Experience and education are now the decisive factors in UK electric vehicle adoption, according to new research from Cox Automotive Europe.
The first annual “EV Adoption and Perceptions report” is based on a nationally representative survey of 2,008 UK drivers conducted in late 2025.
It shows EV uptake is rising, but cost perception, battery myths and charging confidence continue to slow wider adoption.
More than 473,000 battery electric vehicles were registered in the UK in 2025, accounting for 23.4% of the new car market. Despite this momentum, the report finds that uncertainty around total cost of ownership, battery durability and charging access remains a drag on consumer confidence.
While recent incentives and charging investment announced in the Autumn Budget are supportive, the report warns that complexity around ownership costs, including proposals for a future pay-per-mile tax, risks adding further confusion.
Experience converts interest into intent
The clearest finding is the impact of real-world experience. Among EV drivers, 95% say they would choose electric again, compared with 63% of those who have test driven an EV and just 24% of drivers with no EV experience.
Karoline Baumann, strategy and new growth director at Cox Automotive Europe, said: “Experience continues to be the biggest driver of EV adoption.
“The more people who get behind the wheel of an EV, the faster confidence grows.”
Ownership is now firmly moving into the mainstream, particularly among younger drivers. EV ownership is highest among 25 to 34-year-olds, with adoption slowing progressively in older age groups.
Battery myths remain the biggest barrier
Battery concerns continue to dominate EV hesitation. Sixty percent of drivers who have never driven an EV cite battery lifespan as a concern, compared with 23% of EV owners. Range anxiety, safety fears and charging misconceptions follow a similar pattern, reducing sharply with hands-on experience.
Paul Humphreys, managing director of retail at Cox Automotive Europe, said: “Drivers who’ve been behind the wheel of an EV don’t just understand the technology, they trust it.”
The report highlights a clear role for dealers in tackling misinformation around battery longevity, charging best practice and warranty coverage.
Total cost of ownership remains a mental barrier even after purchase. Two thirds of UK drivers believe EVs are more expensive to own than petrol or diesel vehicles, including 86% of EV owners.
While owners acknowledge lower servicing and running costs, concerns about purchase price, insurance and future resale values continue to shape perception. The report suggests clearer, personalised TCO comparisons at the point of sale are critical to addressing this disconnect.
Charging confidence improves with use
Public charging remains a concern for non-EV drivers, but the data shows this anxiety fades quickly with experience. Ninety four percent of EV owners rate local public charging access as good, compared with 63% of test drivers and 32% of non-EV drivers.
The findings suggest that charging confidence is more closely linked to familiarity than infrastructure density, reinforcing the value of education around real-world charging behaviour.
Sustainability matters, but scepticism remains
Environmental impact is a key purchase driver for 78% of UK motorists, yet older drivers remain more sceptical about the benefits of EVs compared with petrol and diesel.
Among EV owners, 95% believe electric vehicles are better for the environment, compared with 50% of non-EV drivers. The report concludes that clearer communication around lifecycle emissions, air quality benefits and grid decarbonisation is needed to close this gap.
Cox Automotive Europe concludes that the next phase of EV adoption will be led by retailers who can translate complexity into clarity.
Structured test drives, visible incentives, transparent cost comparisons and proactive education on batteries and charging are identified as the most effective tools for converting interest into confidence in 2026 and beyond.