There are still a lot of myths floating around about electric vehicles.

EVs catch fire more often. The batteries only last a few years. You can't take one on a long journey. The grid will never cope if everyone switches.

You've probably heard at least one of them before. But how much truth is actually behind them?

Here are six of the most common EV myths and what the facts really tell us.

Myth 1: EV batteries only last a few years

One of the biggest concerns around buying an EV, particularly a used one, is that the battery will soon need replacing.

In reality, EV batteries are designed to last for many years.

Most manufacturers offer lengthy battery warranties, commonly around eight years or 100,000 miles. Like any battery, an EV battery will gradually lose some capacity over time, but that doesn't mean it suddenly stops working.

Even with some degradation, an EV battery can continue to provide plenty of usable range.

So, if you're considering a second-hand EV, battery health is certainly something worth checking. But an older EV doesn't automatically mean an expensive battery replacement is around the corner.

Myth 2: EVs are much more expensive to run

The upfront cost of an electric car can still be higher than an equivalent petrol or diesel model, but that doesn't necessarily mean it costs more to run.

Where you charge makes a big difference.

Public charging prices vary considerably. Rapid motorway chargers tend to be among the more expensive options, while slower destination chargers can offer better value.

That's one of the reasons having charging available where people are already stopping is so useful. A driver can top up at a hotel, pub, attraction or other destination rather than relying solely on rapid chargers during their journey.

So while there's no single figure for how much an EV costs to run, the idea that driving electric is automatically more expensive doesn't tell the whole story.

Myth 3: You'll spend hours waiting for your car to charge

It's true that charging an EV takes longer than filling a petrol or diesel tank.

But that comparison misses an important difference.

EV charging often happens while the car isn't being used.

At home, your car can charge while you sleep. At work, it can charge while you're in the office. At a hotel, pub, restaurant or visitor attraction, it can charge while you're enjoying your visit.

For longer journeys, rapid chargers can provide a useful top-up while you stop for a coffee, something to eat or simply take a break.

The aim isn't necessarily to make charging as fast as filling a petrol tank. It's to make charging fit naturally around the things you're already doing.

Myth 4: EVs catch fire all the time

Videos of electric vehicle fires tend to attract plenty of attention online, which can create the impression that EVs are particularly prone to catching fire.

However, there's an important distinction between how difficult a fire can be to deal with and how likely that fire is to happen in the first place.

Lithium-ion battery fires can present different challenges for emergency services when they occur. But current evidence doesn't suggest that EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles.

Like any vehicle, an EV carries some fire risk. The idea that they're regularly bursting into flames simply isn't an accurate picture of everyday EV ownership.

Myth 5: The electricity grid won't cope with everyone driving an EV

Another common concern is that the UK's electricity grid couldn't possibly handle millions of electric vehicles charging at the same time.

But the transition to electric vehicles isn't happening overnight, and the electricity system is adapting alongside it.

It's also unlikely that every EV will need to charge at exactly the same time.

Smart charging allows vehicles to charge when electricity demand is lower. For drivers charging at home, this can also mean taking advantage of cheaper overnight electricity tariffs.

As EV adoption continues, smarter charging and energy management will become increasingly important in balancing demand across the network.

Future technologies such as vehicle-to-grid charging could go a step further by allowing EV batteries to return electricity to the grid when required.

Myth 6: EVs aren't practical for long journeys

Electric vehicles can require a little more planning on a long journey than petrol or diesel cars, particularly when deciding where to stop and charge.

But that doesn't make long-distance EV travel impractical.

Modern EVs can cover significant distances before needing to stop, while rapid charging infrastructure means drivers can add range during a normal journey break.

If you're travelling several hundred miles, chances are you'll want to stop at some point anyway.

The experience will depend on the vehicle, route and available charging infrastructure. But the idea that EVs are only suitable for short trips around town is increasingly outdated.

The reality of driving electric

Some EV misconceptions have their roots in genuine limitations of earlier electric vehicles - ranges were shorter, charging infrastructure was more limited, charging speeds were slower, there were fewer vehicles to choose from.

The technology and infrastructure have moved on considerably, but perceptions haven't always moved at the same speed.

There's still plenty of work to be done as the UK transitions towards electric transport, particularly when it comes to making charging convenient and accessible.

That's where destination charging has an important role to play.

Rather than making charging a separate task, businesses can allow drivers to charge while they're already parked. That could be during an overnight hotel stay, a meal at a pub, a round of golf or a day at a visitor attraction.

For drivers, it's one less charging stop to think about. For venues, it's an additional service for a growing number of EV-driving customers.

At voltshare, we help businesses install and manage simple pay-as-you-go EV charging, with no monthly fees and 24/7 UK driver support. If you're considering EV charging for your business, get in touch with our team to explore what's right for your site.