Petrol and diesel drivers are being urged to face up to "reality" and make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), as it could lead to significant financial benefits. A new survey conducted by Octopus Electroverse and Autotrader highlights a striking divide between the perceptions of fuel drivers regarding EVs and the actual experiences of EV owners.
EV Owners Express High Satisfaction
The survey reveals that 85% of EV drivers report being satisfied with their vehicles, praising their convenience, low running costs, and rapid charging capabilities. Matt Davies, Founder and Director of Octopus Electroverse, commented: "The biggest barrier to EV adoption today isn't infrastructure or performance, it's a lack of information. Many petrol and diesel drivers think EVs are complicated and expensive, but in reality thousands of EV owners say they're reliable, cheaper to run, and a joy to drive."
Davies added: "The driver conversations and data show that it's getting behind the wheel that really counts: anyone who's curious should jump in and experience the benefits first hand!"
Charging Infrastructure and Savings
On the road, two-thirds of drivers report that public chargers are easy to find and quick to use, with the UK network recently surpassing 111,000 charge points. EV owners save an average of £860 per year by charging on a specialist tariff at home—a sum more than sufficient to replace the costs of refueling at the pump with a few weekend getaways.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Autotrader, said: "Electric vehicles are a once-in-a-generation technology shift which is exciting and intimidating all at once. We know EV drivers love their cars and the driving and ownership experiences they bring, but many who haven't made the switch yet still have concerns. This new data shows a big perception versus reality problem and so we're delighted to join Octopus Electroverse to shout about the EV glow and empower more drivers to electrify their driving."
This report is based on independent research commissioned by Octopus Electroverse and Autotrader. The Octopus Electroverse study was conducted by STRAT7, an independent research and strategy consultancy, surveying 11,573 UK drivers in November 2025.
