Half of drivers concerned about charging availability across UK – Compare the Market

48% of EV drivers have avoided visiting a UK destination because they were concerned about charging availability, according to Compare the Market.

One in four drivers (24%) also always checked charging availability before setting off on a journey.

Availability of charging points was also found to be the biggest concern for travelling in an EV for 31% of motorists.

43% of chargers across the UK’s top seaside destinations are rapid or ultra-rapid, while 74% of chargers across the top National Parks are fast chargers, and ultra-rapid chargers account for just 2%, the research found.

Amy Rootham, car insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Our research shows that charging anxiety is no longer just about whether chargers exist – it’s about whether drivers feel confident they’ll be able to access them easily during their journey.

“Although public charging infrastructure has grown by more than 500% across many leading staycation destinations since 2021, our survey shows that charging availability remains the biggest concern for drivers planning longer trips.

“The charging experience can also vary significantly depending on the destination.

“Drivers heading to coastal areas are more likely to find rapid and ultra-rapid charging options, while those travelling to rural locations may need to plan their stops more carefully.