Myth number 03: EVs are slower than petrol and diesel cars and vans

However, there are still a number of common misconceptions surrounding EVs – commercial as well as domestic – that raise concerns.

Here, the National Grid busts some of the most common EV myths …

Myth No 03: EVs are slower than petrol and diesel cars and vans

Not true. Formula E racing is a great example of just how fast EVs can go. A typical Formula E car can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds – faster than most Ferraris. They can also reach top speeds of 200mph (322km/h), which is the equivalent of travelling from London to Edinburgh in just over two hours. Definitely no issues with slowness there.

For normal EVs outside the racing world, top speeds aren’t really any different to other cars, but they do accelerate quicker so can certainly ‘feel’ faster. This is because you get the maximum torque (leading to acceleration) from the minute you start rolling, whereas you need to ‘rev up’ an internal combustion engine car to get maximum power and torque.