New vehicle breakdown analysis by The AA has found that electric cars are fixed on the roadside more often than petrol and diesel models.
This backs up data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders which revealed 81% of UK workshops are trained and equipped to handle electric models.
Despite this, an AA survey of more than 2,000 motorists carried out in December revealed that 44% of drivers are still put off by switching to an electric car by the perceived risk of breakdowns and potential repair issues. Meanwhile, 56% of over 75s were said this was a significant factor in deciding not to go electric.
Edmund King, AA president, said:
“The AA has the biggest database of EV breakdowns in the UK and our data shows EVs running out of charge is a tiny proportion of EV breakdowns and has fallen dramatically since 2015.”
The Facts
To help change perceptions, The AA has been named champion of a cross-industry initiative, Electric Cars: The Facts, created by Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the SMMT to provide a simplified, data-backed picture of EV ownership.
It will produce a quarterly update of figures and statistics around electric vehicles and the cost of ownership.
Its most recent update has reported that the number of public charge points has increased to 87,796, while the upfront price difference between new electric and petrol cars has reduced from 25% a year ago to 17%, with 38 new EV models £30,000.
Erin Baker, editorial director at Autotrader, added:
“AA data shows EVs can offer high levels of reliability, far more than many drivers may expect. Whilst electric cars might not be right for all buyers right now, we hope The Facts help provide confidence for those that are considering going electric.”
