Gaps in affordable public charging are driving up EV running costs, even as new £0 advance payment offers aim to improve access through the Motability Scheme.
New data from the Motability Scheme’s latest EV Transition Trackerm, which is based on a nationally representative sample of 3,085 respondents from November 2025, shows that cost is the dominant factor influencing where drivers charge, with many forced to use more expensive rapid and ultra rapid chargers due to limited local infrastructure.
When choosing between public charging points with different tariffs, speeds and locations, 52% of those surveyed said price was the most important factor, compared with 27% citing proximity and 20% charging speed.
Among Motability Scheme customers, cost was also the key driver, influencing 48% of charging decisions.
A disconnect between preferences and real world behaviour
However, anonymised usage data from the Motability Scheme public charging app suggests a disconnect between preferences and real world behaviour.
From January to December 1, 2025, scheme customers paid an average of 74p per kWh, with the most used operator averaging 86p per kWh, followed by 78p and 83p per kWh.
This reflects the need for many drivers to rely on higher priced networks due to gaps in local provision.
Despite a growing number of slow and fast charge points nationally, just 25% of Motability charging sessions in 2025 took place on these cheaper options.
The remaining 75% were on rapid and ultra rapid chargers.
Zapmap utilisation data for Q3 2025 shows a similar trend across the wider market, with 71.4% of UK charging sessions occurring at rapid and ultra rapid sites.
Strong regional differences remain
The data also highlights strong regional differences linked to proximity.
In London, where 81% of households are within a five minute walk of a public charger, 58% of Motability charging sessions were on slow and fast chargers.
In the East Midlands, where only 24% of households are within a five minute walk, just 10.8% of sessions used these lower cost options.
Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations, said: “Inspiring the next cohort of EV drivers will depend not just on interest in EVs, but on the experience people have once they use them.
“While attitudes towards EVs remain stable, gaps in affordable, slow charging close to home are creating charging experiences that are often more expensive and less convenient than drivers expect.”
Against this backdrop, dealer groups are using pricing initiatives to help reduce barriers to EV adoption.
Dick Lovett introduces £0 advance payment
Dick Lovett has introduced a £0 advance payment offer on the all electric Mini Countryman through the Motability Scheme for 2026.
The offer allows eligible customers to exchange their mobility allowance for a new electric vehicle with no upfront cost.
The package includes insurance, servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover and access to the BP Pulse charging network or a home chargepoint installation.
The move comes as affordability remains a key challenge for Motability customers.
Research shows the median household income for scheme users is £18,400, around half the national average, while 60% cite upfront and running costs as a barrier to choosing an EV.
More than 100,000 Motability customers are already driving electric vehicles.
Alex Lee, Motability expert at Dick Lovett Mini, said: “We understand how important the Motability Scheme is in providing independence and freedom to those in need and their families.
“We are committed to making the transition to electric vehicles as seamless and affordable as possible, so being able to offer the new £0 advance payment option on a great vehicle such as the Mini Countryman Electric is amazing news.”
Motability research also highlights the wider impact of vehicle access, with 21.2% of customers reporting improved job opportunities and users able to work an average of 14 additional hours per week. More than 80% say the scheme improves access to health services.