We present the latest findings from our UK Cost of Driving Survey.
The survey has been regularly communicated to Electric Road’s database and social media audiences.
These latest findings are based on submissions received from 11th January 2024 to 11th June 2024. The total number of respondents is currently 4,199, achieving a 64.9% completion rate. We will continue to promote this survey and publish findings on a quarterly basis.
Fuel type of vehicle
Public charging – happy or unhappy?
With 1 being ‘really not happy’ and 5 being ‘very happy’, it’s quite clear that the vast majority of EV drivers are not happy about the cost of public charging!
Monthly spend on fuel
75% of us are spending no more than £100 on fuel each month.
Fuel – significant increases?
Maintenance & servicing – annual costs
Maintenance & servicing – significant increases?
Insurance – annual costs
Over 35% of respondents pay over £500 annually on insurance for their primary vehicle.
Insurance – significant increases?
How unsurprising…
Road tax – annual cost
Road tax – happy with amount pay?
We imagine many of those who answered in the affirmative are driving BEVs!
Public car parks – happy with prices?
With 1 being ‘really not happy’ and 5 being ‘very happy’, the average rating of 2.4 says it all.
Public car parks – happy with availability?
Availability slightly less of an issue, seemingly.
Fines & penalties
A pretty well behaved bunch, so far!
Low emission & clean air zones – charges
Overall satisfaction with cost of driving
3.3 out of 5, probably a little higher than we anticipated.
What do you think needs to change (if anything) to lower the cost of motoring in the UK?
Just some of the feedback we’ve received from the survey:
‘The cost of motoring does not need to reduce. The cost of alternatives to using private motor vehicles needs to be made a viable option.’
‘VED is an absolute rip off, totally not in touch with available income to pay for this. This should be scrapped and added to fuel that way those who use the most pay the most and it would be directly connected to fuel efficiency.’
‘…build a decent car charging infrastructure, cap tariffs at public charging stations to not more than the average domestic day rate.’
‘High tax for older vehicles is unfair when the reason most people own an older vehicle is because we cannot afford a brand new car and don’t want to get into debt via finance.’
‘Reduce cost of insurance. After 25 years of driving a company vehicle accident free it’s unfair to start on no NCD when insuring a private vehicle.’
‘Tax on fuel needs to be reduced. Greedy energy companies should be heavily fined when it is clear they are profiteering.’
‘EVERY road user to pay per mile.’
‘Make everyone who uses the road to pay road tax. I feel it’s unfair that some people do not pay at all, I think it should be about £150 for everyone.’
‘Remove VAT on diesel and petrol.’
‘I think that when you drive accident-free over 55 years and still have to pay high premiums the insurers have got it wrong. I am still paying over £550 per annum having probably driven over 2 million miles.’
‘The cost per kW/h needs to be regulated. I don’t mind paying a REASONABLE premium but not 4 times the cost per unit. Also, the cost of of fast charges vs normal is wrong. Petrol stations don’t charge lorries more per litre just because they use the faster pump. After all, the energy (be it liquid form or electrons) still costs the same to buy in.’
‘The councils need to sort out the disgusting state of the road surfaces, a lot of damage is done to car tyres, wheels and suspension, which is very costly.’
‘Better charging infrastructure and lower buying costs for electric vehicles.’
Tell us what driving costs you via our quick Survey!
