1 in 5 UK Drivers Fear Getting Shocked While Washing EVs, Survey Finds

A new survey from UK car care brand Autoglym has revealed that 21% of UK motorists believe they could be electrocuted while washing an electric vehicle (EV). The poll, conducted among over 1,000 drivers, uncovered lingering myths about EV safety, particularly among younger drivers and urban dwellers, despite EVs being widely available since 2009.

Younger drivers and city dwellers most likely to hold electrocution fears

Autoglym’s research found that 46% of 25–34-year-olds and 40% of 18–24-year-olds feared receiving a shock when washing an EV. In contrast, only 8% of drivers aged 55–64 reported the same concern. London drivers were the most likely to harbor fears, with 45% saying they feared a shock, compared to just 7% of drivers in Wales.

Lee Irving, technical training manager at Autoglym, acknowledged the confusion surrounding EVs, according to Motor Trade News.

“We know that the world of EVs can be a mystery to some, but making sure that the misconceptions are rectified is extremely important, especially as we’re all being encouraged to make the switch to this new form of clean mobility.”

Experts debunk shock-risk myth and highlight EV safety measures

EV advocates and experts were quick to dispel the myth. TV presenter and transport campaigner Quentin Willson called the fear “a very old myth and completely false,” emphasizing that automakers rigorously test electric vehicles to ensure insulation of all high-voltage components, even under water exposure.

“On YouTube, there’s lots of footage of EVs driving effortlessly through heavy floods. There’s no evidence anywhere of someone getting a shock from an EV while cleaning one,” Willson pointed out, according to electrive. “Electric cars have been on sale since 2009, so if this was genuinely a danger, we’d know about it by now.”

Irving added that EVs pose no more risk during cleaning than internal combustion vehicles. “While we recommend owners avoid flooding an EV’s charging port with water, cleaning one is no more dangerous than cleaning a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle.”

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