Electric car adoption stalls as drivers put off by charging fears and battery concerns

Hemma Visavadia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:48:56 +0000

Electric vehicle adoption has been stalling in the UK as drivers face mounting barriers, despite clear interest in making the switch.

Motorists have expressed interest in buying an electric vehicle, but real-world concerns are stopping them from following through.

Research showed a growing "confidence gap", particularly when it comes to buying second-hand EVs, with many worried about making the wrong choice.

Charging remains the biggest sticking point, with more than half of potential buyers (54 per cent) saying they are anxious about how they will keep their vehicle powered.

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Battery life was another major concern, with 42 per cent of drivers unsure how long an EV battery will last and whether it will hold its value over time.

The findings suggest demand for EVs is there, but hesitation is holding the market back, as many drivers appear to be waiting until they feel more confident before committing.

The uncertainty is especially strong in the used car market, where buyers have less clarity about battery health and long-term reliability.

In response, Welsh dealership group Nathaniel Cars has launched a new scheme aimed at tackling these fears head-on, with "VOLT", a dedicated used EV scheme designed to simplify the buying process and remove common concerns.

The group, which operates across South Wales, said the idea is to bundle everything drivers need into one package, from charging to servicing.

Nathan Griffiths, group director at Nathaniel Cars, said: "Customers aren't scared of EVs, they're scared of getting it wrong. Anyone can sell a Tesla, but not everyone can make it easy.

"VOLT turns a giant, complicated life decision into a simple one by doing all the heavy lifting for the customer."

Buyers have been offered free home charger installation, along with 5,000 miles of free charging through a deal with Octopus Energy.

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For drivers without a driveway, an alternative package worth £750 in public charging credit is available, which can be used across a network of more than a million charging points.

The changes aimed to remove the practical headaches that often come with switching to electric, particularly for those who cannot easily install a charger at home.

Every car sold through the scheme will undergo a health check and be graded, giving buyers a clearer idea of how the battery will perform over time.

Customers are offered two years of free servicing, roadside assistance and ongoing support, as well as free MOT tests for as long as they own the car.

If repairs are needed, drivers are also provided with an electric courtesy car, meaning they do not have to switch back to petrol or diesel.

The dealership said this all-in-one approach is designed to remove the uncertainty that is currently slowing EV adoption.