UK’s net-zero plans on brink as Brits have huge EV | Tech News

A new research has discovered that almost two-thirds of UK motorists have no plans to buy an electric car, with many stating that one subject is stopping them from getting behind the wheel of one.

Despite gross sales of EVs persevering with to grow within the UK, accounting for a quarter of all new vehicles offered in February 2025, a survey of 1,501 Brits by the insurance coverage and breakdown cowl supplier AXA UK discovered that 63 % of drivers don’t intend to buy an electric model.

Marco Distefano, Managing Director of AXA Retail, highlighted that a common concern surrounding electric autos is the longevity of the batteries they use.

He defined: “Battery health certificates have the potential to spice up shopper confidence and drive demand to create a thriving second-hand EV market.

“It’s clear that motorists have considerations round each the lifespan and value of electric autos, and with out addressing these points, there’s a risk that EV uptake will stay 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 pointers to help 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) additionally suggested the Government to offer more measures to help the industry in making the swap to EV manufacturing, which might additionally help to spice up gross 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 additionally promote robust manufacturing. So we need measures that increase demand from each consumer phase, which can, in flip, ship bigger general volumes. With the best help from the Government, there could be a 15% increase in zero-emission car uptake above what’s at present anticipated – and certainly, that’s higher for everybody.”