A new study has found that nearly two-thirds of UK motorists have no plans to buy an electric car, with many stating that one issue is preventing them from getting behind the wheel of one.
Despite sales of EVs continuing to grow in the UK, accounting for a quarter of all new cars sold in February 2025, a survey of 1,501 Brits by the insurance and breakdown cover provider AXA UK found that 63 percent of drivers do not intend to buy an electric model.
Marco Distefano, Managing Director of AXA Retail, highlighted that a common concern surrounding electric vehicles is the longevity of the batteries they use.
He explained: “Battery health certificates have the potential to boost consumer confidence and drive demand to create a thriving second-hand EV market.
“It’s clear that motorists have concerns around both the lifespan and cost of electric vehicles, and without addressing these issues, there is a risk that EV uptake will remain low.”
Almost all electric vehicles feature lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used in electrical devices such as laptops and smartphones. Whilst they are lighter than most other forms of battery, they have a limited lifespan.
Due to comprehensive cooling and health monitoring systems, the typical EV battery is set to last between 10 and 20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles, with almost all manufacturers offering extensive warranties for the component in a bid to boost consumer confidence.
However, due to the limited age of most EVs on the roads and the expensive cost of replacement batteries, a considerable number of drivers are cautious about buying an electric model that may become significantly less practical in a matter of years.
To help encourage more buyers to choose an electric car, particularly on the used market, Marco called for new guidelines for battery testing.
He added: “We urge the Government to urgently publish guidelines to support standardised battery health testing.
“Not only will this stimulate the used EV market, but it also has the potential to positively impact insurance premiums by providing a barometer for assessing the value of EVs in a similar way that mileage is used for vehicles with an engine.”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also advised the Government to offer more measures to support the industry in making the switch to EV production, which could also help to boost sales.
He continued: “A robust new vehicle market drives growth for multiple stakeholders whose success depends on volume, not percentages. We’re in this together: supply chains, the used vehicle market, charge point manufacturers and network operators, electricity suppliers and distributors, vehicle maintenance providers, and the insurance sector – all depend on vehicle volumes for success.
“Strong markets also promote strong manufacturing. So we need measures that increase demand from every user segment, which will, in turn, deliver larger overall volumes. With the right support from the Government, there would be a 15% increase in zero-emission car uptake above what’s currently expected – and surely, that’s better for everyone.”