A stark new warning suggests the UK's transition to electric vehicles is stalling, with potential buyers being scared off by a cocktail of government policy confusion and mounting financial pressures.
AA Index Shows Slow Progress Amidst Uncertainty
The latest AA UK EV Readiness Index has inched up to 48.8 out of 100, from 47.3 last quarter. However, this score remains stubbornly below the halfway mark, indicating that the British public is not yet fully prepared to embrace electric motoring on a mass scale.
AA President Edmund King pinpointed the core issue, stating that drivers are being "buffeted by mixed messages and policy reversals" from the government. He expressed concern that speculation about scrapping or delaying the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, coupled with talks of new taxes specifically for EVs, could undo years of progress.
Policy Proposals Creating a "Familiar Territory" Retreat
King warned that this uncertainty is having a direct impact on consumer behaviour. "Those already on the fence may now be stepping back to the familiar territory of petrol or diesel, rather than embracing the switch to electric," he said.
A significant factor in this retreat is the Labour Party government's recent proposal for a national pay-per-mile road pricing levy. Under the plans, drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles would be charged based on their car's odometer readings.
The proposed charges are set at 3p per mile for EVs and 1.5p per mile for hybrids. Notably, the measures would also tax motorists for miles driven outside the UK, meaning journeys in France, Spain, or elsewhere could incur a charge.
Mixed Signals Undermine Consumer Confidence
While the AA report noted some positive developments, such as a faster drop in EV insurance premiums compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, wider concerns persist. King highlighted the crucial used car market, where most private sales happen, as an area of particular anxiety over pricing.
For the UK to regain momentum, the AA is calling for decisive action in 2026. "If the UK is serious about accelerating EV adoption, 2026 must bring stronger, clearer guidance and meaningful incentives," King asserted. He concluded that only with such clarity will drivers gain the confidence needed to make the switch in significant numbers.
