Cost and certainty make electric vehicles more attractive amid fuel price volatility, but drivers are losing confidence in policy support and pay‑per‑mile tax concerns threaten progress
Almost nine in ten EV drivers (88%) believe the Government is failing to do enough to support the UK’s transition to net zero, according to new research from Zenith, the UK’s leading fleet management and vehicle leasing specialist.
While government-backed incentives, such as Benefit-in-Kind, have proven incredibly effective in encouraging uptake, recent U-turns on the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and the recent announcement of a new pay-per-mile tax for EV drivers, have impacted confidence in the delivery of a successful transition.
The fourth edition of Zenith’s EVXperience Report (EVX4), which draws on feedback from more than 3,000 EV drivers, found that nearly two-thirds (63%) believe the government is not doing enough to support the green transition, while a further quarter (25%) acknowledge some progress but say significantly more action is needed. Only 6% believe current support levels are sufficient.
EVs deliver certainty drivers can’t find at the pumps
Ongoing economic pressures and fluctuating fuel costs continue to impact ICE drivers, but satisfaction with electric vehicles remains high, with nearly three quarters of EV drivers (74%) believing electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel equivalents. In addition, 61% are confident predicting their EV running costs over the next three years. This level of certainty remains out of reach for many petrol and diesel drivers navigating today’s volatile fuel prices.
Cost fears could undo progress
However, policy uncertainty risks undermining the progress made. Nearly three quarters of drivers (74%) are concerned about the potential cost impact of a pay-per-mile tax, with four in ten (40%) saying they would consider switching back to a petrol or diesel vehicle if running costs of an EV became more expensive.
The EVXperience Report
Welcome to Zenith's EVXperience Report which delves into the lives and experiences of the UK's Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers.
“These findings highlight a clear disconnect between the government’s stated ambitions and the confidence felt by EV drivers on the road, with inconsistent policy undermining trust in the transition.
“Drivers are being offered tax incentives and grants to encourage EV adoption while simultaneously facing uncertainty around future taxation, including proposals such as pay-per-mile charges. These conflicting messages mean only 15% of EV drivers feel optimistic and confident about the transition to electric vehicles.
“Without a coherent, long-term framework that supports both new and used EV buyers, there is a real danger that the progress made to date will stall - or be reversed altogether. At a time of price volatility at the pumps, EVs offer drivers a more predictable and affordable long-term alternative. There has never been a more critical moment to back this transition and incentivise drivers to switch.”
Andy Wolff, Managing Director of Zenith’s Corporate division
The data
Zenith commissioned research practitioners The Harris Poll UK, A Stagwell company to conduct an independent survey of 3,059 of its electric car customers across its corporate lease businesses between 19 January and 5 February 2026. References to last year’s EVX report relate to data collected between 29th January 2025 and 17th February 2025.
Our latest EVXperience Report
The EVXperience Report 2026
Welcome to Zenith's EVXperience Report which delves into the lives and experiences of the UK's Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers.
