EV and petrol drivers agree on top two priorities for switching to electric

Early findings from nationwide survey reveal cheaper upfront costs and dedicated EV charging facilities are top priorities for drivers regardless of current car type.

We are releasing these early findings to highlight why every voice matters, and to remind drivers from across the UK to share their views in our annual Steer the Conversation Summer Survey.

So far, results suggest that drivers of both petrol and electric cars are aligned on the two biggest priorities when it comes to making the switch to electric: lowering upfront purchase costs and ensuring access to dedicated charging facilities – via the use of cross-pavement or other solutions for those without private driveways, for instance, or designated charging bays.

Key early insights include:

• Rising confidence among EV drivers: 95% of EV drivers say they would recommend EVs to a friend, up from 93% last year.
• Stark regional disparity in access to off-street parking: whilst only 12% of survey respondents overall stated they don’t have access to off-street parking, more than half of those in some large cities said they don’t, suggesting that public charging options, as well as cross-pavement charging solutions allowing drivers to connect a home charger to the kerb, are an immediate priority for drivers in concentrated urban landscapes more widely.

Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, says:

“These early findings underline that whether we own a petrol, hybrid, diesel or electric car, we often agree on what matters most: affordability and practicality.

“This is why these surveys are invaluable. They help pinpoint real world needs and give every driver a chance to have their say in future policies that are designed to help us all. I would encourage every driver in the UK, regardless of what they drive, to take just a few minutes out of their day to have their say.”

Last chance to have your say:

The survey is open until Sunday 14th September and takes just five minutes to complete. All UK drivers – whether EV, hybrid, petrol or diesel – are encouraged to respond.

Ran in partnership with Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) Cymru and EVA Northern Ireland, this survey is supported by Octopus Energy via its Electroverse scheme. Respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five £100 Octopus Electroverse charging credits.

Findings will be shared with policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider public to inform future EV and transport policy.