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UK Poll Finds EV Myths Widespread, Dampening Interest in Going Electric

The ECIU calls for a coordinated push across government, industry, media to counter false claims, supporting the 2030–2035 sales timeline.

Overview

  • YouGov surveyed 1,002 non‑EV drivers between 25 November and 3 December 2025, with 51% answering two or fewer of 10 EV fact questions correctly.
  • Purchase intent closely tracked knowledge: only 5% of low‑scorers wanted an EV next versus 63% among those scoring eight or more.
  • Misbeliefs remain common, with 46% thinking EVs are more fire‑prone than petrol cars despite studies indicating the opposite, and two‑thirds unaware EVs can cost less to own and run.
  • Several false beliefs worsened versus identical 2024 polling, including lifetime emissions (35% to 40%) and resource use (45% to 53%), with fire‑risk misconceptions also rising (41% to 46%).
  • ECIU’s Colin Walker and APPG on EVs chair Perran Moon urged concerted action to correct misinformation as the UK maintains a 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales and a 2035 zero‑emission requirement.