Consumer research conducted by Midlands Connect has shown a lack of EV charge points is a barrier for consumers choosing to purchase an EV and a hinderance for those who already own an EV.
The results from a survey of more than 2,500 people across the Midlands in the UK reveal a lack of public charging points is a concern for 57% of motorists and is a factor that puts them off switching to an EV. Price (76%) and anxiety about battery range (55%) were also issues highlighted by respondents.
The research also revealed 97% of people who do not yet own an EV would be willing to travel up to five miles to access a charging point for their EV, yet just under half (44%) were not confident they could find a public EV charging point within this distance.
Just under two-thirds (62%) of those who already own an EV think there are not enough public charge points available for use. A majority of 80% of EV users reported feeling worried they were low on battery charge and not close to an EV charging station and 79% have had to take a detour on a journey to find a charging point; of these, 18% of detours were more than five miles long.