EV readiness shoots up as Chinese cars shake up UK market

• AA UK EV Readiness Index reaches 60 out of 100, its highest level yet
• New EVs took 29.8% of the new car market in August, but remain below the 33% ZEV mandate target for 2026
• Government reviewing the ZEV mandate as AA calls for realistic targets, certainty and a clear direction of travel
• Chinese brands took 15.8% of the UK new car market in August, almost three times their share a year earlier
• 42% of AA members would not consider buying a Chinese-made car, but younger drivers are much more receptive
• Almost half (47%) believe increased competition between Chinese and established manufacturers will benefit consumers

The UK is becoming more receptive to the electric vehicle revolution, with the AA UK EV Readiness Index reaching 60 out of 100 for the first time, as Chinese manufacturers bring greater competition to the market and battery electric vehicle sales continue to rise.

EV Readiness Index reaches new high

The Q3 2026 Index increased from 58.8 in Q2 to 60, marking the fourth consecutive improvement. However, the AA says the score also demonstrates that significant barriers remain before electric vehicles are accessible and affordable for all drivers.

The Index tracks eight key factors affecting drivers' ability and willingness to switch to an EV, including purchase price, charging, running costs, insurance and maintenance.

The latest improvement comes as battery electric vehicles accounted for 29.8% of all new cars registered in August^*. This was the second-highest monthly share of 2026, although August is traditionally a low-volume month and the figure remains below the Government's headline 33% ZEV mandate target for cars in 2026.

The Government is currently consulting on the ZEV mandate, including its annual headline targets and potential alternative policy approaches. The existing trajectory rises to 80% zero-emission new cars and 70% of new vans by 2030.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said:

"The EV Readiness Index reaching 60 is another significant milestone. It shows that the conditions for going electric are steadily improving, but a score of 60 also tells us that we aren't there yet.

"The AA supports the transition to zero-emission vehicles, but targets need to be realistic, achievable and supported by consumer demand. Whether the 2030 mandate remains at 80% for cars and 70% for vans or is adjusted, drivers and manufacturers need certainty and a clear direction of travel.

"Ultimately, the transition will work when consumers want and are able to make the switch. That means affordable cars, reliable and convenient charging and incentives which give drivers confidence rather than confusion."

Chinese brands changing the market

The latest Index also examines one of the biggest changes taking place in the UK car market: the rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturers.

Chinese brands captured 15.8% of UK new vehicle sales in August 2026, almost three times their 5.5% share a year earlier.

AA research, based on 10,594 responses from AA members, suggests drivers remain cautious about Chinese-made cars but that attitudes could be changing.

More than a quarter of drivers would consider buying a Chinese-made car, while 42% would not, including 16% who say they would "never" buy one.

There is a significant generational difference. Four in ten (40%) 18 to 24-year-olds would consider buying a Chinese car, compared with 22% of 65 to 74-year-olds.

Data security is a particular concern. Just 3% believe data captured by a vehicle would be handled better and more safely by a Chinese manufacturer than an established brand.

However, established manufacturers cannot necessarily rely on a perceived quality advantage. While a quarter of drivers believe established brands offer better quality than Chinese manufacturers, 66% are unsure. Similarly, 77% do not have a view on whether Chinese cars are safer.

Consumers also see potential benefits from increased competition, with 47% believing competition between Chinese and established manufacturers will benefit drivers.

Dean Keeling, AA Managing Director Roadside Services, said:

"China has demonstrated that the transition to electric vehicles can happen at extraordinary pace when government, manufacturers, infrastructure and consumers move in the same direction.

"Having visited Auto China and manufacturing facilities in Beijing, the pace, scale and coordination of the Chinese automotive industry is both exciting and scary, depending on where you sit in the industry.

"Chinese manufacturers are bringing increasingly sophisticated, competitively priced vehicles to market at a speed that should make the established automotive industry sit up and take notice.

"The lesson for the UK isn't simply to impose tougher sales targets. It is to create the conditions that make consumers want, and are able, to buy electric vehicles.

"The arrival of new manufacturers also changes the traditional automotive model. EVs generally require less conventional servicing and more work can increasingly be carried out by mobile technicians. Nationwide organisations such as the AA, with EV-trained patrols and mobile mechanics, can help provide the roadside, maintenance and aftersales infrastructure these new entrants and their customers will need."

Home charging retains major cost advantage

Disrupted energy markets continued to affect the Index during Q3.

Petrol increased to 161.5p per litre, compared with 159.6p at the end of May and 132.5p in February.

For drivers able to charge at home, electricity remained 66% cheaper per mile than petrol.

Ultra-rapid public charging remained around 15% more expensive per mile than petrol, highlighting the continuing divide between EV drivers who can charge at home and those dependent on the public network.

There are now 123,677 public EV chargers, equivalent to around 41% of the Government's 300,000 target for 2030.

EV purchase-price gap continues to narrow

Affordability also improved during the quarter.

New EVs were on average 25% more expensive than comparable petrol cars, improving slightly from 26% in Q2. In the used market, the gap has almost disappeared, with used EVs averaging just 1% more than petrol equivalents, down from 3%.

EVs also continued to perform strongly when breakdowns occurred. 88.1% of EV callouts were fixed at the roadside by AA patrols, compared with 83.5% for petrol vehicles.

Running out of charge accounted for only 1.3% of EV callouts, compared with 8.3% in 2015, further evidence that traditional "range anxiety" is becoming less of a practical problem for EV drivers.

AA UK EV Readiness Index Q3 2026: Questions and answers

What is the AA UK EV Readiness Index?

The AA UK EV Readiness Index measures how ready UK drivers and the wider motoring market are for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

It tracks eight factors that influence drivers’ ability and willingness to switch to an EV, including vehicle purchase price, charging, running costs, insurance and maintenance.

The Index produces an overall score from 1 to 100. A score of 1 means barriers to EV ownership remain too high for virtually all drivers, while a score of 100 would indicate clear and significant advantages to EV ownership.

What is the latest AA UK EV Readiness Index score?

The AA UK EV Readiness Index reached 60 out of 100 in Q3 2026, its highest score to date.

This was up from 58.8 in Q2 2026 and represented the fourth consecutive quarterly improvement.

The AA believes the score shows that conditions for switching to an electric vehicle are improving, but significant barriers remain before EVs are accessible and affordable for all UK drivers.

Is the UK ready for mass adoption of electric cars?

The AA UK EV Readiness Index score of 60 out of 100 suggests the UK is becoming increasingly ready for electric vehicles but is not yet fully ready for mass adoption.

Important barriers remain, particularly the higher purchase price of new EVs and the difference in running costs between drivers who can charge at home and those who rely on public charging.

The AA believes the transition will be strengthened by affordable vehicles, reliable and convenient charging, and policies which give consumers confidence and certainty.

Are electric car sales increasing in the UK?

Yes. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 29.8% of all new cars registered in the UK in August 2026, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This was the second-highest monthly EV market share of 2026, although August is traditionally a relatively low-volume month for new car registrations.

What is the UK ZEV mandate target for electric cars?

The headline Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target for cars is 33% in 2026.

The existing ZEV mandate trajectory rises to 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans by 2030.

The Government is reviewing the ZEV mandate, including its annual headline targets and potential alternative policy approaches.

What is the AA's position on the ZEV mandate?

The AA supports the transition to zero-emission vehicles but believes targets need to be realistic, achievable and supported by consumer demand.

Whether the 2030 mandate remains at 80% for cars and 70% for vans or is adjusted, the AA believes drivers and manufacturers need certainty and a clear direction of travel.

The transition also needs to be supported by affordable vehicles, reliable and convenient charging infrastructure, and incentives that give drivers confidence to switch.

How much more expensive is a new electric car than a petrol car?

In Q3 2026, new electric vehicles were on average 25% more expensive than comparable new petrol cars in the AA UK EV Readiness Index.

The gap is gradually narrowing. In Q2 2026, new EVs were on average 26% more expensive than comparable petrol cars.

Purchase price therefore remains an important barrier for drivers considering switching to a new EV.

Are used electric cars more expensive than used petrol cars?

The price gap between used electric and petrol cars has almost disappeared.

In Q3 2026, used EVs were on average only 1% more expensive than comparable used petrol cars, according to the AA UK EV Readiness Index. This compares with a 3% difference in Q2 2026.

This means the used market could provide a more affordable route into EV ownership for some drivers.

Is it cheaper to drive an electric car than a petrol car?

It can be considerably cheaper to drive an EV if the driver can charge at home.

In Q3 2026, home charging was 66% cheaper per mile than driving on petrol, according to the AA UK EV Readiness Index.

However, the cost advantage depends heavily on where the vehicle is charged.

Is public EV charging cheaper than petrol?

Not necessarily.

In Q3 2026, ultra-rapid public EV charging was around 15% more expensive per mile than petrol.

This contrasts with home charging, which was 66% cheaper per mile than petrol.

The difference highlights one of the inequalities in the transition to electric vehicles: drivers with home charging can benefit from substantially lower energy costs, while those dependent on the fastest public chargers can pay considerably more.

How many public electric vehicle chargers are there in the UK?

There were 123,677 public EV chargers recorded for the Q3 2026 AA UK EV Readiness Index.

That is equivalent to around 41% of the Government's 300,000 public charger target for 2030.

Increasing the availability, reliability and convenience of public charging remains important for drivers who cannot charge an EV at home.

Are Chinese car manufacturers increasing their UK market share?

Yes. Chinese car brands accounted for 15.8% of UK new vehicle sales in August 2026, compared with 5.5% a year earlier.

Their market share has therefore grown to almost three times its level in August 2025.

Chinese manufacturers are bringing a growing range of vehicles, including competitively priced electric cars, into the UK market.

What do AA members think about Chinese cars?

AA research suggests UK drivers remain cautious about Chinese-made cars, although attitudes vary considerably by age.

More than a quarter of drivers surveyed said they would consider buying a Chinese-made car, while 42% said they would not. This included 16% who said they would "never" buy one.

The research was based on 10,594 responses from AA members to a Yonder online poll conducted between 18 and 24 June 2026.

Are younger drivers more likely to consider buying a Chinese car?

Yes. AA research found a significant difference between younger and older drivers.

Four in ten (40%) of 18 to 24-year-olds said they would consider buying a Chinese-made car, compared with 22% of 65 to 74-year-olds.

The findings suggest younger drivers may be more receptive to newer Chinese automotive brands entering the UK.

Are UK drivers concerned about data security in Chinese cars?

AA research indicates that vehicle data security is a concern for drivers when considering Chinese-made cars.

Only 3% of respondents believed data captured by a vehicle would be handled better and more safely by a Chinese manufacturer than by an established manufacturer.

Connected vehicles can collect and process significant amounts of data, making trust in how manufacturers handle vehicle and user data an increasingly important consideration for consumers.

Do drivers think established car brands are better quality than Chinese brands?

There is considerable uncertainty among drivers.

A quarter of respondents to AA research believed established manufacturers offered better quality than Chinese manufacturers, but 66% were unsure.

Similarly, 77% did not have a view on whether Chinese cars were safer.

The results suggest many UK consumers have yet to form firm opinions about newer Chinese car brands.

Will increased competition from Chinese car manufacturers benefit UK drivers?

Almost half of respondents to AA research believe increased competition could benefit consumers.

47% said competition between Chinese and established car manufacturers would benefit drivers.

Chinese manufacturers are increasing the choice of vehicles available to UK consumers and adding competitive pressure to the market, particularly in electric vehicles.

Are electric cars more likely to break down than petrol cars?

AA roadside data does not suggest EVs are harder to get moving again when a breakdown occurs.

In Q3 2026, 88.1% of EV callouts attended by AA patrols were fixed at the roadside, compared with 83.5% of petrol vehicle callouts.

Electric vehicles have different breakdown profiles from petrol and diesel cars, but AA patrols are trained to deal with EV breakdowns.

How often do electric cars run out of charge?

Running out of charge accounts for a small proportion of EV breakdowns attended by the AA.

In Q3 2026, only 1.3% of AA electric vehicle callouts were because the vehicle had run out of charge.

That compares with 8.3% in 2015.

The figures indicate that running out of charge has become much less common as EV ranges, charging infrastructure and driver familiarity with electric vehicles have improved.

Is EV range anxiety still a problem?

Concern about driving range remains an issue for some potential EV buyers, but AA breakdown data suggests actually running out of charge is increasingly uncommon.

Only 1.3% of EV callouts in Q3 2026 involved a vehicle running out of charge, compared with 8.3% in 2015.

For many drivers, the practical challenge is increasingly about the availability, convenience and cost of charging, rather than simply the distance an EV can travel on a full battery.

What are the main barriers to buying an electric car in the UK?

The AA UK EV Readiness Index indicates that the barriers to EV adoption are gradually reducing, but several remain.

These include the higher purchase price of new EVs, access to affordable charging for drivers without home charging, the availability and convenience of public chargers, and consumer confidence about making the transition.

The new-EV purchase-price gap was 25% in Q3 2026, while ultra-rapid public charging was around 15% more expensive per mile than petrol. By contrast, home charging was 66% cheaper per mile than petrol.

What would help more UK drivers switch to electric vehicles?

The AA believes wider EV adoption depends on making electric vehicles an attractive and practical choice for consumers.

Key factors include more affordable new and used EVs, reliable and convenient charging, competitive running costs and a clear and stable policy environment.

The AA's position is that the transition is most likely to succeed when consumers both want and are able to make the switch.

What does an AA EV Readiness Index score of 60 actually mean?

A score of 60 out of 100 means conditions for EV ownership have improved significantly, but the UK has not removed all the barriers to widespread EV adoption.

The Index is not simply a measure of EV sales. It considers eight factors affecting drivers' ability and willingness to switch, including vehicle costs, charging, running costs, insurance and maintenance.

The Q3 2026 score of 60 is the highest recorded by the AA UK EV Readiness Index and represents the fourth consecutive quarterly increase.

What is the outlook for electric vehicles in the UK?

The Q3 2026 AA UK EV Readiness Index points to continuing improvement in the conditions for EV adoption.

The Index has risen for four consecutive quarters to 60 out of 100, EVs accounted for 29.8% of new car registrations in August 2026, the used-EV price gap has narrowed to just 1%, and competition from new manufacturers is increasing.

However, the transition remains uneven. New EVs still carry a price premium, and drivers who rely on ultra-rapid public charging can face substantially higher energy costs than those able to charge at home.

The AA believes maintaining a clear direction of travel while improving affordability and charging infrastructure will be important as the UK moves towards greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Who produces the AA UK EV Readiness Index?

The AA UK EV Readiness Index is produced by The AA to track the factors influencing UK drivers' readiness to move to electric vehicles.

It combines eight measures into an overall Readiness Rating from 1 to 100, allowing changes in the affordability, practicality and attractiveness of EV ownership to be tracked over time.

The Q3 2026 AA UK EV Readiness Index score is 60 out of 100, up from 58.8 in Q2 2026.