UK EV Adoption Accelerates as PwC Survey Shows Stronger eReadiness

The UK is rapidly climbing the ranks in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, according to PwC’s latest eReadiness Survey 2025. The country now sits in fifth place out of 13 European nations, marking one of the fastest improvements across all 28 countries surveyed.

This sharp rise reflects a renewed commitment to sustainable transport, supported by government policy, falling EV prices, and continued investment in charging infrastructure.

What’s Driving the UK’s EV Comeback?

PwC’s eReadiness Index assesses how well countries are positioned to support EV adoption, measuring four core factors:

• Government incentives

• Charging infrastructure

• Supply of vehicles

• Consumer demand

The UK’s improved standing is linked to several key developments:

• Government support – the reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant is helping offset new vehicle tax changes coming in April 2025.

• More affordable EVs – price drops across both new and used models, alongside a growing choice of budget-friendly options.

• Charging growth – the UK’s public charging network expanded by 26% year-on-year, with fast chargers (50kW and above) up by 29%.

• Stronger consumer demand – 70% of UK respondents plan to buy an EV within five years, up from 65% last year.

Consumer Confidence on the Rise

Satisfaction among existing EV drivers is high:

• 88% report being happy with their vehicle

• 55% would recommend an EV to friends and family

At the same time, resistance to EV adoption is fading. The share of “EV sceptics” has fallen from 26% to 18% in just one year.

Still, barriers remain. The top concerns include:

• Recharge time

• Limited driving range

• Uncertainty about battery life

• Higher upfront costs

Industry Voices

Dom Tribe, Automotive Sector Leader at PwC UK, said the UK is approaching “a renewed upward inflection point in EV adoption.” He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, automakers, suppliers, and infrastructure providers, particularly as Chinese brands enter the market with more affordable EV options.

PwC UK’s e-mobility leader, Panos Stergiopoulos, agreed that the UK is close to a tipping point:

“We are at the cusp of achieving mass market EV adoption, but it is important to maintain momentum. While technology will ease challenges like high upfront costs and range anxiety, industry and government must keep driving customer engagement, awareness, and trust.”

Why It Matters

The UK’s progress in EV adoption is not only a consumer trend—it’s central to achieving national net zero goals. Policy, innovation, and growing public acceptance are aligning to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.

But as PwC highlights, the journey isn’t finished. Long-term support, better education, and continuous improvements in charging and affordability will be key to ensuring EVs become the cornerstone of the UK’s transport future.