New research tracking the attitudes and behaviours of EV drivers across the UK is now out from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The Ipsos UK report was developed for the DfT and surveyed 1,007 drivers, including 698 battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers and 309 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers, in late 2024.

The research provides insights into driving patterns, charging behaviours and experiences of home and public charge points, barriers and enablers relating to EV usage and levels of confidence and satisfaction with public charge point provision and making long-distance journeys in EVs.

The project found that four in five drivers said they drove a new EV (79%), with only a minority reporting that they drove a used EV (21%).

Salary sacrifice was shown to be a key purchase method; around two in five EV drivers acquired their current vehicle through a sal-sac scheme.

The study also looked at EV usage. Almost three-quarters of EV drivers who drove more than one vehicle said they drove a BEV or a PHEV most often (74%). Cost to run was a major influencer in determining which vehicle drivers used most often.

Two-thirds (68%) of BEV drivers had driven a battery electric vehicle with an advertised range of 201+ miles.

Half of BEV (51%) and just under half of PHEV (44%) drivers made long-distance journeys (journeys of 100 miles or more) that required charging on route about once a month or less often. In contrast, around three in 10 drivers (28% BEV, 36% PHEV) reported driving long-distance journeys at least once a week.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of EV drivers would most likely use an EV for a journey of 100 miles or more, with 44% most likely using a BEV and 29% a PHEV.

Charger availability (50kW and over) (64%), vehicle range (62%) and route planning (54%) were the most important factors ensuring BEV drivers’ confidence in making long-distance journeys.

The majority of EV drivers had a method of charging at home, with a higher percentage of BEV drivers (76%) having a dedicated home charger compared to PHEV drivers (53%).

Around one in 10 EV drivers relied on the public charging network (PHEV drivers 12% and BEV drivers 9%). Among BEV drivers reliant on public charge points, the most commonly used locations included charge points at a company’s or organisation’s car park (27%), dedicated EV charging hub (23%), and at work or place of education (19%).

Around half of EV drivers were satisfied with the availability of public charge points in their local area (52%). However, a notable 24% were dissatisfied.

EV drivers wanted charge points to be more affordable (47%), quicker (45%) and more reliable (29%). They also stated they would like to see more ultra-rapid (150+kW) and rapid (50-149kW) chargers across most locations, such as service areas and EV charging hubs.

The study also found that more than three-quarters of EV drivers would most likely buy or lease another EV in the future (78%) and would recommend their vehicle type to others (88% BEV, 83% PHEV).

The full EV Driver Tracker report is online here.

Fleet decision-makers can help shape future industry electrification, and grab a chance to win a hotel break into the bargain, by taking part in Fleet World’s 2025 EV Survey. Sponsored by Europcar, Geotab, Ogilvie Fleet and EY, this year’s market research explores current and future electrification plans and experiences among businesses.

The survey will only take a few minutes to complete and all participants will automatically be entered into a FREE prize draw for a chance to win a two-night stay plus breakfast for two people at Mariners Hotel in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

To access the survey and be in with a chance of winning the free break, click here.