99% of drivers overestimate how often EVs run out of charge

Motorists wildly overestimate how often electric cars break down through lack of charge, according to a study by the AA.

The motoring organisation said that 99 per cent of drivers it questioned failed to correctly estimate what proportion of EV breakdowns were charge-related.

According to its records less than four per cent of EV breakdowns it attended last year were for cars with a flat drive battery.

However, the average estimate was that two thirds of all EV breakdowns were due to running out of charge.

AA president Edmund King said that the research - released to mark World EV Day - showed there were still serious misconceptions around EVs and pointed out that the leading causes of breakdowns were the same for EVs and combustion-engined vehicles.

He said: “There are still concerns about the existing charging infrastructure and single charge range.

“Likewise, most drivers totally overestimate the percentage of breakdowns due to running out of charge.

“The reality is far better than drivers think, with very few EVs failing to reach a chargepoint.

“In fact, EVs and combustion cars share the same top two reasons for breakdowns which are tyres and the smaller 12-volt battery.

“As more charge points, especially rapid chargers, are installed across the country the number of cars failing to reach one will further reduce, providing more confidence to drivers to help them make the switch.”