New research from Close Brothers Motor Finance finds charging points and battery anxiety continues to worry drivers even once they’ve made the switch to electric.
The research, which asked 500 EV drivers about their experience of owning and driving an EV, found that one in six (17%) believe the mileage is shorter than they expected, and one in ten (10%) have been caught out by the lack of range and have broken down as a result. One in six also (16%) confirmed that they find it difficult actually finding working charging points.
This comes as one in five (21%) EV drivers confirmed they don’t have a charging point at their home, although 13% say they’re planning to have one installed in the future.
In addition to the range and charging points, one in seven (14%) have found owning an EV more expensive than they initially thought - a concern that is likely to increase as energy bills continue to rise. Almost one in ten (8%) confirmed they’re finding it hard to afford their vehicle, and almost the same number (10%) believe they made the switch too soon.
John Cassidy, Managing Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: ““The lack of charging points and poor quality infrastructure has been deterring potential buyers from purchasing EVs, and has also been a challenge for current owners. The UK’s charging infrastructure has always been an ongoing concern for drivers wanting to plug in to electric. And it seems that even once drivers have embraced the change in fuel type, the infrastructure has remained inadequate.
“Our research found that more than a quarter (28%) of EV drivers find the lack of charging points a challenge, and more than one-in-five (21%) have had issues with charging points not working.
“If the Government’s targets, such as 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, are to be realistic, it’s crucial that the infrastructure gets the levels of investment needed to really make EVs an attractive proposition, not just to encourage more uptake, but also to ensure current EV drivers don’t switch back.”
