EV Owners Happy, But Charging and Transparency Remain Major Barriers to Adoption, Says Regit for Cox Automotive

Key Findings:

EV Ownership & Experience:

While 79% of respondents do not currently drive an electric vehicle, 87% of those who do said that EVs had met or exceeded their expectations.

Range & Charging:

42% of EV drivers noticed a discrepancy between real-world range and the manufacturer’s stated range, but only 25% reported range anxiety or problems as a significant issue.

Charging remains a sticking point:

• 28% said finding charging points was difficult.

• 26% found charging costs to be too high.

• 82% rated the UK’s charging infrastructure as poor.

• 45% identified remote areas as having the greatest charging challenges.

Incentives & Responsibility:

86% of drivers believe there are insufficient government-backed incentives to support EV uptake. When asked who should be most responsible for enabling the transition, responses included:

• UK Government (64%)

• Dealerships (49%)

• Fuel companies (42%)

• Vehicle manufacturers (41%)

• Local authorities (36%)

The top three incentives drivers want to see are:

• Financial subsidies to reduce the purchase price (62%)

• Lower public charging costs (56%)

• Free or discounted home chargers (52%)

Barriers to Confidence:

Only 14% of respondents were interested in vehicle subscription services with guaranteed upgrades, showing limited consumer appetite for alternative ownership models.

58% said more information on comparative ownership and running costs would increase their confidence to go electric—more so than model guides (26%) or usage demonstrations (25%).

Call for Transparency:

When asked what would help most at the point of sale, 68% of respondents wanted clear information on battery health, lifespan, and recycling.

54% wanted data on lifetime value and resale value, and 46% called for extended warranties or service packages.

The Role of Local Authorities:

Drivers see a clear role for local councils in the EV transition, with 59% wanting expanded residential charging infrastructure and 52% calling for charging points in more accessible parking locations.

Chris Green, Regit CEO and Founder, commented:

"Our research confirms the vast majority of EV owners are happy with their experience, despite well-known challenges with the UK’s charging infrastructure."

"To accelerate adoption, we must address major barriers like accessibility for those without off-street parking and the high costs of installation. The Government’s recent £65m investment in Connected Kerb is a positive step, and reports that EV loans may be subsidised would be another welcome boost if confirmed—but the pressure to keep progressing must remain constant."

"The industry also has a role to play in this. A key obstacle we can directly influence is the lack of clear, relevant information at the point of sale. Battery health, lifespan, and recycling are critical considerations for buyers, yet this information is rarely presented in a way that builds confidence."

"Our team of Auto Experts has thousands of car-buying conversations each month and has proven the effectiveness of discussing cost savings through real-world fuel comparisons. Yet this simple, powerful message is still often overlooked by manufacturers and dealers."

"For mass EV adoption, we need the Government to deliver, and our industry to go the extra mile in providing the practical, transparent guidance motorists are asking for."