Fully-electric vehicles make up just 1.5 percent of the overall UK car market as hesitant motorists seem hesitant to purchase the cars over traditional fuel types. According to Hippo Leasing, confusion over how electric vehicles work, whether they can be driven in the rain and how far they can actually go are among motorists prime concerns.
How long can you drive on a full charge?
A recent carwow study found just over one-third of motorists biggest worry about buying an electric car was the thought of being stranded and not able to top up the vehicle.
A recent Lex AutoLease survey also revealed 50 percent of motorists were concerned about access to charging facilities as many cables are based in urban locations.
HippoLeasing says electric car ranges can vary but many will offer a standard range of over 200 miles from just a single charge.
Tesla’s Model S has the highest range on the market at 375 miles with the Model 3 claiming to run for 350 miles.
READ MORE: Half of Brits would not buy an electric car
How long do batteries last?
According to HippoLeasing, an electric car will lose its battery life over a certain period of time.
The group says electric cars will lose about 2.3 percent of its range per year of use in a similar way to how smartphones lose performance after regular use.
HippoLeasing says rapid charging stations are more damaging to an electric vehicle battery than slower methods.
The super-fast rapid chargers can power a car in just 60 minutes but this slower charges of up to four hours out even 10 hours could protect the battery for longer.
Can you drive electric cars in heavy rain?
One of the biggest myths surrounding electric vehicles is whether they can be driven in the rain or through heavy floodwater,
According to HippoLeasing motorists can drive their cars through stormy weather or water as electric machines have no air intake and will not be affected if they are immersed in water.
Tom Preston said: “We’re all told from a young age not to mix electricity and water, but in this case, the rule doesn’t apply.
“Drivers are at no extra risk in a storm than if they owned a petrol or diesel car.”
A recent video from Jaguar showed one of the firm’s new I-Pace machines wading through deep flood water with ease.
A spokesperson for Jaguar said the car’s electric infrastructure is completely isolated and occupants are safe from damage or electrocution in extreme weather.