Busting EV myths boosts interest by 12%, finds YouGov
Dispelling EV myths leads to a more than 10% increase in the number of drivers willing to consider going electric, according to a new report.
The new study conducted by char.gy and YouGov reveals the serious impact misinformation is having on EV uptake as well as identifying the areas of greatest concern for motorists.
Topics including range anxiety, charger access and cost, and the price of EVs all remain issues among drivers but the report – What Everyone Should Know About EVs – argues that the UK has a confidence problem, not a curiosity one.
It calls for urgent education to bust common EV myths but also for concrete action to improve on-street charging accessibility and more financial support, especially in the used car market.
The study found that by correcting common misconceptions around EVs on topics such as range and durability, willingness to consider an electric car rose by 12 percentage points.
Among the biggest myths highlighted by the report was the idea that EVs can’t cover long distances. Range anxiety was cited as their number one concern by 71% of non-EV drivers, despite the average range of a new EV on sale in the UK exceeding 300 miles per charge. Some models already on sale or coming to market soon manage 500 miles on a charge, with research into solid state and other battery technologies set to raise that even further.
Purchase price was also a major worry for 62% of those questioned. EVs are frequently more expensive than a petrol-powered equivalent but the past 12 months have seen an influx of cheaper EVs priced from as little as £19,000. The average cost of second-hand EVs has also dropped by more than 20% since 2023 and is expected to fall another 28% by 2030.
The study found that between 53% and 57% of drivers’ next car would be a used model and its authors highlighted the need to offer support to EV buyers in that market as well as the brand-new sphere.
John Lewis, CEO of kerbside charging operator char.gy, said: “EVs aren’t a distant future anymore: they’re here, they’re affordable, and they’re rapidly outpacing combustion cars on performance and value. But the data shows the biggest barrier isn’t the vehicles, it’s the stories we tell about them. If we can debunk the myths and meet people where they are, especially at the kerbside, we’ll accelerate this transition faster and fairer.”
The report highlighted that charging remained a worry for many non-EV drivers and even for those already considering a switch. Although 63% of drivers said they were open to owning an EV within five years, only 5% currently do, with 72% of rejecters saying they don’t know where they’d charge, despite there being more than 88,000 public chargers around the country. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of non-owners also said cheaper charging would persuade them to switch.
Access to charging is a particular issue for the estimated 40% of households without off-street parking and the report’s authors warned of a “two-tier EV economy” unless kerbside provision improves.
Ginny Buckley, founder and CEO of Electrifying.com who contributed to the report, commented: “An Electrifying.com survey of more than 11,000 UK drivers at the end of 2024 found that just over half said not having access to off-street parking would put them off switching to an EV. This is why it’s crucial we get on-street charging right — to ensure nobody is left behind on Britain’s electric journey.”
Her view was echoed by Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at consumer research service Which?, who noted:“Electric vehicles generally perform well in our tests and are popular with drivers, but the high upfront cost and poor confidence in public charging remain major barriers.
“Those in remote areas are also worried 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.”
