EVs: Facts vs Fiction

At a recent networking event, I was chatting about Net Zero and electric vehicles (EVs). Someone raised a few common concerns they’d heard:

• EVs cause more potholes than normal cars

• EVs are restricted in multi-storey car parks because of their weight

• EVs can’t be parked close together as there’s a risk of chain-reaction fires

These are interesting points – but are they facts or fiction? Let’s look closer.

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Fiction 1: EVs cause more potholes

It’s true that electric vehicles are often heavier than petrol or diesel equivalents, mainly due to the battery. On average, an EV might weigh 200–500 kg more.

But do they really make potholes worse? Road damage is much more affected by HGVs and buses, where axle loads are many times greater. In fact, one heavy lorry does more road damage than thousands of cars, EV or not. EVs may marginally add to wear compared to lighter cars, but they’re not the real culprit behind Britain’s pothole problem.

Fact check: Heavy vehicles damage roads, but EVs are not a major factor compared to HGVs.

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Fiction 2: EVs are banned in multi-storey car parks

This myth comes from the weight issue again. While EVs are heavier, modern multi-storey car parks are designed with a large safety margin in their structural load. Some very old car parks may impose restrictions, but this is rare and usually aimed at all heavy vehicles, not just EVs.

For perspective: a large EV SUV weighs around 2.5 tonnes. But many petrol SUVs are close to this too – think Range Rover or BMW X7. If they can park, so can EVs.

Fact check: No widespread ban – multi-storeys can handle EVs just like other heavy cars.

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Fiction 3: EVs risk chain-reaction fires

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged or poorly managed, and EV fires are difficult to extinguish. But the data shows they are no more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars – in fact, the risk per vehicle is lower.

The concern about chain-reaction explosions in car parks is largely exaggerated. Fire services have updated procedures for electric vehicle fires, and manufacturers design vehicles with multiple safety systems to prevent thermal runaway.

Fact check: Such fires are rare. Petrol cars still account for the vast majority of car fires on UK roads.

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Other Myths Worth Busting

• Myth: EV batteries don’t last – Most batteries now come with 8-year warranties and retain 70–80% capacity well beyond that.

• Myth: EVs are just as polluting as petrol cars – Multiple life cycle studies show electric vehicles have lower emissions over their lifetime, even after accounting for battery production.

• Myth: The grid can’t cope with EVs – Smart charging and off-peak charging reduce pressure. Grid operators are confident in managing electric vehicle charging demand.

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The Facts and Benefits

While there are valid concerns to address (battery recycling, charging infrastructure, rare earth mining), the benefits are clear:

• Zero tailpipe emissions – cleaner air in towns and cities.

• Cheaper running costs – especially when charged off-peak.

• Lower carbon footprint – particularly as the grid decarbonises.

• Quiet, smooth drive – better experience for drivers and passengers.

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Conclusion

Electric vehicles aren’t perfect, but neither were petrol cars when they first arrived on the roads. Myths tend to fill the gaps when new technology challenges the status quo.

The truth? EVs are a vital part of the journey to Net Zero – not the full solution, but a big step forward.

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