- Seventy-three per cent drivers have no experience of EVs at all
- More than one in five new vehicles registered in the UK during 2025 is a battery EV
- Eighty per cent of cars should be electric by 2040
More than half (52%) of drivers claim to be likely or very likely to get an electric vehicle (EV) in the next five years or after, but more needs to be done to help consumers, according to a new report from the AA.
The study highlights that while the government’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales will influence EV supply, it does little to directly support drivers in making the switch and that more needs to be done to accelerate EV adoption.
There has been the assumption that supply, shaped by the Government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, would naturally drive demand, but according to the AA’s research, many drivers feel left behind in this transition.
The AA commented that they recognise the importance of the EV transition, with the urgency further reinforced by the recent Climate Change Committee report, which suggests 80% of cars should be electric by 2040.
More than one in five new vehicles registered in the UK during 2025 is a battery EV, according to the latest figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).
It was reported that affordability is a crucial factor in the EV transition, particularly as most users buy used cars. A well-functioning secondhand EV market is essential, according to the report, but the current system for drivers remains underdeveloped.
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Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO, Zapmap, said that one of the report’s key findings was the “lack of knowledge and misconceptions about EVs among drivers”. She urged the government should prioritise addressing driver concerns to ensure those who are open to moving to EVs permanently.
The AA suggested that different approaches and incentives are needed to target these groups, reporting that some of the negative views may have been influenced by misinformation but people are confused by the transition.
It said:
- Many drivers don’t appreciate that as the ban nears, fewer and fewer internal combustion engines cars will be available for sale
- Seven per cent think the sale of all petrol and diesel cars, including used cars, will be banned
- One third think they can get a manual EV despite all EVs being automatic
- Seventy-three per cent drivers have no experience of EVs at all
Shufflebotham added: “EVs are currently selling at a record rate in the UK and to keep up the momentum, Zapmap supports the call for an industry and government communication campaign, alongside a number of positive suggestions to support consumer demand in the new and secondhand market.”
The AA report heads to the government
The AA report, which was based on extensive data and research, has now been sent to the Transport Secretary and Energy and Climate Change Secretary. It highlighted the need for more support and better information to encourage EV uptake, and its key findings included:
- EV breakdown rates: AA roadside callout data showed that running out of charge on the road is reducing and is now on a similar scale to those than running out of fuel. In 2024, only 1.85% of all EV breakdowns were due to running out of charge compared to approximately 1% of ICE vehicles running out of fuel.
- Driver sentiments: Even the drivers in the report are cautious in their recommendations and recognise that EVs are not for everyone yet.
- Cost barriers: The average cost of a new EV in 2024 was £59,216, compared to £46,991 for petrol vehicles, but prices are declining. EVs make up only 2% of the secondhand car market, though this segment is seeing significant growth, up 63% in 2024.
- Government support: Qualitative feedback from EV drivers indicates a feeling of abandonment, as they navigate complex and fragmented infrastructure with little help from the government, which is mandating the change.
- Secondhand market: The average value of a used EV in October 2023, according to Zapmap, was £32,203, compared to £16,315 for petrol vehicles. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association stated there has been a 60% decline in used EV prices since 2022.
- Charging infrastructure: Forty percent of drivers don’t have access to home charging. Additionally, 72% of drivers cite ‘inconvenience’ as a major disadvantage of EVs.
Jakob Pfaulder, CEO, AA, called on the government to “make EVs accessible for everyone”.
“Generally drivers are hesitant, but most are not hostile to the change” he said.
“The AA is in a unique position to help as we deal with drivers throughout the driving life-cycle from learning to drive, buying, insuring and repairing their cars. Our research shows many people are confused by the transition, which is not surprising as the main catalyst for change, the ZEV mandate, only governs supply but does little to encourage demand for EVs.”
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What does The AA recommend about EVs?
There are several AA recommendations in its report, including:
- EV drive UK public awareness campaign: The AA proposed a coordinated public awareness campaign led by government and industry to address the doubts and needs of different driver segments. This campaign should provide accurate and impartial information to help drivers make informed decisions about EVs.
- Lower costs: The government should identify targeted incentives to make EVs more accessible for everyone. Targeted support for drivers in the form of loans or tax breaks for the car and home charging would help. Reducing VAT (20%) on public chargers to match (5%) on home chargers would make EV access more equitable.
- Boost secondhand market: The AA supports the government’s proposal for battery health passports to alleviate concerns about the quality of used EVs. This initiative could help improve confidence in the second-hand market.
- Allow Plug-In Hybrids: The AA suggests allowing new plug-in hybrids between 2030 and 2035 as a stepping stone for drivers who are hesitant to switch to full EVs. Even the ‘rejectors’ would consider hybrids.
- Improve Charging Visibility: Policymakers should reduce red tape to allow signing of charging infrastructure to enhance the driver experience and perception of EVs.
- Enhance the secondary aspects of EV driving: Drivers were unaware of the support available to them to maintain, repair, or insure EVs. Addressing issues such as resale value, insurance costs and maintenance delays is crucial to improving the overall EV ownership experience.
Pfaulder concluded: “The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80% of cars and 74% of cans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there.
“The AA, as a trusted brand with 14 million members, is in a great position to help the government and drivers make this transition, which is essential if we are to reach our climate goals. “As a starting point, a government-backed awareness campaign, a healthy used EV market and some targeted incentives are needed to charge up the transition”.
