Drivers need to look beyond the myths on electric cars to see the clear benefits that switching to an EV can bring.

Fleet Evolution says the Kia e-Niro is a game-changer

So says green employee car schemes provider Fleet Evolution as it warns that outdated views on cost, charging and range could be deterring some drivers from exploring EVs further.

Managing director Andrew Leech said that countless ‘experts’ relate lack of consumer demand and high cost of acquisition as delaying take up, however the reality couldn’t be more different.

“New product such as the Hyundai Kona or Kia e-Niro are real game changers, but media still relay stats that are five years out of date! From a demand perspective we sold out of all of our 2019 e-Niro allocation in three days with most other suppliers selling out within the week,” he said.

“From a cost perspective, electric cars covering 250 miles are on the market for a similar cost to a top-spec Focus, bringing much lower monthly costs when coupled with strong resales and packaged as salary sacrifice. All this and just £100 a year for a year’s electricity to drive 10,000 miles.”

Leech added that concerns over range anxiety are outdated: “Yes, five years ago 80 miles was typical but today 250 miles is easily achievable. We surveyed our customers and 92% will only cover journeys of more than 250 miles four times a year. For anyone with a drive or garage the simple fact is electric cars are more convenient then petrol or diesel, you have all the infrastructure you will ever need.”

His comments come just weeks after Arval said that the persistent belief that pure electric vehicles are only suitable for low annual mileage needs to be overturned.

According to head of consulting Shaun Sadlier, the myth that EVs are not a suitable choice for drivers covering more than a few thousand miles a year is still frequently bandied around but is untrue.

Meanwhile, newly published figures from Shoreham Vehicle Auctions show that used demand for electric cars and vans is swiftly accelerating, resulting in stronger residual values.

The Energy Saving Trust is also promoting the benefits of electric cars to second-hand buyers as it highlights the cost and CO2 savings.

The comments from Fleet Evolution build on its ongoing work to advocate EVs; the firm last year was awarded Go Ultra Low Company status, in recognition of how it has opened its own vehicle fleet to plug-in cars and its commitment to boost uptake of plug-in vehicles over the coming years.

To encourage EV take-up across the board, the company is now offering free workplace charge points for any company ordering three electric cars or more.