A new study by the UK Department for Transport has questioned many commonly held misconceptions about electric vehicles.

The report, ‘Uptake of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in the UK’ shows that 82% of Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)-owning households in the UK use their electric car as their main vehicle, while for 20% of owners an electric vehicle is the only car. It also states that this type of vehicle usage is not restricted to short-distance journeys and that over all mileages are comparable to petrol and diesel cars.

Most ULEV owners in the UK are also highly satisfied with their ownership experience, with 90% happy to recommend an electric vehicle to others.

Commenting on the findings Transport minister Andrew Jones said, “More and more families and businesses are choosing plug-in cars and vans to help them get on in life. Plug-in vehicles are cheap to run, can be used every day and owner satisfaction is incredibly high.”

Demand for plug-in in the UK is rising rapidly with sales 256% up year on year.