In the U.K., major consumer concerns about making the switch to EVs are on the rise, according to latest research from vehicle leasing giant Europcar Mobility Group.
Data from the Europcar EV Barometer has found a renewed rise in perceived barriers to EV adoption in Q1 2026 compared to Q4 2025, despite the current Iran fuel crisis.
Its data was collated from a monthly survey of 500 motorists who are asked the same questions with results compared year-on-year, quarterly and monthly to track trends through the Vypr survey platform.
The figures suggest confidence remains fragile despite the maturing EV market and steadily increasing adoption, the company said in its June 4 release.
The government’s proposal to introduce a pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles, announced in the autumn budget at the end of November, could be a factor in causing private motorists to pause plans for EV adoption.
Europcar’s key findings suggest nearly 43% of consumers were held back from switching to an EV by a perceived lack of charging infrastructure in Q1 2026, up from 37% in Q4 2025.
Cost concerns, including purchase, maintenance and finance options, held back 60% of the surveyed motorists in Q1 2026, up from 54% in the previous quarter.
However, vehicle choice in terms of model range and availability, including the increasing number of EV brands made in China, held back about 14%, up a fraction of a percent from the previous quarter.
“The latest quarterly results from the Europcar EV Barometer show increases in all barriers for consumers who may consider switching to an electric vehicle,” said Tom Middleditch, sustainability spokesperson at Europcar. “Mixed messages from government, including the proposed pay-per-mile tax for EVs, could well be creating confusion.”
He highlighted that continuing vehicle costs and infrastructure limitations are having the most significant impact on adoption. “Availability of different vehicle models and lack of EV knowledge are also playing a part in slowing adoption, showing slight increases between the previous two quarters,” Middleditch said.
