EV roadside repairs more achievable than petrol or diesel according to AA and Autotrader
London, 12th January: Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, together with the AA today report that new research, conducted in December 2025 of over 2,000 consumers, shows that 44% of consumers are concerned about the risk of breakdowns or roadside repairs when considering switching to an EV.1 The most concerned age group was the 75+ cohort, more than half (56%) of whom were concerned. The North East was the highest concerned region with 52% of respondents sharing reservations, whilst women were slightly more likely to be concerned (46% vs. 41% for men).
This comes as fresh data from the AA reveals that EVs are more likely to be successfully repaired at the roadside than petrol or diesel cars.2 Similarly, despite consumer concern about battery health,3 data from the AA reveals that the 12 volt battery in an internal combustion engine car is more likely reason for a call out than the battery of an electric car.4
Additionally, a recent SMMT survey of aftermarket businesses found that 81.2% of UK workshops are already equipped to work on EVs, reinforcing the improved ease of repairing EVs.5
The AA are today announced as new champions of cross-industry Facts initiative as part of the quarterly update. The campaign promotes a set of user-friendly, simplified facts that offer a data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars to dispel popular misconceptions.
Updates include:
For many drivers the switch to electric is a big step and some are understandably hesitant. However, one thing prospective electric drivers don’t need to worry about is breaking down. The AA has the biggest database of EV breakdowns in the UK and our data shows EVs running out of charge is a tiny proportion of EV breakdowns and has fallen dramatically since 2015. In addition, we fix a greater proportion of EVs at the roadside than petrol and diesel cars and the small number we can’t fix can easily be towed with our free-wheeling hub. These are ‘The Facts’ when it comes to electric breakdowns, so we are delighted to join with Autotrader, ChargeUK, OZEV and SMMT to share these facts to give confidence to drivers.
Edmund King, AA president
It’s fantastic to have the AA join our campaign to make sure that drivers have the right information to make informed choices. Their data shows EVs can offer high levels of reliability, far more than many drivers may expect. Whilst electric cars might not be right for all buyers right now - if you can charge off-street, it could be a great option - we hope The Facts help provide confidence for those that are considering going electric.
We know confidence is key when it comes to families going electric, so I welcome this report highlighting the reliability of EVs which are less likely to break down than petrol and diesel cars. Data shows the vast majority of EV owners would never go back, and to support more people access the benefits of making the switch we’re investing over £7.5 billion, including £2 billion for the Electric Car Grant which has helped nearly 50,000 people save up to £3,750 when buying a new EV.”
Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister
Electric cars: The Facts initiative
New champions the AA, join Fleet News, the Institute of the Motor Industry, Zapmap, the National Franchise Dealer Association, the British Vehicle Rental Leasing Association, Cox Automotive Europe and EVA England as supporters of The Facts initiative.
As well as pricing and charging infrastructure, these facts clarify points such as how electric cars are greener, are no more likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine car, and that the range is better than some might think. The information is available for consumers here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/features/electric-cars-facts-and-figures. The data points are reviewed and updated quarterly. This information is endorsed by the Department for Transport.
A summary of The Facts can be found here, and can be shared by anyone who wishes to use the information.
Follow us on our social channels to keep up with the latest news, insights and company developments.
If you would like to be added to our News & views mailing list, or have any media-related enquiries, please contact our press team:
Looking to join the team?
Looking to make a sale?
Looking to make a purchase?
Sign up to our email alerts service:
Join our news & views mailing list
or submit media-related enquiries:
