New research from EVBox is now out on the main barriers for EV adoption in the UK and the government policies that could most incentivise EVs.  

Over half of the UK population wants to make the switch to electric vehicles, the EVBox Mobility Monitor Report 2022 reveals

Now in its second year, the Mobility Monitor report uses market research on electric vehicle adoption conducted in partnership with Ipsos across UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands and delving into the current view of the public towards EVs.  

Key findings of the 2022 report include:  

Over half of Brits want to go electric but barriers remain  

Brits are more inclined to purchase an electric vehicle (52%) compared to the rest of Europe, but there are a number of barriers impeding the switch.   

The price of electric vehicles is the main reason that Brits do not go electric (58%), followed by the uncertainty they won’t find a charging station whenever they need one (46%). However, the latter has fallen significantly from 2020 (56%) when this was the main reason not to go electric.  

Meanwhile, eight out of 10 existing UK EV drivers would opt again for an electric car. Unlike the concerns of the wider UK population, one of the main reasons current EV drivers wouldn’t choose an electric car again is due to the current range offering not fitting their journey requirements (35%) and that charge time is too long. When looking across mainland Europe, the price of purchasing an EV remains the key barrier.  

UK drivers want government to implement policies that protect the environment  

Comparing the 2022 report to the 2020 edition, the majority of EV drivers find it important that the UK government prioritises policies that protect the environment. This percentage stood at 87% in 2020 and is now at 76%. However, in the case of potential EV drivers in the UK, the percentage has increased by 3% since 2020. Moreover, 76% of potential EV drivers agree that the UK should give more tax credits for electric driving, up from 69% in 2020. Potential EV drivers also find it more attractive for a future employer to offer electric cars, which has increased to 68%.  

Majority of EV drivers don’t tend to have major problems with charging  

The most common issue EV drivers in the UK are facing when wanting to charge their car is the waiting time due to a station being occupied (27%), indicating a need for more public charging ports.  

Compared to 2020, more Brits disagree that taking care of an electric car takes more effort than a petrol/diesel car. However almost half of current EV drivers believe that an electric car takes more effort to look after (49%).  

EV driver profile remains broadly similar   

The UK driver profile in 2022 looks very similar to the one from 2020; EV drivers are predominantly male, highly educated and employed. Male drivers account for 63% in the UK, which has increased by 4% compared to the 2020 report. Looking at the living situation however, the data shows that UK EV drivers with a partner has significantly increased to 72%, with 49% of EV drivers living in a household of 3 to 4 people. UK EV drivers are also getting younger, with over half (53%) in the 18-34 bracket, compared to 37% in 2020.  

Charging at home most popular  

The majority of UK EV drivers (65%) charge their cars at home, followed by supermarkets (44%), their workplace (40%) and service stops and fuel stations at highways (38%). When asked in which locations they would like to see more charging stations, most stated supermarkets (31%).  

Most EV drivers stated that when purchasing an EV charging station in the UK, energy efficiency (60%) and an easy-to-use interface (60) are the most important factors. This is followed by clarity about charging session fees (54%) and a long warranty (42%).   

Commenting on the survey’s findings, Jonathan Goose, regional director of EVBox UK & Ireland: “Our market research shows citizens in Europe and specifically in the UK see EVs as part of the solution to combat climate change and having a positive impact on the environment. Together, we need to remove the main barriers to EV adoption such as making electric cars more affordable and increasing charging availability. Governments need to put forward more policies to protect the environment and to increase clean electric mobility.”  

To access the full report, click here.