EV adoption in the UK is accelerating. More than one in three (36%) drivers surveyed currently own or lease an electric vehicle, up from 26% in 2023 according to survey of the same size conducted by Drive Electric.

Adoption rates climbing steadily year-on-year, marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles. However, barriers like cost perceptions, battery confidence, charging infrastructure, anxiety and sustainability concerns remain.

While new EV purchase incentives and more public charging investment from the Autumn Budget 2025 are supportive, the new pay-per-mile road tax offers more confusion to an already complex total cost of ownership conversation.

Our report makes one thing clear though. Removing these barriers is critical for driving consumer confidence; the catalyst in ensuring the UK market can achieve mass EV ownership and meet national sustainability targets. 

Our 2026 UK EV adoption and perceptions report is designed to address two core questions for the automotive market: 

1. Who is driving EVs in 2026. Broken down by age, region and experience cohort (owners, test-drivers, interested and not interested), we explain the current appetite for electric vehicle in the UK.
2. What’s next for EV adoption in the next 12 months and beyond. The blockers and enablers that will shape the next phase of electrification and how the industry can drive it forward. 

Across the 2,008 UK drivers surveyed, it’s clear that education and real-life experience remain the most powerful levers of adoption. Those who have made the switch or have test-driven an electric vehicle are consistently more confident than those who haven’t. Yet, many drivers are still hesitant about the true cost of ownership, battery lifespan and charging network reliability. 

Closing these knowledge gaps, prioritising experience and showcasing the 95% repeat-intent among current EV owners is essential for ensuring long-term trust and meeting challenging zero-emission goals.

This report aims to provide the automotive industry with the insights needed to accelerate EV market growth and improve consumer engagement. By understanding current perceptions and ongoing barriers, OEMs, retailers and fleet operators can tailor their strategies to meet consumer needs and improve the real-world experience of switching to electric vehicles. 

For dealers this means comprehensive communications about the cost of ownership, and reality of battery health and vehicle maintenance costs, while OEMs prioritise transparent data on EV resale values and available incentives. When it comes to fleet operators, it reinforces the importance of fleet electrification in achieving wider adoption targets. 

EV ownership has surpassed early adopters and entered the mainstream. As of November 2025, EVs make up around 5.2% of cars on the road, with almost one in two (49%) drivers we surveyed haven driven an electric vehicle, and more than one in three (36%) currently owning or leasing one. 

Our results indicate that EV ownership is highest amongst 25–34-year-olds (65%), followed by those aged 34–44 (57%), and 18-24 (48%), with older drivers being slower to switch.

When it comes to regional EV adoption rates, Bristol has the highest percentage of EV drivers among respondents at 55%, followed by Belfast (49%), Birmingham (46%), Nottingham (43%) and London (39%). Likely due to recent charging infrastructure investment in these areas and Clean Air Zones bringing down the cost of ownership.

Despite growing ownership, our data shows an EV education gap is still impacting wider adoption. More than half (56%) of those who have never driven an EV, feel they don’t have enough information on owning an electric vehicle. Falling to 30% among those who have test driven an EV, and to 3% of EV owners. 
 
This highlights that EV experience translates into confidence. Dealers and OEMs play a pivotal role in bridging this divide. Prioritising test drives and accessible EV education on running costs, sustainability, charging infrastructure and battery lifespan, is essential for turning curiosity into confidence. 

The same experience effect shows up in purchase intent. Nearly all (95%) of EV drivers surveyed say they’d choose electric again in the next three years, dropping to 63% of those who have test-driven an EV, and 24% of non-EV drivers without real-life experience. In simple terms, intent is higher with experience, and lower without it.

When asked the electric models they’d consider purchasing, the majority of respondents leaned towards established manufacturers, yet one in eight (12%) respondents selected at least one new market entrant.  

This interest in new manufacturers is led by 18–24-year-olds, of which 25% of the cohort selected at least one new entrant in their preferred list of EV manufacturers. Established brands were still the dominant choice among all age groups.

Comparing new vs used, and battery EVs (BEVs) vs hybrid options, most drivers (28%) interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, cited new battery EVs as their top purchasing choice. Alongside new plug-in hybrids (25%) and used battery EVs (23%), making up their top three choices. 

Opinions on pre-owned seem to shift once drivers experience EVs however, with the majority (47%) of used EV drivers, saying that’s where their interest remains, and 30% of new EV drivers being interested in the used EV market in the future. 

While the UK has shown great progress in EV adoption, persistent EV battery myths continue to shape consumer decisions. From EV battery safety and battery lifespan, to charging myths and range anxiety, misinformation and lack of real-life experience are creating a confidence gap.

• 60% of those who haven’t driven an EV, cite battery lifespan as a concern. Compared to 46% of those who have test-driven an electric vehicle and 23% of EV owners. 
• Two thirds (66%) of non-EV drivers have range anxiety, dropping to 57% among test drivers, and again for EV owners (50%).
• 47% of non-EV drivers admit concerns about public charging accessibility, compared to a third (33%) of those who have test driven an EV, and only 12% of EV owners. 
• Two in five (39%) of non-EV drivers flagged concerns around EV battery safety, dropping to 36% among those who have test driven, and 31% among EV owners. 

It’s clear then, that while experience does drive confidence, common EV battery myths still impact perceptions in those who have driven or own an electric vehicle, particularly around EV battery safety and range anxiety.

OEMs and dealers have a critical role to play in debunking these battery myths and highlighting the reality of EV battery packs during the marketing and sales process. Focuses should include public charging infrastructure, battery degradation, charging best practice, battery replacement costs and EV reliability.

Myth: EV batteries only last a couple of years
Fact: Like all batteries, state of health (SoH) degrades over time. However, EV battery packs are engineered for reliability across a long service life – up to 20 years - with battery warranties often covering the first eight. In comparison, ICE vehicles generally start to become uneconomical at 16-18 years and warranties generally only cover the first three years.
 
Myth: EVs are higher risk for catching fire
Fact: EVs have battery management systems (BMS) and thermal management to mitigate risk and incidents are very rare. Compared to ICE vehicles, the statistics vary, yet it’s believed ICE vehicles are 20 times more likely to catch fire. 
 
Myth: You must charge your EV battery to 100% every night
Fact: Sitting on a charge of 100% isn’t best for cell health. Best charging practice is to set a daily charge target of 80-90%. Only charge to 100% before long drives and set off soon after.
 
Myth: EVs don’t work in cold weather
Fact: Just as with ICE MPG efficiency, cold weather does impact EV battery range. However, in countries like Norway where temperatures are often below sub-zero, the number of EVs on the road surpass the number of ICE vehicles, suggesting the range impact is minimal.

From upfront EV prices to maintenance costs and charging fees, EV cost of ownership is the biggest barrier to adoption after battery reliability. Two in three (65%) UK drivers believe the cost of ownership is higher than for ICE vehicles, while only 10% believe it’s cheaper, and 16% believe it’s equal. 

Unlike with battery reliability, the higher cost perception remains high across non-EV drivers, test drivers and owners alike. Our data shows 86% of electric vehicle owners still say total cost of ownership feels ‘more expensive’, while 56% of test-drivers and 60% of non-EV drivers agree. 

This suggests that price-led mental barriers persist even after purchase. Likely driven by common misconceptions in the media, upfront costs, fear of future costs like battery replacements and maintenance fees, and residual value instability impacting monthly payments. 

Similarly, the proposed pay-per-mile tax from the 2025 Autumn budget will likely feel like an additional cost to the driver, regardless of it being an EV replacement for fuel-duty which is paid at the pump for ICE vehicles. That perception can inflate the ‘EVs feel more expensive’ narrative unless retailers show direct total cost of ownership comparisons, including fuel duty vs. pay-per-mile costs. 

Cost perception isn’t reality for most owners, however. EV purchase prices / monthly payments were noted the biggest cost of ownership concern among total respondents (40%). Only 23% of EV drivers agreed however, versus more than half (53%) of non-EV drivers, and 32% of test-drivers.

Similarly, repair and EV maintenance costs were a concern for a third (34%) of all respondents - with only one in five (19%) EV drivers in agreement, compared to 46% of non-EV drivers, and 34% of test drivers.

The reality though is that with fewer moving parts, an EV generally costs less than an ICE vehicle to service and maintain on average. A fact supported by our survey, which shows 43% of EV drivers surveyed marked lower running costs as a benefit of EV ownership. 

Just like with battery myths, this data enforces that experience and education are essential for driving confidence in cost of ownership. 

• Create transparent total cost of EV ownership vs. ICE vehicles at the point of sale and in marketing communications. Presented as monthly spending tables.
• Show total cost of ownership vs. ICE in one clear visual, including charging per mile (home vs. public), routine maintenance items and their costs, Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) savings, and the likely price ranges for insurance and tax payments.
• Personalise the expected charging costs based on customer’s needs (home vs. public). For example, based on today’s averages, cost-per-mile using a rapid charger is similar to 30-45 mpg for a diesel, compared to home off-peak charging at 160mpg.
• Show salary-sacrifice or benefit-in-kind impacts where relevant to highlight further savings. 
• Add battery health reports and lead with warranty coverage to reduce the fear of future costs. 

Myth: EV maintenance costs more than ICE
Fact: EVs require lower routine maintenance thanks to no oil or exhaust/emissions and fewer moving parts within the vehicle. While tyre and suspension wear is higher, their regenerative braking systems helps reduce brake wear. Therefore, the cost is generally lower compared to ICE vehicles.

Myth: Charging an EV costs more than filling up an ICE vehicle with petrol or diesel
Fact: Home charging is typically cheaper per mile than petrol/diesel, at an average of 8p per mile, while public rapid charging narrows the gap at 14p per mile. This is just a guide based on recent data. Typical tariffs vary.

Switching to a smart tariff which offers cheaper electricity prices during off peak times can reduce this further

Myth: Insurance makes EVs unaffordable
Fact: While EV insurance is generally more expensive than ICE vehicles (54% higher than ICE vehicles at an average of £996 per year for EVs), quotability and pricing are improving as technology matures. For example, some providers cut EV premiums by up to 18% in 2025.

Myth: EV prices are too high, making total cost of ownership expensive
Fact: EV purchase and leasing prices are higher than petrol or diesel equivalents, due to battery costs, specialist manufacturing, and fast evolving technology. However, average EV prices have fallen as more affordable models enter the market. 

While the cost of buying or leasing an EV is higher, the reduced cost of running an EV quickly makes up the difference. That said, residual value volatility matters. Cautious RVs can lift monthly payment costs, while making used EVs strong value for money, due to much of the depreciation already priced in. 

While more EV purchase incentives coming into effect after the Autumn Budget 2025 is welcomed, our report shows that awareness of new EV incentives is broad, but shallow – meaning there’s more to be done in communicating these incentives clearly.

More than one in four (29%) of survey respondents said they understand available incentives well, compared to 37% who are aware but don’t know the details, and 34% are not aware at all. 

• 70% of EV owners say they understand incentives well, 22% don’t know the details and 9% are unaware
• 16% of EV test drivers understand incentives, 53% aren’t aware of the details, while 31% are unaware completely 
• 5% of non-EV drivers understand incentives, 42% don’t know the details, and 53% are unaware 

This confirms the familiar pattern throughout our report: experience reduces uncertainty. 

The data goes on to prove that EV incentive education is pivotal for influencing purchase intent, with 71% of respondents claiming incentives would influence them to switch to electric. Breaking this down by cohort, 94% of EV drivers agree, vs 75% of test-drivers and 53% of non-EV drivers. 

• Put incentives at the front of the journey: Headline EV incentives on model pages, not hidden in FAQs or checkouts.
• Show “after-incentive” monthly price comparisons vs. ICE vehicles: Bake in salary sacrifice / benefit-in-kind savings where applicable.
• Personalise benefits based on the consumer: Home location, journey types, workplace charging, local ULEZ and CAZ savings and home-charging support.
• Target communications: Specifically low-awareness customer segments with simple explainer panels and a test-drive CTA.
• One-screen explainer: Add an “incentives you may qualify for” eligibility checklist at point of sale.

EV residual values (RVs) are a pivotal concern for retailers and fleets, and rightly so. They help set monthly payments, influence stock turn and shape remarketing performance.
 
For drivers however, our data shows EV resale values are not a huge priority, with only 20% stating it as a top concern, below battery range (65%), battery lifespan (45%), purchase price/monthly payments (40%), maintenance cost (34%), and charging access (32%). However, resale value remains a core input into TCO and monthly pricing, both of which are causing hesitancy today. It’s likely then that consumer anxiety may surface later down the line when battery health could affect resale at the 8–10-year mark.

Even though resale values aren’t one of the biggest influences when it comes to decisions to purchase, one in five (20%) drivers still flagged it. It’s still vital then for OEMs and dealers to educate consumers on factors that protect value, such as charging history and best practice, service records, and keeping on top of software updates.

Like battery and cost perceptions, concern about EV public charging is higher among those with the least electric vehicle experience, suggesting that charging anxiety, not network reliability, is the blocker.

• Only 12% of EV owners marked UK public charging accessibility as a top concern, vs. 33% of test drivers and 47% of non-EV drivers.
• 94% of EV drivers said the public charging access in their area is good, compared to 63% of test drivers, and 32% of non-EV drivers.

Home charging is a well-known barrier for those with only on-street parking access. The data proves this, with most EV drivers having access to home charging either on a private driveway or garage (47%), or in a shared parking area (41%). 

Luckily, 54% of test drivers and 48% of non-EV drivers say they could install a home charger, but ability isn’t the only barrier. Installation costs can be an issue, and for renters, the investment is ‘dead money’. For drivers unable to install home charging, confidence grows in knowing EV public charging reliability is strong among EV owners, with 10% relying entirely on public charging.  On-street options are also improving with safe cross-pavement cables solutions and lamp-post chargers making residential charging more accessible. 

OEMs and dealers can bolster confidence in public charging, by educating consumers on charging frequency, time to 80% (the recommended level), average costs in the area, and AC vs DC public charging (DC charging is faster but more expensive). 

It’s easy to assume that positive public charging perceptions correlate with the areas that have a higher number of chargers. However, our data shows that’s not always the case. Out of the top six cities  with positive perceptions on local public charging in our findings (Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester), only half fall into the regions with the highest number of EV chargers. 

Instead, the correlation is with the percentage of EV ownership in each city. Indicating again that real-life experience helps drive confidence and remove barriers.

When purchasing a vehicle, three in four (78%) drivers consider environmental impact an important factor, a sentiment particularly true for younger cohorts. Older drivers by no means discredit the importance, with the majority (63-72%) still citing it as an important factor at the point of purchase. 

Despite interest in environmental factors of a vehicle, scepticism on the environmental impact of EVs vs. ICE is more prominent among older cohorts. 

Overall, two in three (67%) UK drivers surveyed believe EVs are better for the environment, but more than one in three (37%) respondents aged 65+ disagree - higher than any other age group. Those aged 55-64 and 45-44 follow suit, with 34% and 29% respectively.

Among younger drivers, scepticism drops significantly with only one in five (19%) 18-24-year-olds questioning EV environmental benefits vs. ICE, followed by 15% of 35-44-year-olds and 8% of 25-34-year-olds. 

Looking at the data on an EV experience level, confidence grows with more exposure, yet again. The majority of EV drivers (95%) consider electric vehicles better for the environment than ICE, versus 66% of test drivers and 50% of non-EV drivers. 

Context matters here. Today’s EV drivers include a high share of early adopters, who are generally more sustainably aware. As EVs move into the mainstream, the environmental impact is a critical part of the messaging that risks being diluted by noise around cost and charging. 

• Lead with air quality as an immediate benefit
• Highlight how lifetime emissions support a greener grid long-term and what that means to the average person
• Show the circular economy in one clear visual, including how battery repair, remanufacturing and recycling, plus renewable energy charging options create a cleaner grid
• Pair cost messaging with sustainability benefit, to keep it forefront of the consumer’s mind 

The challenge with the ‘are EVs better for the environment’ question, appears to be their long-term impact, likely due to the more complex process of building EV batteries generating high emissions. 

It’s true that manufacturing an EV causes more emissions vs. an ICE vehicle, largely due to the battery pack requiring more materials, the energy used in mining the natural materials, and their energy-intensive cell production. However, findings show that an EV emits about half that of an equivalent ICE over its lifetime. This is because as soon as the vehicle hits the road, they soon make up for the energy used in the manufacturing process thanks to zero tailpipe emissions. Even more than that, the longer EVs are on the road, the cleaner the UK grid becomes thanks to the addition of renewable energy. 

Manufacturers can keep EVs on the road for longer with partners like EV Battery Solutions who repair and remanufacture battery packs to extend life and recover materials to reduce the embodied carbon of the next battery.

To help drive EV sustainability confidence, OEMs and dealers should prioritise lifecycle emissions education for their sales team. Allowing them to reassure consumers with sustainability concerns at the point of sale. This education should focus on the total EV carbon footprint over time:

• Lifecycle assessment (LCA): Explain lifecycle emissions with a simple visual: manufacture → use → end-of-life.
• UK grid decarbonisation: Highlight that as the grid adds renewables, it gets cleaner and emissions keep falling. Improving the EV carbon footprint over time. 
• Battery recycling and second life: Explain recycling and second-life pathways shaping a circular economy.
• Renewable electricity in practice: Explain the concept of charging with renewables, including smart tariffs that cut use-phase CO₂ and reduce charging costs.
• Highlight how regenerative braking cuts brake dust particulates and reduces overall emissions.
• Air quality benefits: Regardless of upstream electricity, zero tailpipe emissions mean immediate health benefits where people live and work.

Our data shows UK EV adoption is rising, but cost perceptions, battery myths and charging infrastructure continue to slow growth. Experience and education help close the gap. OEMs and dealers that make total cost of ownership (TCO), charging and sustainability tangible will accelerate wider adoption. 

• Experience converts: EV ownership and test drives clearly reduce hesitancy and misconceptions around sustainability, battery myths, cost of ownership and charging anxiety.
• Cost perceptions are difficult to shift:  65% of drivers view EV total cost of ownership as higher than ICE. EV owners carry price anchors despite admitting less worries about maintenance costs and purchase price/monthly payments. 
• EV incentives change intent – if understood: 71% of respondents say incentives would influence them to purchase, but awareness is shallow. 
• Charging confidence is driven by exposure: Concern falls from 41% among those who have never driven an EV, to 12% of owners. Home access remains a key barrier, but public charging infrastructure reliability messaging and on-street / workplace options can help. 
• Sustainability motivates, but scepticism continues to block adoption among older drivers: Younger drivers and early adopters are less sceptical of an EV’s carbon footprint. Education on lifecycle emissions, battery recycling, second life, UK grid decarbonisation and the circular economy is essential for converting hesitant drivers.

1. Lead with monthly cost breakdowns: Create a clear EV vs ICE total cost of ownership chart. Include everything from the pay-per-mile tax due in 2028 vs. fuel duty paid at the pump, maintenance and insurances costs vs ICE, ULEZ/CAZ savings, and home vs public charging costs per mile. 
2. Make incentives front-of-house: Automatically apply EV incentives, salary sacrifice / BIK savings to show an ‘after-incentives’ monthly cost of ownership vs. ICE. 
3. Prioritise experience: Scale structured test drives and demonstrate route planning, AC vs DC charging costs and time-to-80%, to drive real-life experience confidence.
   Personalise charging requirements: Ask about driveway and garage access early on, present home, on-street, workplace and public charging options based on each driver’s unique requirements, as well as when rapid charging can support (with realistic price and time-to-80%).
4. Focus on debunking battery myths: Lead with battery warranty information and issue battery SoH reports for all EVs. Demonstrate best charging practice, while showing how far a 100% and 80% charge will take each vehicle depending on driving habits (urban vs. long distance driving). 
5. Own the sustainability journey: Use lifecycle assessment (LCA) graphics, renewable charging guidance and the circular economy to highlight long-term carbon footprint and UK grid decarbonisation.