Growing driveway divide threatens UK’s EV transition

New research from Zenith reveals that challenges with public electric vehicle (EV) charging are deepening the divide between drivers with off-street parking and those without, potentially slowing the country’s transition to electric mobility.

Published in Zenith’s 2025 EVXperience report, based on a survey of over 3,600 EV drivers, the findings show that 80% of respondents charge their EVs at home, up from 76% in 2024. In contrast, only 4% rely on on-street charging, a drop from 7% last year. Use of public charging hubs has also fallen to 29%, down from 37% in 2024.

The report identifies the “driveway divide” as a growing issue, where drivers with home charging access enjoy more reliable and cost-effective options than those dependent on public infrastructure.

Public charging reliability remains a key concern, with nearly half (48%) of EV drivers citing it as a major barrier. Only 15% of those using on-street chargers reported high satisfaction, and just 22% were satisfied with public hub charging.

Confidence in future improvements is also slipping: 11% of drivers are now unsure the infrastructure will improve within three years, nearly doubling from 6% last year.

The divide is particularly pronounced in London, where only 60% of EV drivers charge at home compared to the UK average of 80%. Public charging use is significantly higher in the capital, with 22% of Londoners relying on on-street charging, versus the national average of 4%.

City dwellers more broadly face similar disparities: just 70% have access to off-street home charging, compared to 91% in rural areas.

Andy Wolff, Commercial Director at Zenith, said: “The 2025 version of our annual EVXperience report shows that the EV driveway divide continues to expand.

“The Government’s recent infrastructure commitments are undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but our report highlights that work still needs to be done to ensure the transition to electric vehicles is smooth for everyone – regardless of where they live or their budget.

“Addressing factors like the availability and cost of public charging will reduce the driveway divide, help EVs fit more seamlessly into drivers’ everyday lives, and improve overall consumer confidence in electric vehicles,” he added.