Myths and misinformation remain significant barriers to EV uptake but new research shows the opportunity to reverse them through fact-based public education.

The research, carried out by on-street charging firm Char.gy, demonstrates that exposure to simple, fact-based statements such as ‘EV batteries last 10-15 years’ led to a 12-point increase in willingness to consider an EV among long-term considerers.

The report, What Everyone Should Know About EVs, also reveals the key areas where myths and misinformation occur.

Almost three-quarters (71%) of UK drivers who don’t yet drive electric cite ‘range anxiety’ as their number one concern, despite significant improvements in EV range.

Purchase price also remains a top concern (62%), despite the average used EV price dropping by over 20% since 2023 and expected to fall another 28% by 2030.

The study also indicates that the used car market should be a particular area of focus to correct EV myths and concerns, with more than half (53-57%) of EV considerers now saying they plan to buy second-hand.

The study also shows that perceptions of charging availability and awareness of charging options also continue to deter potential buyers. Although 63% of UK drivers say they’re 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.

The majority (88%) of current EV drivers also report dissatisfaction with public charging – citing cost, availability and reliability. This reinforces charging as the single biggest adoption trigger.

Charging affordability is critical. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of non-owners say cheaper charging would persuade them to switch, rising to 78% of short-term and 76% of long-term considerers. This is a particular problem for drivers reliant on public charging. While a majority of EV adopters charge at home (90%), 40% of the UK population has no access to a driveway. This driveway divide is creating a two-tier EV economy, leaving urban renters and those in flats behind.

The report calls for a series of urgent interventions to address these pain points, including targeted myth-busting campaigns, the expansion of kerbside charging infrastructure in underserved urban areas, and renewed financial incentives for both home chargers and EV purchases, especially in the second-hand market.

John Lewis, CEO of 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.”