At AXA Car Insurance, we believe that debunking myths about electric vehicles (EVs) is essential to helping people make informed choices and accelerating the transition to sustainable transport. Misunderstandings around charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and battery life can deter potential EV owners. By clarifying these misconceptions, we can showcase the real benefits of EVs—like lower emissions, cost savings, and advanced technology.

Is it true there aren’t enough public charging stations?

The idea that Ireland lacks enough EV chargers is now outdated. With substantial annual growth in charger numbers, the country currently has over 2,100 public charging points, with more being added through significant government and private investment. This network includes fast and rapid chargers along motorways, in urban areas, and even in rural locations, ensuring widespread access. Additionally, the SEAI home charger grant allows drivers to install their own home chargers, making overnight top-ups convenient. Ireland’s EV infrastructure is continuously expanding and improving to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.

Is home charging complicated and expensive?

Charging an EV at home is both simple and cost-effective. By installing a home charger, drivers can plug in overnight, taking advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates and starting each day with a full battery. Home charging eliminates the need for public charging fees, which are often higher, making it an affordable long-term solution. Here are a few key tips:

· Hire a certified electrician experienced with EV charger installations.

· Choose a location close to your parking spot, ideally sheltered from rain, with easy cable access to your EV.

· Decide on the appropriate charger power (typically 7.4kW for home use) and consider features like WIFI connectivity or scheduling.

· Take advantage of the SEAI home charger installation grant to help reduce costs.

Does charging your EV take too long?

Charging times for EVs are getting faster as technology advances, making ownership more convenient than ever. Innovations in battery technology and the development of higher-power charging stations enable quicker charging. Many new EVs support DC fast charging, which allows drivers to charge up to 80% in under 25 minutes. And some manufacturers have even started to introduce 800V architecture that can top you up to 80% in as little as 15 minutes. Ultra-fast chargers delivering up to 200 kW are also becoming more common, reducing charging stops to the length of a quick break and making EV travel easier and more practical.

Does frequent charging damage the battery?

Regular charging doesn’t necessarily damage an EV battery, but frequent use of fast chargers can cause accelerated battery wear over time due to heat. EV batteries are designed to handle regular charging, especially at slower rates, like those from a home charger. Following best practices, such as avoiding frequent full charges (100%) or deep discharges (close to 0%), can help extend battery life. Most EVs come with battery management systems that optimise charging and reduce stress on the battery, keeping it healthy over the long term. In addition, most manufacturers offer an 8-year warranty on EV batteries, so there’s little cause for concern.

Another common misconception is that you’d need to replace the whole battery if there’s an issue. This has become an issue of the past. While early EV models sometimes faced these problems, most modern EVs have modular batteries with replaceable cells or battery banks, allowing for more affordable repairs.

With continuous advancements in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and support incentives like grants, EVs are becoming an increasingly attractive option for drivers. By addressing these common myths, we hope to empower more people to make the switch to electric, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all. At AXA Car Insurance, we’re proud to support drivers on this journey with the protection and guidance they need.