EV charging facts and myths: What the data reveals

Six years of real-world data from thousands of electric vehicle (EV) drivers has shattered persistent myths about charging convenience, cost and reliability, Brendan Jones reports in The Driven.

Contrary to popular belief, EV owners are not spending hours waiting at public chargers or struggling to plan long-distance trips. Instead, the data reveals a pattern of practicality and ease that challenges outdated assumptions.

Most of the charging occurs at home, with around 80% of sessions happening overnight while vehicles sit idle. This simple habit means most drivers start each day with a full battery, eliminating the need for frequent public charging stops. Yet, public infrastructure still plays a vital role—accounting for nearly half of the total energy consumed—especially during road trips and extended travel.

Fast charging wait times have proven far shorter than originally feared. The median session lasts just 29 minutes, often aligning perfectly with natural breaks for meals or rest. For many drivers, the car is ready before they are, turning charging into a seamless part of the journey rather than a frustrating delay.

Destination charging has emerged as a game-changer. Hotels, caravan parks and even basic outdoor sockets provide overnight top-ups, allowing travellers to wake up with a full battery. These options often come at little or no cost, further reducing the expense of EV ownership.

While occasional delays do occur—typically in remote areas with limited infrastructure—they are rare and manageable. Planning tools and apps have made route optimisation simple, even for trips into regional and outback locations. Range anxiety, once a major concern, is now largely a relic of the past.

Financially, EV charging remains significantly cheaper than petrol. Even drivers who rely heavily on public chargers report spending less than half of what they would on fuel. Free charging sessions and cheaper renewable electricity prices continue to improve the economics of electric mobility.

The findings underscore a broader truth: EV adoption is not about compromise but about adaptation from ICE vehicles with significant savings. With infrastructure expanding and technology improving, electric vehicles are proving practical, affordable, and reliable for everyday use and long-distance travel alike.

As the data makes clear, the myths surrounding EV charging are fading fast. For those willing to look beyond the headlines, the future of driving is not only electric—it’s efficient, economical, and ready for the open road.

Read the full article here.