High electricity costs have been the biggest challenge for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. With the energy price cap set to increase next/this week, meaning household bills will rise, almost a third (32%) of EV drivers say high electricity costs has already been the biggest challenge to owning an electric car.
The research, which asked EV drivers about their experience of switching to electric from traditional fuel types, found that 83% had faced some challenges. Most noticeable was peoples’ attitude towards the battery and charging points, which has historically been a barrier to EV ownership.
Almost three in ten (29%) cited having range anxiety, followed by the lack of charging points (28%) being an issue. One in five (21%) also confirmed that inadequate charging infrastructure, for example chargers regularly being out of order, has been a problem.
The battery range has also caught some drivers out. One in five (25%) found having to constantly stop on long journeys to recharge their vehicle a challenge, whilst 15% said their battery going dead was an issue.
The biggest challenges EV drivers admit they’ve faced since plugging into electric:
- Rising electricity costs - 32%
- Range anxiety - 29%
- Lack of charging infrastructure - 28%
- Having to constantly stop on long journeys to recharge - 25%
- Slow speed of charging at home - 23%
- The range not being as good as stated by the manufacturer - 22%
- Inadequate charging infrastructure - i.e chargers regularly out of order - 21%
- Lack of charging facilities at the workplace - 21%
- The battery going dead - 15%
Although EV drivers say they have experienced some challenges owning an electric vehicle, more than nine in 10 (92%) confirmed they would purchase another EV in the future.
Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “Moving from traditional fuel types to electric is a big decision. It’s something new that a lot of drivers haven’t experienced before. So to them, it’s a big move. Particularly as barriers such as the initial outlay for the vehicle, worries about charging infrastructure and the battery range still remain. But after overcoming some of the hurdles, more than half (54%) of EV drivers made the switch to save money. Yet with high energy costs, which are about to get much higher, many are going to face the financial challenge of higher bills in the months ahead.
“With the cost of owning an EV potentially becoming even more expensive with changes to electric vehicle exemptions in 2025, more incentives are needed if we’re to see an increase in the uptake of EVs and encourage more people to make the switch.
“Ahead of next month’s Autumn Statement, drivers and motor dealers will be keeping a close eye on any policies in the hope that incentives are reintroduced to encourage wider EV adoption. Until then, dealers will be closely monitoring fluctuating consumer demand to ensure their forecourts are stocked appropriately.”
