Two thirds of UK drivers say they still do not plan to switch to an electric vehicle despite the UK’s push towards a zero-emission future.
New research from Quotezone.co.uk reveals 66% of motorists have no plans to go electric, highlighting the growing concerns many drivers still have around affordability, and accessibility of charging points.
This is a 10% increase from June 2024. When asked the same question two years ago, only 56% of drivers told Quotezone they didn’t plan to go electric.
The findings come as the Government continues efforts to accelerate EV adoption ahead of the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, alongside ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) targets for manufacturers.
While electric vehicles are projected to become the majority on UK roads by 2034, the latest survey suggests many motorists are still hesitant about making the transition themselves.
Only 8% of drivers surveyed said they already own an electric vehicle, while 7% admitted they would wait until just before the deadline in around nine years’ time before switching.
When asked more generally about switching to electric vehicles, 75% of drivers said they would not choose to switch to an EV if they did not have to, while just 20% said they would actively opt to make the move.
The survey also revealed the biggest concerns drivers currently have around EV ownership.
More than a quarter (27%) said the cost of buying the vehicle itself was their biggest concern, while 16% highlighted the low mileage range as a barrier, and 12% said the lack of public chargers is putting them off making the switch.
Other barriers highlighted by respondents were resale concerns (9%), cost of parts and repairs (6%), and the expense of fitting a home charger (5%).
The Government is supporting the shift to electric vehicles through grants for upfront purchase costs and efforts to improve charging access.
However, many drivers are still worried about how the cost of running an EV could change in the years ahead, particularly as discussions grow around ways to replace lost fuel duty revenue – such as a potential pay-per-mile system expected from 2028.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Long-term forecasts show electric vehicles becoming the majority on UK roads within the next decade.
“However, our latest research highlights that many drivers still aren’t personally ready to make the switch just yet, with a ‘wait and see’ approach emerging among motorists who are delaying decisions until much closer to the 2035 deadline.
“For many households, affordability remains the biggest obstacle. The upfront cost of buying an EV is still seen as too expensive, particularly while drivers continue to face wider cost of living pressures.
“There are also practical concerns around charging availability, mileage range and uncertainty around long-term resale values, which are contributing to hesitation among motorists.
“The Government has made positive progress with investment in charging infrastructure and incentives to support EV adoption, but these findings show there is still work to do to build confidence and make electric vehicles feel accessible and practical for everyone.”
