AA index finds UK drivers 'not ready' for mass EV adoption, scores 47.5/100

The AA has concluded that Britain’s motorists are not yet ready for mass adoption of electric vehicles, launching a quarterly "UK EV Readiness Index" that gave an initial score of 47.5 out of 100.

The index, published by the motoring group on Monday, combines proprietary AA data with expert sources to assess eight factors that influence drivers’ willingness and ability to switch to battery-powered cars. Those factors include the cost of new and used EVs, EV insurance, the cost of home charging and home chargers, the cost of public charging, access to charging, the risk of running out of charge and roadside repair rates for EVs.

The AA also polled 14,915 drivers about the government’s Electric Car Grant, introduced in July to reduce the upfront cost of eligible new EVs by between £1,500 and £3,750. The survey found that 38 percent of respondents said new EVs remain too expensive even with the grant. A quarter said they would "never buy an EV," and one in five said they would only consider a second-hand model, a cohort for whom the new grant offers no benefit.

Just 5 percent said the grant had increased the likelihood they would choose an EV as their next car, while 6 percent said they were considering using the scheme. One percent — 47 of the 14,915 surveyed — said they were already in the process of buying a new EV specifically because of the grant. Younger motorists showed greater interest in using the grant: 12 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 10 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds indicated they would seek the government discount.

The AA presented 8,654 respondents with a series of alternative incentives and asked whether those measures would increase their likelihood of switching to an EV. The most popular proposals were grants and financial measures targeted at second‑hand electric cars, including grants for used EVs, removal of VAT on used EV purchases and interest‑free loans for buying second‑hand EVs. Respondents also expressed support for better public charging, free or subsidised home charger installations, removal of VAT on charging costs, changes to vehicle taxation such as scrapping a perceived "luxury car tax," and guarantees around battery life and range over time.

"Our index is an independent barometer of the issues that are either holding drivers back or propelling drivers to go electric. It is neither pro nor anti EV," AA president Edmund King OBE said. He added that drivers are "excited about going electric and they love the tech, but they’re also confused and cautious." King said upfront costs and charging access remain major concerns and that a number of motorists are waiting for technological improvements, better resale values and clearer information before committing to an electric car.

The AA noted that private purchases of new cars accounted for roughly 10 percent of the market in 2024, with the remaining 90 percent of buyers choosing used cars, underscoring the potential impact of incentives aimed at the second‑hand market. The group said that targeted measures for used EVs, improved charging infrastructure and clearer guarantees on battery performance would be key to raising the readiness score in future quarters.

The index provides a snapshot of current conditions rather than a forecast. The AA said it will publish the EV Readiness Index quarterly to track progress as costs, incentives, infrastructure and vehicle technology evolve. The initial score reflects the group's assessment that while EVs are practical and attractive for a subset of drivers, "significant barriers" remain for the majority of licence holders in 2025.

Industry analysts and policymakers will be watching subsequent quarterly readings to see whether recent policy changes and private investment in charging networks and second‑hand EV finance lead to measurable improvements in drivers' readiness to switch to electric vehicles.