Concerns about electric vehicle reliability remain widespread, but new AA data suggests those worries are largely misplaced, particularly for fleets weighing up electrification.
An Autotrader/AA survey of more than 2,000 drivers found 44% remain concerned about breakdowns or roadside repairs when considering an EV. Anxiety was highest among drivers aged 75 and over (56%), with women also more likely to express concern than men.
However, evidence shared through The Facts initiative paints a different picture. AA breakdown data shows EVs are actually more likely to be fixed at the roadside than petrol or diesel cars, with an 89% repair success rate compared with 87.5% for internal combustion vehicles. Despite common fears around high-voltage batteries, the AA reports that 12-volt battery failures are a more frequent cause of call-outs in ICE vehicles than EV battery issues.
Fleet confidence is already ahead of the public curve, with multiple industry surveys showing more than 60% of fleets believe EVs are more reliable than conventional vehicles. Repair readiness is also improving, with 81.2% of UK workshops now equipped to work on EVs.
AA president Edmund King said EVs running out of charge represent only a “tiny proportion” of breakdowns and continue to decline. Government ministers added that reliability data is key to building confidence as EV uptake accelerates.
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