88% of EV drivers say government is failing net zero transition, Zenith finds

Almost nine in ten electric vehicle drivers believe the Government is not doing enough to support the UK’s transition to net zero, according to new research from Zenith.

The latest edition of Zenith’s EVXperience Report (EVX4), based on feedback from more than 3,000 EV drivers, found that 88% believe the Government is falling short in supporting the transition to electric vehicles.

While government incentives such as Benefit-in-Kind tax relief have helped drive EV adoption in recent years, the report suggests confidence has been weakened by policy uncertainty, including changes to deadlines for ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars and proposals around future pay-per-mile taxation for EVs.

According to the research, 63% of respondents said the Government is not doing enough to support the green transition, while a further 25% acknowledged some progress but believe significantly more action is needed. Only 6% said current levels of support are sufficient.

Despite growing concerns around policy direction, overall satisfaction with EV ownership remains strong.

Nearly three quarters of respondents (74%) said electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel alternatives, while 61% said they feel confident predicting their EV running costs over the next three years.

The report suggests this greater cost certainty is becoming increasingly important for drivers amid continued volatility in fuel prices affecting internal combustion engine vehicle users.

However, concerns over future taxation could threaten EV momentum.

Almost three quarters of drivers surveyed (74%) said they are worried about the potential impact of a pay-per-mile tax for EVs, while 40% said they would consider switching back to petrol or diesel vehicles if EV running costs increased significantly.

“These findings highlight a clear disconnect between the government’s stated ambitions and the confidence felt by EV drivers on the road, with inconsistent policy undermining trust in the transition.

“Drivers are being offered tax incentives and grants to encourage EV adoption while simultaneously facing uncertainty around future taxation, including proposals such as pay-per-mile charges. These conflicting messages mean only 15% of EV drivers feel optimistic and confident about the transition to electric vehicles.

“Without a coherent, long-term framework that supports both new and used EV buyers, there is a real danger that the progress made to date will stall – or be reversed altogether.

“At a time of price volatility at the pumps, EVs offer drivers a more predictable and affordable long-term alternative. There has never been a more critical moment to back this transition and incentivise drivers to switch,” he added.