About The Authors

Transport & Infrastructure

High public charging prices are a major barrier to wider EV uptake in England according to a recent study: A recent study has found that three-quarters (75%) of EV drivers in England believe that the high cost of public charging presents a significant obstacle to greater EV uptake, with several owners admitting that lack of access to at-home charging would have seriously impacted their likelihood of switching to an EV.

The survey, conducted by EVA England over three weeks between January and February 2025, polled 461 motorists (401 of whom are current EV drivers) to learn what they identified as the key obstacles to greater EV uptake.

The study found that the majority (75%) of EV respondents found public charging to be significantly more expensive than at-home charging and those without a driveway and a home charger will pay considerably more to charge their EVs. This is borne out by a recent Which? report that found some ultra-rapid public chargers can cost ten times more per KHW compared to charging at home; consequently making it more expensive per mile, than refuelling a petrol/diesel car. An EVA survey respondent remarked: "Without access to at-home charging, EVs are more expensive to run than petrol cars due to extortionate public charger pricing. This creates a two-tier world, those with private charging vs those without.”

As well as higher public charging prices, over two–thirds (68%) of EV drivers felt misinformation about EV ownership has also had a detrimental bearing on people’s willingness to make the switch, and over half (55%) said that the Government should play a greater role in countering this misinformation by supporting awareness campaigns.

The high upfront cost of acquiring an electric vehicle was considered the third biggest barrier to EV ownership by two-thirds, (66%) of respondents; with nearly 6 in 10  stating their EV purchase was more expensive than a petrol or diesel vehicle. However, since making the switch, more than  8 out of 10 (86%) of respondents reported that EV running costs are significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, said:

“We urge the Government to take note of our findings. They are informed by the most important people in this debate – the drivers themselves. Whilst we continue to see very high levels of satisfaction from EV drivers who have made the switch from petrol and diesel, there are still significant barriers to wider uptake”.

Other Transport & Infrastructure Research Findings

Other Latest Market Research Insights