UK drivers warm to electric cars but hold back on buying
Key Points
- UK drivers are among the most likely to consider buying an electric vehicle, but relatively few of them are committing.
- Research from Here Technologies found that the UK is one of the most eager markets for EV uptake in the world.
- Despite 38% of non-EV drivers being more likely to consider an EV, just 18% of those drivers say they are likely to purchase one next.
- The biggest consideration for prospective EV drivers is the availability of charging infrastructure.
British motorists are increasingly considering buying electric vehicles, but that interest is not translating into purchases.
This is according to the Here-SBD EV Index 2026, which found that 38% of non-electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the UK say they are much more likely to consider an EV than a year ago.
However, just 18% of those drivers say that an EV is the vehicle they are most likely to purchase or lease next, which is the largest gap between intent and conversion across all markets surveyed.
The research surveyed more than 4,000 drivers across the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the US, India and Australia and found that the United Kingdom was one of the most eager markets when it comes to EV uptake, but it is clear that this increasing openness is not translating directly into purchases.
UK drivers were more likely to consider buying an EV due to a range of factors, chief among which was improved charging speed and driving range. Among those who said they were more likely to consider buying an EV, 44% cited better charging speed and range, 39% cited the cost of charging, and 32% pointed to the wider choice of electric models now available.
Confidence in electric vehicle infrastructure is also improving, with 74% of UK EV owners surveyed stating that the charging experience had matched their expectations.
The UK is the market where satisfaction with local charging provision ranks the highest, an important factor when the availability of EV charging infrastructure remains the largest barrier to adoption across all markets. The survey found that more than half of EV owners had avoided a journey because of charging availability concerns, and another 58% have found a charging station unavailable due to faults.
“The UK has moved beyond awareness of EVs. Many drivers are now actively considering electric, but the purchase decision still depends on confidence,” said Here Technologies Chief Product Officer Denise Doyle.
“Drivers need to know charging will be easy, reliable and part of everyday journeys. Real-time location intelligence and charging information will be critical to helping them make the switch with confidence.”
