The percentage of EV breakdowns caused by vehicles running out of power reached a record low in June, according to new data from the AA.

Just 1.4% of the EV callouts received by the AA in June were due to batteries either having limited or no charge

A report by PA Media has found that just 1.4% of the EV callouts received by the breakdown recovery specialist last month were due to vehicle batteries either having limited or no charge.

It’s the lowest monthly figure on record and down from 1.6% in June last year, 2.8% in June 2021 and 4.6% in June 2019.

The AA told PA Media that the decrease was due to a boost in the number and reliability of public chargers, higher quality charging support for customers, improved range on newer EVs and better driver education and information.

The company expects the annual figure to ultimately drop to 1%; equivalent to the proportion of petrol or diesel car breakdowns caused by running out of fuel.

Consumer association Which? has welcomed the findings but pointed to its own recent research that found more than two-thirds (69%) of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners who have used the UK’s public charging network said they were unhappy with it.

Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights and food policy, said: “The Government and charge point operators must continue working together to ensure the UK’s charging infrastructure is up to scratch. Charging must be easy and reliable to support more people to make the move to an electric car.”

Alfonso Martinez, UK managing director at ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK (soon to be rebranded as Ayvens UK), said the AA data showed that greater investment in reliable and accessible public charging points would likely make drivers more confident in switching to electric vehicles.

But Martinez said that while the UK has made significant progress in recent years in improving its charging network and the number of public EV chargers across the country, there is still much work to be done.

“According to the 2024 Ayvens Mobility Guide, analysis showed the UK has 10 charging stations/100km, 23.1 per vehicle in 2023 and we’re one of the world’s most mature EV markets. To continue this momentum, we need greater access to reliable and affordable public charge points and further investment to expand the UK’s charging network to support EV drivers nationwide.

“The Government will require 99% reliability for rapid charging points and contactless payments for most public networks from November, but the cost of charging remains a challenge. Introducing measures such as reducing VAT on public charging from 20% to 5% – aligning it with plugging in at home – will help to incentivise EV ownership, especially for drivers without off-street parking.”

With the new government outlining its commitment to the EV sector, Martinez also called for greater joined-up thinking among local councils, facilitated and enabled by a government-issued road map as well as a commitment to the continued implementation of the 2023 Public Charge Point Regulations.

“Through this, we can continue to instil a greater sense of confidence in drivers around EVs, particularly around access to public charging, to encourage them to make the switch,” he added.