The AA EV Readiness Index found that the UK’s readiness to switch rose
Skyrocketing petrol costs have triggered a dramatic rise in demand for electric vehicles, with motorists now more concerned about the expense of refuelling than how far an EV can go on a single charge.
The longstanding worry about ‘range anxiety’ is being replaced by ‘pump anxiety’ as fuel prices soar in the wake of the Iran conflict, the latest AA EV Readiness Index reveals. Searches for second-hand electric cars on its AA Cars website surged by 78% between March and May compared to the preceding three months, indicating drivers are seeking alternatives to unpredictable forecourt costs.
The quarterly assessment showed that Britain’s preparedness to embrace electric vehicles increased from 53.8 to 58.8 throughout the second quarter of 2026, bolstered by growing financial advantages for those able to charge at home.
Petrol hit 159.6p per litre at the close of May, representing nearly a 20% rise from the previous quarter examined in the index. Consequently, the AA discovered that drivers charging their EVs at home can now travel for approximately 67% less per mile than those with comparable petrol vehicles, an improvement from the 57% saving recorded in the first quarter. The motoring body calculates this represents a minimum saving of £20 for every 200 miles covered.
AA president Edmund King said: “Range anxiety has shifted to pump anxiety as global petrol and diesel prices have rocketed since the Iran conflict began.
“For years, some drivers have been put off EVs by real or perceived range anxiety. But this latest Index suggests the bigger concern for many households is becoming pump anxiety. When global fuel prices rise sharply, drivers feel it immediately at the forecourt.
“EV drivers, particularly those with access to home charging, have been better insulated from that volatility. That is now showing up in the used car market, where searches for electric vehicles on AA Cars have risen by more than 75% in the last three months.”
The surge in interest towards electric vehicles seems to be focused on the second-hand market, with buyers seeking out older, more budget-friendly models.
The most popular used EVs searched for on AA Cars included the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 and Kia Niro – all of which have been available for over seven years. Nevertheless, the AA cautioned that major hurdles still exist before electric cars become the go-to option for the majority of families.
While operating costs remain appealing, the upfront cost of many new EVs continues to exceed that of equivalent petrol vehicles. The report also revealed that used EVs, which were approximately 10% cheaper than petrol alternatives in the first quarter, had become 3% more costly by the second quarter as demand grew.
The cost of public charging remains a significant concern. While the price gap has narrowed as petrol prices increased, the AA discovered that using ultra-rapid public chargers was still approximately 15% more costly per mile than running a petrol vehicle.
This represents an improvement from the previous quarter, when it was 35% more expensive. These results highlight a widening disparity between motorists able to charge at home and take advantage of cheaper electricity rates, and those dependent on the public charging infrastructure.
Mr King said: “The used EV market is becoming a critical part of the transition. Drivers are not only looking at new technology; they are looking for value, familiarity and lower running costs.
“But the benefits are still uneven. Drivers without driveways or access to cheaper overnight tariffs are not getting the same savings. Unless public charging becomes more affordable and accessible, the EV transition risks becoming a two-speed market.”
AA data reveals that Britain’s charging infrastructure continues to grow, with 121,262 charging points now operational – representing roughly 40% of the Government’s 300,000 charger target by 2030.
Meanwhile, reliability issues appear to be diminishing. Running out of charge represented just 1.2% of AA EV call-outs during the quarter, falling from 1.5% previously, while 88.4% of EV breakdowns were resolved at the roadside compared with 84.6% for petrol and diesel cars.
The findings indicate that the recent spike in fuel costs could temporarily accelerate interest in electric vehicles, though the AA warned that this enthusiasm might wane should international oil markets settle.
Nevertheless, the organisation believes numerous drivers may have been given a lasting reminder of the economic uncertainties tied to petrol and diesel dependency, which could reshape purchasing decisions for the foreseeable future.
