In this, the third in a series of articles, exclusive to Automechanika’s auto:resource, I will continue to dispel some of the myths and clear up the FUD around EVs! You may not agree with everything I say, and that’s fine, I may even be wrong – so let’s debate.
If you haven’t yet read them, catch up on Part 1 and Part 2
Below, I have presented some claims and issues as statements or questions – and then either agreed or shown them to be untrue. I will also look at some of the genuine issues that need to be solved.
Too quiet
The first claim is that electric cars are too quiet, and that this will create a higher number of accidents on the road.
Accident statistics show this is not the currently the case, but it is a good point and one that should be considered. Once an EV is doing about 12mph it makes about the same noise as ICE, but low speed sound generation may still be needed, and could become mandatory. It is already an option in many cars.
They catch fire
They can catch fire particularly while fast charging, often they are unattended while doing so.
Attended or unattended, there is not much you can do about a car fire other than dial 999. It is not true that EVs catch fire while fast charging any more than a petrol fuelled car catches fire while filling up. Of course, if it can go wrong it will go wrong (Murphy’s Law), but an EV is less likely to catch fire than an ICE car. The alternative rumour is pure FUD!
Just a thought experiment here: If you had to be in a car that caught fire, what type would you choose? I’d go for the EV.
Too expensive
At the time of writing (early 2021) EV showroom prices are more expensive than the ICE version. However, when you consider the fuel costs there could be a different argument. Let’s take a relatively low mileage as an example: Average care consumption is about 5 litres for 100km (Source: RAC). A car that does 1000 miles (1600km) per month will use about 80 litres of fuel, which at £1.30, gives an annual cost of about £1250. An equivalent EV cost would be about £125. Over the course of 5 years this saves over £5500.
I accept this is a ‘back of a cigarette packet’ calculation, but this level of saving can definitely offset the additional purchase cost of an EV. We could factor in congestion charges and reduced servicing costs too.
But is the future about cars being the same as they are now? Standard four-door saloons for example. I think we may end using small EVs for day to day use that will have a realistic range of say 100 miles, and perhaps hire an ICE for the long journeys? The Citroen Ami has a 44-mile range but could this type of car (well actually, a quadricycle!) be the future?
EVs are maintenance free – or are they?
There seem to be two main opinions out there about pure EV servicing. One is that it will be no different from ICE servicing and the other that hardly any servicing will be required. Both suggestions are wrong.
Servicing and repairs will be needed but it is much reduced on an EV simply because of the reduced number of moving parts. Here is a broadly typical annual list but of course all manufacturers schedules will vary:
- Check the coolant level(s) for the battery, heater, inverter and charger (examples only)
- Visually check for fluid leaks
- Inspect high voltage components for security and damage (fraying for example)
- Inspect the brakes (arguably more important as they are used less)
- Visually inspect the steering, suspension, and chassis components
- Inspect the power steering, halfshafts and drive shafts for excessive wear, leaks, or damage
- Check the supplementary restraint system
- Lubricate body components (door locks, hinges)
- Check the accelerator pedal for damage, high effort or binding
- Check the tyre sealant expiration date, or the spare tyre
These items are less frequent:
- Replace the pollen filter (frequency will depend on conditions)
- Drain and fill the vehicle coolant system
- Replace the brake fluid
Some cars will have lubricants that will need changing at certain mileages.
EVs as a service
We have discussed EV servicing, now how about EVs as a service? How many of us have an expensive smartphone that we would not have bought except for the enticing contract that tied us in for three years or whatever?
What about if we could get an EV in the same way? For an agreed monthly contract payment, we would get at no additional cost:
- The car!
- Charging at certain stations
- Charging at home
- Servicing
- MOT
- Software updates
- Breakdown service
- Data connection – and a free phone!
I am sure there are more things to add but it is food for thought.