#
Fuel price shocks have boosted the appeal of electric vehicles but uneven local charging rollout risks stalling the transition, according to the Motability Scheme’s EV Transition Tracker.
The proportion of Britons who believe EVs are cheaper to fuel than petrol or diesel vehicles has risen from a fifth (20%) to a quarter (25%) in the past six months.
Andrew Miller, CEO, Motability Operations, said: “Recent fuel price volatility is starting to shift how people view EVs, with more drivers recognising the cost stability they can offer. But improving perceptions of affordability is only one part of the picture. For many, the decision to switch depends on confidence that charging will be available, reliable and easy to access.
“Our research shows that this confidence is increasingly shaped by local experience. Where infrastructure is visible and working well, demand follows but too many communities – including people with disabilities – are being left behind.”
The shift is even more prominent among current EV drivers, who are increasingly seeing the financial benefits of driving electric – 56% feel EVs are cheaper to fuel, compared to 47% last November.
This shift is not translating into increased adoption. Interest in EVs remains steady, with 42% of people considering one next, while uptake among disabled drivers on the Motability Scheme remains at 29%.
Nearly 37% of drivers say it is difficult to find charging points locally.
More people believe their council is doing a poor job (37%) than a good one (30%) when it comes to installing on-street public charging.
People in Greater London are more likely to report confidence in their local council – with 49% saying they are doing well at installing charging infrastructure compared to just 22% in the South East.
In areas where councils are seen to be delivering, people are more likely to consider switching. In Greater London, 56% are considering an EV for their next vehicle, compared to 37% in the South East.
A strong urban–rural divide is evident. In the North West, 47% of people living in urban areas believe their council is performing well, compared to 20% in rural areas.
