London, 12th January: Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, together with The AA today report that new research, conducted in December 2025 of over 2,000 consumers, shows that 44% of consumers are concerned about the risk of breakdowns or roadside repairs when considering switching to an EV. The most concerned age group was the 75+ cohort, more than half (56%) of whom were concerned. The North East was the highest concerned region with 52% of respondents sharing reservations, whilst women were slightly more likely to be concerned (46% vs. 41% for men).
This comes as fresh data from The AA reveals that EVs are more likely to be successfully repaired at the roadside than petrol or diesel cars. Similarly, despite consumer concern about battery health, data from the AA reveals that the 12 volt battery in an internal combustion engine car is more likely reason for a call out than the battery of an electric car.
Additionally, a recent SMMT survey of aftermarket businesses found that 81.2% of UK workshops are already equipped to work on EVs, reinforcing the improved ease of repairing EVs.
The AA are today announced as new champions of cross-industry Facts initiative as part of the quarterly update. The campaign promotes a set of user-friendly, simplified facts that offer a data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars to dispel popular misconceptions.
Updates include:
- the number of public charge points around the UK increasing to 87,796. The number of rapid and ultra rapid chargers is now 17,935 up from 17,132.
- the upfront price difference between new electric and petrol cars dropping is now just 17%, down from 25% in January 2025
- 38 brand new electric cars with RRP under £30,000
Edmund King, AA president, said: “For many drivers the switch to electric is a big step and some are understandably hesitant. However, one thing prospective electric drivers don’t need to worry about is breaking down. The AA has the biggest database of EV breakdowns in the UK and our data shows EVs running out of charge is a tiny proportion of EV breakdowns and has fallen dramatically since 2015. In addition, we fix a greater proportion of EVs at the roadside than petrol and diesel cars and the small number we can’t fix can easily be towed with our free-wheeling hub.
“These are ‘The Facts’ when it comes to electric breakdowns, so we are delighted to join with Autotrader, ChargeUK, OZEV and SMMT to share these facts to give confidence to drivers.”
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Autotrader, commented: “It’s fantastic to have The AA join our campaign to make sure that drivers have the right information to make informed choices. Their data shows EVs can offer high levels of reliability, far more than many drivers may expect. Whilst electric cars might not be right for all buyers right now - if you can charge off-street, it could be a great option - we hope The Facts help provide confidence for those that are considering going electric.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather said: “We know confidence is key when it comes to families going electric, so I welcome this report highlighting the reliability of EVs which are less likely to break down than petrol and diesel cars.
“Data shows the vast majority of EV owners would never go back, and to support more people access the benefits of making the switch we’re investing over £7.5 billion, including £2 billion for the Electric Car Grant which has helped nearly 50,000 people save up to £3,750 when buying a new EV.”
Electric cars: The Facts initiative
New champions The AA, join Fleet News, the Institute of the Motor Industry, Zapmap, the National Franchise Dealer Association, the British Vehicle Rental Leasing Association, Cox Automotive Europe and EVA England as supporters of The Facts initiative.
As well as pricing and charging infrastructure, these facts clarify points such as how electric cars are greener, are no more likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine car, and that the range is better than some might think. The information is available for consumers here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/features/electric-cars-facts-and-figures. The data points are reviewed and updated quarterly. This information is endorsed by the Department for Transport.
A summary of The Facts can be found here, and can be shared by anyone who wishes to use the information.
About Auto Trader
Auto Trader Group plc is the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. It listed on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015 and is a member of the FTSE 100 Index.
Auto Trader’s purpose is Driving Change Together. Responsibly. Auto Trader is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, it aims to build stronger partnerships with its customers and use its voice and influence to drive more environmentally friendly vehicle choices.
With the largest number of car buyers and the largest choice of trusted stock, Auto Trader’s marketplace sits at the heart of the UK car buying process. That marketplace is built on an industry-leading technology and data platform, which is increasingly used across the automotive industry. Auto Trader is continuing to bring more of the car buying journey online, creating an improved buying experience, whilst enabling all its retailer partners to sell vehicles online.
Auto Trader publishes a monthly used car Retail Price Index which is based on pricing analysis of circa 800,000 unique vehicles. This data is used by the Bank of England to feed the broader UK economic indicators.
For more information, please visit: plc.autotrader.co.uk
About SMMT and the UK automotive industry
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK.
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. It directly employs 198,000 people in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods with more than 140 countries importing UK-produced vehicles, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports.
The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors, including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel.
More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT's Motor Industry Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/
About ChargeUK chargeuk.org
ChargeUK is the voice of the EV charging industry. It represents over 40 companies operating more than two thirds of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure. Our members have invested billions in car, van and HGV charging, installing over 87,000 public charge points across the country. Together, we are publicly committed to installing thousands more by 2030, creating jobs, supporting economic growth and powering the UK’s switch to electric vehicles.