Conditions that would enable most drivers to switch to an EV today have not yet been met in the UK, according to the AA’s first quarterly EV Readiness Index.

The index, which tracks eight factors influencing drivers’ readiness to switch, reveals a current ‘Readiness Rating’ of 47.5 out of 100, indicating that while EVs are a viable and attractive option for some, significant barriers remain for mass adoption.

“Drivers tell us they’re excited about going electric and they love the tech, but they’re also confused and cautious,” revealed Edmund King, AA president. “Our index shows that upfront costs and charging access are still major concerns. Our polling also suggests battery health and resale values are still issues for some.”

He added: “Cost of new EVs is still a major stumbling block so the Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme of up to £3,750 for cars under £37,000 is a welcome boost, but we need to go further to make EVs a realistic choice for all drivers.”

Research by the AA among nearly 15,000 drivers found that 38% say even with the grant, it is too expensive to buy a new EV while 24% say they will never buy an EV. The study also showed that 20% say they only buy used cars, so the grant doesn’t help.

However, 6% said the Electric Car Grant is helping them consider or buy an EV, rising to 10% among 35- to 44-year-olds and 12% of 18- to 24-year-olds.  This is significant as private sales of all kinds of new cars – petrol, diesel, BEV – were approximately 10% of private sales in 2024, with the other 90% buying used cars.

The AA also asked nearly 9,000 respondents about alternative incentives to go electric. The top three answers were a grant on used EVs, removing VAT on used EVs and an interest-free loan on used EVs.

King also said many drivers are unsure how far and how fast they should move to an EV, with some waiting for future technological developments to enhance better range and in-car systems.

He continued: “The switch to EVs is part of automotive evolution rather than revolution and our EV Readiness Index shows there is still some way to go before the majority plug in.”

The AA said it was confident that the readiness rating would increase with more chargers, less expensive products, targeted incentives and better information.

To support the transition, the organisation is calling for:

• Consideration of targeted incentives on used EVs
• Consideration of reduced VAT for on-street charging
• Faster planning and better signing of charging infrastructure
• More factual information campaigns and reporting

The AA’s EV Readiness Index offers a comprehensive snapshot of how practical and appealing EV ownership is for UK drivers today. Drawing on proprietary AA data and expert sources, the index tracks eight critical factors that include the costs of new and used EVs, EV insurance, home charging and home chargers and public charging. It also looks at access to charging, issues with EVs running out of charge and roadside EV repair rates.

“Our index is an independent barometer of the issues that are either holding drivers back or propelling drivers to go electric. It is neither pro nor anti-EV,” King stressed.

The AA also said it would continue to track EV readiness quarterly and work with the Government, industry and members to ensure no driver is left behind in the electric revolution.

The AA’s UK EV Readiness Index is online here.