Letchworth, 1 July 2025 – As the UK embraces a greener future, with electric vehicles (EVs) continuing to gain traction across the nation’s driveways, new research commissioned by Autoglym has revealed that persistent myths surrounding EV technology are holding some consumers back — including the belief that simply washing an electric car could result in an electric shock.
In a survey of 1,000 UK car owners, more than one in five respondents (21%) admitted to fearing that washing an EV could be dangerous. The misconception is even more pronounced among younger motorists: 46% of those aged 25 to 34 and 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they agreed with the statement, “If I were to wash an electric car, I fear there might be a risk of receiving an electric shock.”
Geographically, Londoners were the most cautious, with 45% echoing the same concern — in stark contrast to Wales, where just 7% of drivers shared this worry. Age and regional variation aside, the data underlines a troubling knowledge gap among EV adopters and potential buyers.
Motoring journalist, TV presenter and transport campaigner Quentin Willson, a longstanding advocate for EVs, was quick to dismiss the myth. “Getting a shock when cleaning an EV is a very old myth and completely false,” he said. “Car makers rigorously test battery EVs for safety and perform special water soak tests to make sure all high-voltage components are insulated and consumers are always protected. On YouTube, there’s plenty of footage of EVs powering through deep floods. If washing them posed a real risk, we’d know about it by now.”
No Shock Here: Autoglym’s Safe and Effective Car Care
Determined to put anxieties to rest, Autoglym – the UK’s leading car care brand – is playing an active role in educating drivers about the safety of EV maintenance. Lee Irving, Technical Training Manager at Autoglym, explained: “We know that the world of EVs can be a mystery to some, but making sure that misconceptions are rectified is extremely important – especially as we’re all being encouraged to make the switch to this new form of clean mobility.
“While we recommend that owners avoid dousing the charging port with water, cleaning an EV is no more dangerous than washing a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle.”
Autoglym products are rigorously tested and proudly manufactured in the UK to be safe for use on all vehicles, including electric models. From wheels to windscreens, and even touchscreens, the company offers a full range of interior and exterior products designed to clean, protect, and maintain a showroom finish.
Standout examples include:
- Ceramic Wash & Protect Shampoo – An award-winning formula that not only removes grime but leaves behind a protective barrier for long-lasting shine and defence against the elements.
- Advanced All Wheel Cleaner – Perfect for EVs, where regenerative braking reduces brake dust but wheels still take the brunt of road debris.
- Fast Glass – Ideal for crystal-clear visibility and smear-free windows, inside and out.
- Interior Glass & Screen Cloths – A must-have for modern EVs, tackling fingerprints and smudges on sensitive touchscreen displays with ease.
Washing with Confidence
As EV ownership becomes mainstream, correcting myths like the “shock risk” is crucial to making consumers feel confident and empowered. Electric vehicles undergo stringent safety testing to ensure they’re fully sealed and insulated — designed for all weather conditions, including that inevitable Sunday washdown.
Consumers can shop Autoglym’s range with peace of mind via Autoglym.com, Amazon.co.uk/Autoglym, Halfords, or independent car care retailers.
For those still uncertain about how best to clean their electric vehicle, Autoglym recommends checking with the vehicle manufacturer — especially regarding specific care around the charge port.
Because while the future of driving may be electric, washing your EV should never be a shocking experience.
