Finance and performance ‘driving increased interest in EV switch’

• Running costs versus sticker price, the challenge for Brits in changing to electric cars
• Rural drivers fearing lack of charging options in their area, poll finds

Almost a third of UK car buyers (30%) would consider going electric when buying their next vehicle, but some barriers remain when convincing the majority of drivers of the benefits to switching to cleaner forms of transport, an E.ON survey has found.

The nationwide poll of 1,000 people⁽¹⁾ also revealed regional differences in attitudes toward EV adoption, with people’s desire to switch away from petrol or diesel cars mainly based on whether they lived in towns and cities, suburbs or the countryside.

While in urban areas almost a third of people (31%) said they would consider an EV as their next car, drivers in rural communities are more resistant to switching to an electric alternative, with only 28% – fewer than one in three – saying they were open to purchasing an EV for their next car.

Sustainability remains a key motivator for those considering leasing or purchasing an EV, with almost three quarters (74%) of respondents saying their main reason for considering an EV was a desire to be more sustainable and less polluting.

And people are seeing the financial benefits of EVs too – with 58% of people recognising cheaper running costs as a compelling reason to make the switch. Almost one in five drivers (18%) recognised the improved performance from electric motors compared to petrol or diesel engines.

Barriers for new EV drivers included higher purchase prices and perceived limits on charging infrastructure – slowing the shift to sustainable transport. Most respondents cited concerns over the availability of public charging posts in their area (62%).

However, limited charging infrastructure (50%) and battery life concerns (53%) topped the list of concerns for those drivers turning away from EVs. In suburban areas, three-quarters of people (75%) cited the forecourt price as a barrier, as well as concerns about charging infrastructure (61%).

The data also showed:

• Upfront vehicle costs are the top concern for two-thirds of people (66%), particularly for those living in suburban areas (75%)
• In rural communities, more than half (54%) stated vehicle range concerns were stopping them from making the move to an EV. City (43%) and suburban (46%) residents followed closely behind
• More than half (52%) of all respondents said fears about battery life was a key factor holding them back from purchasing an EV

To accelerate EV adoption, E.ON is working to address these barriers through significant investments in charging infrastructure. From urban hubs to rural regions, E.ON is contributing to a growing network of accessible and reliable charging points across Europe.

Dev Chana, Managing Director of E.ON Drive Infrastructure UK, said: “The potential for EVs in the UK is immense and our survey shows there is growing desire from drivers who recognise the environmental and financial benefits of switching to cleaner motoring.

"The increased desire from drivers throws down a challenge to vehicle manufacturers, tech companies and local authorities to make sure the vehicles and the infrastructure they rely on are available and visible nationwide. We’re not just meeting today’s demands but building infrastructure to make sure electric mobility is convenient and accessible for everyone.”

E.ON has installed approximately 8,000 EV chargers in homes across the UK and around 2,000 chargers for small businesses, enabling 50 million miles of charging in this year alone.

In 2024, E.ON also introduced 72 ultra-fast charging bays across the UK, including their ultra-fast public EV charging hub, its first in Wales, which includes 10 ultra-fast 300kW charging bays capable of delivering 150 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Another recent addition at Junction 37 on the M1 near Barnsley, located next to the iconic Fairway Pub, offers 12 ultra-fast 300kW charging bays along with family-friendly facilities.