices, are reinforcing infrastructures alongside the growth of the electric fleet.

Christian Revilla, Country Manager of Driveco in Spain, concludes that "there are fewer real barriers to switching to electric vehicles, but many perceptions remain anchored in the past. It's important to demystify electric mobility with clear and rigorous information, as its mass adoption is essential for moving towards more sustainable and efficient mobility." With these myths debunked, the electric car is solidifying not as a future promise, but as a present and accessible reality.