Myths and misconceptions about electric cars and EV charging are prevalent among UK drivers who have already made the switch, a new study reveals.

Cox Automotive’s new EV Adoption And Perceptions Report surveyed the attitudes of more than 2,000 UK drivers and reveals that a quarter (25%) believe that they can’t charge their car in the rain, when in reality, it is no different to charging in any other weather conditions.

With an average of 159 days of rain in the UK every year, this myth could be costing some drivers nearly half of their potential charging days.

Other major misconceptions seen among EV drivers include 26% who believe that you have to charge an EV every night regardless of how much you drive it. Official guidance actually recommends setting a daily charge target of 80-90% and to only charge to 100% before long drives.

Meanwhile, 27% believe a battery only lasts two years before needing to be replaced. Most batteries are engineered for reliability across a long service life. Today, most manufacturers offer battery warranties for up to eight years.

And a fifth (21%) of EV drivers believed that EVs are more likely to catch fire compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. That’s despite the fact that EV fires are actually less frequent than petrol or diesel vehicles.

Myths in the EV sector have long been held responsible for blocking drivers from making the switch. But misconceptions are also rampant among those who have made the switch. Although Cox Automotive’s study found 95% of EV drivers said they’d stay electric for their next car purchase, these myths could be holding them back from the optimal driving experience.

Paul Humphreys, managing director – retail at Cox Automotive Europe, said: “It is surprising to see how many EV drivers still hold onto myths, even after making the switch. This highlights a critical education gap that we as an industry need to step up to address. Every stakeholder with a stake in the transition to electric transport has a role to play in this.”

Cox Automotive has launched its EV hub, not only to educate consumers but also to give its retailer network the tools to communicate the realities about EV ownership more effectively.

The Government has also launched new campaign this week to spotlights the savings and benefits of going electric. Dubbed ‘Get that electric feeling’, the initiative runs across TV, radio and digital outlets and shows how drivers can save money off new car purchase costs through the Electric Car Grant, while also benefiting from saving up to £1,400 on annual fuel and maintenance costs compared to ICE vehicles. The Department for Transport initiative also highlights the UK’s growing 87,000-strong charging network.

Cox Automotive’s new EV Adoption And Perceptions Report is online here.