Most UK drivers still aren't ready to go electric

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Published: July 24, 2026 at 10:56 AM

Despite the UK’s drive towards a zero-emission future, two thirds of motorists say they have no plans to switch to an electric vehicle (EV).

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New research from Quotezone.co.uk found that 66% of UK drivers do not intend to go electric, reflecting continuing concerns about affordability and access to charging points.

The figure has risen by 10 percentage points in the past two years. When Quotezone asked the same question in June 2024, 56% of drivers said they had no plans to switch.

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The findings come as the Government continues its efforts to encourage 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.*

Although electric vehicles are expected to become the most common type of car on UK roads by 2034,** the survey suggests many motorists remain unconvinced about making the move themselves.

Just 8% of those surveyed already own an electric vehicle, while a further 7% said they would wait until just before the 2035 deadline – around nine years from now – before changing their car.

When asked more broadly about switching to an EV, three quarters (75%) said they would not choose to do so unless they had to. Only one in five (20%) said they would actively choose an electric vehicle.

What’s putting drivers off?

Cost remains the biggest stumbling block. More than a quarter of respondents (27%) said the purchase price of an electric vehicle was their main concern.

Other worries included:

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The Government is supporting the transition through grants to help with upfront purchase costs*** and continued investment in improving the UK’s charging network.****

However, many drivers are also concerned about the future cost of running an electric vehicle. In particular, there is uncertainty over how the Government could replace lost fuel duty revenue, with discussion continuing around a potential pay-per-mile charging system that could be introduced from 2028.*****

*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pathway-for-zero-emission-vehicle-transition-by-2035-becomes-law
**https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/cars-in-the-uk
***https://www.gov.uk/zero-emission-vehicle-grants/cars
****https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-and-infrastucture-grant-guidance-for-installers#grants-that-are-available-to-your-customers
*****https://www.carwow.co.uk/news/9860/electric-cars-pay-per-mile-november-budget#gref

*This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.

Radiotimes.com is published by Immediate Media Company London Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Immediate Media Company Limited. Immediate Media Company London Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd (trading as Quotezone) (FRN: 313860).

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