Research released by the AA shows diverse driver views regarding EV adoption, including 52% of drivers (named in the report as 'Potentials') who claim to be likely/very likely to get an EV as their next car in the next five years or after.
The new AA study highlights that while the Government’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales will influence vehicle supply, it does little to directly support drivers in making the switch and that more needs to be done to accelerate EV adoption.
The assumption has been that supply, shaped by the Government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, would naturally drive demand. However, according to the AA’s research many drivers feel left behind in this transition. Understanding their concerns is key to making progress.
The AA recognises 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 electric vehicle (BEV), according to the latest statistics from The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).
The AA reports that affordability is a crucial factor in the EV transition, particularly as most drivers buy used cars. A well-functioning second-hand EV market is essential, but the current support system for drivers remains underdeveloped. The AA also finds that this is affecting advocacy among some early EV adopters.
The AA suggests that different approaches and incentives are needed to target these groups. It reports that some of the negative views may have been influenced by misinformation but people are confused by the transition:
- Many drivers don’t appreciate that as the ban nears, fewer and fewer internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will be available for sale
- 7% 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
- 73% of ICE drivers have no experience of EVs at all
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder and COO of Zapmap said:
"It is good to see an organisation like the AA looking into the electric vehicle (EV) market with this nuanced report into perceptions of UK drivers.
"A key finding, mirrored in other similar reports, is the lack of knowledge and misconceptions about EVs among drivers. The priority should be to address the concerns of the Potential group, the 50% of drivers who are open to moving to EVs in the next five years and are "hesitant but not hostile".
"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 second-hand market."
Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said:
“From opening the first filling station and erecting the first road signs, The AA has always led on motoring innovation.
“Our message to government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone. Generally drivers are hesitant but most are not hostile to the change. 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.
“The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80% of cars and 74% of vans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there.
“The AA, as a trusted brand with 14m members, is in a great position to help 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.”
The AA report, based on extensive data and research, has been sent to the Transport Secretary and Energy and Climate Change Secretary, and highlights the need for more support and better information to encourage EV uptake. Its key findings included:
- EV Breakdown Rates: AA roadside callout data shows that running out of charge is reducing and 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 Adopters 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 coming down. EVs make up only 2% of the second-hand 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.
- Second-Hand Market: The average value of a used EV in October 2023 was £32,203, compared to £16,315 for petrol vehicles. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) states there has been a 60% decline in used EV prices since 2022.
- Charging Infrastructure: 40% of drivers do not have access to home charging. Additionally, 72% of drivers cite ‘inconvenience’ as a major disadvantage of EVs.
AA's Recommendations:
- EV Drive UK Public Awareness Campaign: The AA proposes 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 VAT (5%) on home chargers would make EV access more equitable.
- Boost Second-Hand 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. See AA background.
- 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.
