When it comes to cars, consumers have (almost) always been more enthusiastic about the unusual and exciting than simple, reliable cars.   

Today, all the buzz is around electric cars. Spearheaded by Tesla, they’ve become the hottest item in automotive. But as novel as EVs are, there’s more to them than how to charge the battery and how good they are for the environment.  

Ready to up your EV knowledge? Here are 21 of the best facts about electric cars to impress fellow enthusiasts. 

1. It's illegal for electric cars to be silent  

Until recently, one of the most unique things about driving an electric car was the peace and lack of noise. They hummed quietly, barely emitting a peep.  

However, In 2019, the EU mandated that all new electric and hybrid cars emit artificial noise so pedestrians and cyclists can hear them. The EV noise becomes audible at speeds of 13 mph and above. In most cases, though, the interior of an electric car remains quiet and peaceful.  

2. There are more EV charging points than petrol stations  

In April 2020, the number of public charging points for EVs exceeded the number of petrol stations in the UK. According to EDF Energy, there are more than 42,000 EV charging sites across the UK versus roughly 8,300 petrol stations, a figure that has grown smaller since. 

3. Braking increases battery life  

Electric cars use ‘regenerative’ braking, which allows them to recover energy when the vehicle slows down and sends it back into the battery. That instantly boosts EVs' energy efficiency, dramatically reducing wear and tear on mechanical braking systems and reducing the need for new brakes, pads, and callipers over time.  

4. More and more petrol stations are setting up EV chargers   

With the explosion of interest in EVs, traditional fuel retailers have got in on the act. Brands like BP, Shell, MFG and Euro Garages all offer electric car charging stations for EV drivers, many of them located as prominently on the forecourt as the petrol and diesel pumps. No back-alley charging here! 

5. Nissan’s LEAF is Britain's most popular EV  

Since its launch in 2010, more than 400,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold. That makes it the most popular electric car on the planet, not just in Blighty.  

Now in its second iteration, the all-electric EV continues to be popular, and Nissan says the car has racked up over 10 billion kilometres of road time.  

Extra fun fact: The LEAF is made in Britain for the UK and European markets.  

6. Tesla helps your pets stay cool  

Always the innovator, Tesla has implemented a ‘Dog Mode’ so drivers can leave their pets in the car and be sure the interior stays cool for any pets inside. The vehicle even displays a prominent message on the centre touchscreen panel to let passers-by know that the pet is cool and safe, no matter the outside temperature.  

7. Green registration plates for EVs  

Have you seen green number plates recently? EVs now have their own funky trademark. If the vehicle is a pure electric model with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions, it’s eligible for a green licence plate. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids aren’t allowed these special plates, though. The vehicle must be 100% electric.

8. Your EV can power your house  

You can turn your EV into an enormous generator on wheels with the right equipment. It’s possible now to take the unused electricity in an EV battery to supply power to your home and minimise the draw on the power grid. Nissan’s LEAF comes with a LEAF-to-Home appliance that lets you use its battery to power things like an outdoor dinner party or even a Christmas tree. 

Read More: How Long Does A Hybrid Battery Last?  

9. Prince Charles is an EV driver  

Prince Charles recently acquired an electric Jaguar SUV, preferring the storied British nameplate over the comparable Tesla model. HRH has also reportedly installed a fast charger at his Clarence House home.  

He’s not the only member of the (extended) royal family interested in EVs. When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018, the couple arrived at the ceremony in a Jaguar E-Zero.  

10. A new electric car is registered every nine minutes in the UK  

Sales of electric vehicles in the UK have grown for eight years in a row. ONS data shows there are now 1.3 million EVs registered in the UK, with a new one being sold every nine minutes. Talk about being popular! 

11. The first EVs were created in the 1800s 

That’s right! The electric vehicle isn’t as you might expect. The first electric motor is credited to Anyos Jedlik, a Hungarian engineer, in 1928. However, Scottish engineer Robert Anderson also fitted a full-size carriage with an electric motor in 1932. So, there are a few disputes about who created the electric car and when. 

12. General Motors’ EV1 cost over a billion dollars  

Produced from 1996 to 1999, EV1 by General Motors cost over one billion dollars (approx £792,230,000.00). Though it was the first purpose-designed electric car, General Motors considered it a dud. Consequently, the brand crushed all but 1,000 of the created models. 

13. 1 in every 4 UK households will switch to electric in the next five years 

Energy watchdog Ofgem has found that 1 in every 4 UK households intend to switch to an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in the next five years. Their actual statistics show that 6.5 million homes are considering the switch, equating to 24% of energy households. 

14. Only 1 in every 10 electric vehicle drivers buys the car outright 

According to recent statistics, 90% of EV drivers opt for car financing rather than buying the vehicle outright. A further poll of 2,000 UK-based drivers showed that 47% thought electric cars were too expensive. 

15. The five best EVs can drive from Leeds to London on one charge 

The top five EVs can travel anywhere from 100 to 200 miles on one charge (enough to take you from Leeds to London). However, the Tesla Model 3 has smashed this distance and can drive up to 300 miles before needing a charge. Road trip, anyone? 

16. Electric cars can accelerate faster than ICE vehicles 

Thanks to instant torque (strong acceleration from a stationary position), electric vehicles can accelerate much faster than internal combustion engines (ICE). Some of the fastest electric cars can even reach 0-60 mph in less than three seconds — as fast as some major roller coasters! 

17. EVs could have wireless charging in the future 

Like wireless mobile phone charging pads, electric cars have the potential to be charged by a similar mechanism. This gives engineers lots of space for innovation. From built-in road charging panels to chargers in parking spots and drive-through takeaways, this technology might revolutionise how we travel.  

18. UK EVs will get priority lanes 

As part of a drive green initiative in 2016, the UK government tested low-emission lanes in Milton Keynes. These lanes prioritised electric and plug-in vehicles at traffic lights, allowing a smoother driving experience. Think bus lanes, but for electric cars!  

There’s no plan to completely roll this plan out nationwide yet. But keep your eyes peeled! 

19. Electric vehicle battery costs are falling 

The battery is the most expensive part of an electric car, which is why EV vehicles cost more than their non-renewable counterparts. 

However, as more people switch, battery costs are expected to drop as economies of scale kick in. The more batteries are produced, the price per battery goes down, as does the cost per EV. Nice! 

20. Breathable batteries could give up to 500 miles on a single charge 

Many drivers are unsure about EVs due to their limited distance per charge. However, up-and-coming “breathable batteries” could change the game. These batteries have the potential to allow up to 500 miles per charge but are in the early stages of development. Hopefully, we’ll see these on the market sometime soon! 

21. EVs use 80% of their battery 

Electric vehicles are all about effective transportation. For example, an electric car uses approximately 80% of its battery engine’s energy to transmit electricity to the car. Petrol-powered cars only use 14 to 26% of energy, making EVS a much more efficient option. 

Fun facts about electric cars - Looking to the future 

Electric vehicles are an exciting innovation that’s going nowhere anytime soon. Hopefully, these 21 good facts about electric cars have helped you impress your friends and show them the possibilities of green technology.  

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.