Familiar barriers still slowing electric vehicle adoption
New data has revealed a renewed rise in perceived barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the first quarter of 2026.
Despite the fuel crisis, Europcar’s EV Barometer has reported that 43% of drivers said a lack of charging infrastructure prevented them from going electric. This is up from 37% in the final quarter of last year.
Meanwhile, cost concerns around purchase price and maintenance was a concern for 60% of drivers in the first quarter of this year compared to 54% in the final three months of 2025.
A perceived lack of choice also increased during the same period, from 13% to 14%.
Perceived barriers
Tom Middleditch, sustainability spokesperson at Europcar, said: “The latest quarterly results from the Europcar EV Barometer show increases in all barriers for consumers who may consider switching to an electric vehicle. Mixed messages from government, including the proposed pay-per-mile tax for EVs could well be creating confusion.
“Our latest data shows that 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.
“With the end of sales for new petrol and diesel vehicles fast approaching, a rising number of low and zero emissions zones around cities and ambitious zero emissions targets for the UK, this increase is a concern and highlights the need for greater consumer education and investment in charging infrastructure as well as clarity from government on future EV taxes.”
