Record low breakdowns for electric vehicles.

The World Record Low: Just 1.4% of EV breakdowns caused by vehicles running out of power in June

Breaking news from the AA: Only 1.4% of EV callouts in June were due to battery issues

An astonishing discovery has emerged from the latest data released by the AA, revealing a groundbreaking decline in the percentage of electric vehicle (EV) breakdowns caused by vehicles running out of power. In a record-low scenario, just 1.4% of EV callouts received by the renowned breakdown recovery specialist in June were attributed to vehicle batteries either having limited or no charge.

This remarkable figure marks a significant drop from previous records, diminishing from 1.6% in June of the previous year, 2.8% in June 2021, and a substantial 4.6% in June 2019.

Attributing the decrease to a variety of factors, the AA informed PA Media that the improvement was primarily a result of an increase in the number and reliability of public chargers, enhanced quality of charging support for customers, extended range capabilities in newer EV models, and a paradigm shift in driver education and awareness.

Foreseeing a brighter future, the company anticipates the annual figures to plummet to a mere 1%, aligning with the proportion of breakdowns experienced by traditional petrol or diesel vehicles due to running out of fuel.

Welcoming these promising statistics, consumer association Which? emphasized the importance of their own research findings, showcasing that over two-thirds (69%) of EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners who utilized the UK’s public charging network expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

Sue Davies, head of consumer rights and food policy at Which?, iterated the necessity for collaborative efforts between the government and charge point operators to enhance the UK’s charging infrastructure. She stressed the importance of ensuring that charging facilities are user-friendly and dependable, to encourage a wider adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

Alfonso Martinez, the UK managing director at ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK (soon to be rebranded as Ayvens UK), commended the AA data for highlighting the crucial role of increased investment in reliable and accessible public charging points in bolstering driver confidence in transitioning to electric vehicles.

Despite notable progress in recent years, with an increase in the number of public EV chargers throughout the UK, Martinez emphasized the need for continued efforts to expand and improve the charging network across the nation.

Referring to the 2024 Ayvens Mobility Guide, Martinez underlined that the UK lagged behind in charging station density, thus requiring further investment to bridge the gap and support EV drivers nationwide. With the government’s mandate for 99% reliability for rapid charging points and the implementation of contactless payment systems from November, there are still challenges to overcome, including the high cost of charging.

Suggesting practical solutions, Martinez proposed a reduction in VAT on public charging from 20% to 5%, in alignment with home charging rates, as a means to incentivize EV ownership, particularly for drivers without off-street parking facilities.

As the government reaffirms its commitment to the EV sector, Martinez called for cohesive efforts from local councils, supported by a clear government roadmap and adherence to the 2023 Public Charge Point Regulations. Through this integrated approach, he believes there will be a surge in confidence among drivers regarding EV adoption, particularly in terms of public charging accessibility, ultimately encouraging a widespread transition to electric mobility.