New research from the Motability Scheme’s EV Transition Tracker has revealed that while global fuel price shocks are making EVs look more financially attractive to UK drivers, confidence in local charging infrastructure is failing to keep pace.
For the first time since recent oil market volatility, perceptions of EV running costs have improved significantly. The proportion of Britons who believe EVs are cheaper to fuel than petrol or diesel vehicles has risen from a fifth (20%) to a quarter (25%) in the past six months.
This change is even more prominent among current EV drivers, who are increasingly seeing the financial benefits of driving electric – over half (56)% now feel EVs are cheaper to fuel, compared to 47% last November.
However, this shift is not translating into increased adoption. Interest in EVs remains steady, with 42% of people considering one for their next vehicle, while uptake among disabled drivers on the Motability Scheme remains even lower at 29% – highlighting a persistent confidence gap.
Local infrastructure concerns undermining progress
Despite improving cost perceptions, drivers continue to question whether the UK’s charging network can support them in practice - nearly two in five (37%) say it is difficult to find charging points in their local area.
This lack of confidence is closely tied to perceptions of local authority performance. More people believe their council is doing a poor job (37%) than a good one (30%) when it comes to installing on-street public charging – signalling a clear gap between national ambition and local delivery.
A growing postcode lottery
The rollout of public charging infrastructure varies significantly across the UK, with clear regional differences in both provision and public confidence.
People in Greater London are far more likely to report confidence in their local council - with nearly half (49%) saying they are doing well at installing charging infrastructure. This compares to just 22% in the South East.
These disparities are shaping behaviour. In areas where councils are seen to be delivering visible, accessible infrastructure, people are more likely to consider switching. For example, in Greater London, 56% say they are considering an EV for their next vehicle, compared to just 37% in the South East - highlighting the importance of trust in local delivery.
A strong urban–rural divide is also evident. In the North West, for example, 47% of people living in urban areas believe their council is performing well, compared to just 20% in rural areas across the region.
Together, these trends point to a growing postcode lottery in access to EV charging – raising the risk that entire communities fall behind as petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out.
Andrew Miller, CEO, Motability Operations, said: “Recent fuel price volatility is starting to shift how people view EVs, with more drivers recognising the cost stability they can offer. But improving perceptions of affordability is only one part of the picture. For many, the decision to switch depends on confidence that charging will be available, reliable and easy to access.
“Our research shows that this confidence is increasingly shaped by local experience. Where infrastructure is visible and working well, demand follows but too many communities - including people with disabilities - are being left behind. With the 2030 phase-out approaching, there is a clear opportunity for local councils to ensure the rollout works for all communities across the country.”
ENDS
You can find the EV Transition Tracker here: https://www.mo.co.uk/our-impact/ev-transition-tracker/
