char.gy and YouGov released a study showing that correcting EV misinformation increases driver willingness to consider electric cars by more than 10%.
The research identifies how false beliefs about electric vehicles significantly impact adoption rates across the UK.
Range Anxiety Tops Driver Concerns
Range anxiety affects 71% of non-EV drivers, making it their primary concern about switching to electric. This worry persists despite new EVs averaging over 300 miles per charge.
Some current models achieve 500 miles on a single charge. Upcoming solid-state battery technology will push ranges even higher.
The study – titled What Everyone Should Know About EVs – argues Britain faces a confidence crisis rather than lack of interest in electric cars.
Purchase price worries 62% of potential buyers. While EVs often cost more than petrol equivalents upfront, new budget models now start around £19,000.
Used EV prices dropped over 20% since 2023. Industry analysts expect another 28% decline by 2030.
Between 53% and 57% of drivers plan to buy used for their next vehicle. The report’s authors stress the need for better support in the second-hand EV market.
Charging Infrastructure Challenges
Charging access remains problematic even for drivers considering the switch to electric. While 63% said they’d consider EV ownership within five years, only 5% currently drive electric.
72% of those rejecting EVs don’t know where they’d charge their vehicle – despite over 88,000 public charging points operating nationwide.
Nearly two-thirds want cheaper charging costs before making the switch.
“EVs aren’t a distant future anymore: they’re here, they’re affordable, and they’re rapidly outpacing combustion cars on performance and value,” said John Lewis, CEO of kerbside charging operator char.gy. “But the data shows the biggest barrier isn’t the vehicles, it’s the stories we tell about them.”
The 40% of households without off-street parking face particular challenges. Report authors warn of a “two-tier EV economy” without improved kerbside charging.
Ginny Buckley, founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, contributed to the research. Her company’s survey of 11,000 UK drivers found just over half would avoid EVs due to lack of home charging access.
“This is why it’s crucial we get on-street charging right – to ensure nobody is left behind on Britain’s electric journey,” Buckley said.
Government Action Needed
Sue Davies from consumer research service Which? noted EVs perform well in testing and satisfy current owners. However, high upfront costs and charging concerns create barriers.
Rural drivers worry most about range, reliability, and breakdown support.
“If the government wants to meet its 2030 ambitions, it must improve the availability and experience of public charging to give drivers the confidence to switch,” Davies said.
The report calls for immediate education campaigns to counter EV myths. It also demands concrete improvements to street-level charging access and enhanced financial support – particularly for used car buyers.
Correcting common misconceptions about EV range and durability boosted consideration rates by 12 percentage points among study participants.
