Range anxiety fades as electric cars outperform typical UK driving needs
Car changing is a big deal
New research shows electric cars now offer nearly twice the range of the average UK driver’s weekly mileage, highlighting a widening gap between perception and reality as range concerns still slow adoption.
There’s a growing mismatch between how far UK drivers think they need to travel and what modern electric cars can actually deliver, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance (CBMF).
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show the average electric car now offers close to 300 miles of range on a single charge. That’s almost double the weekly distance most UK motorists actually drive.
CBMF’s research found the average driver covers just 141 miles per week, with nearly three quarters of motorists (74%) driving fewer than 150 miles weekly and 59% staying under 100 miles.
This suggests many drivers could cover several days – and in some cases close to two weeks – of typical driving on a single charge.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also align well with everyday needs, with an average electric-only range of around 50 miles. For many commuters, that is enough to complete daily journeys without using petrol at all.
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Confidence still lagging behind capability
Even with improving technology, consumer confidence hasn’t fully caught up. The study shows 48% of people say they would consider buying a new EV next, but interest drops to 31% when it comes to used electric cars.
This gap suggests that while awareness is growing, uncertainty remains around long-term ownership, affordability, and reliability in the second-hand market.
Tackling common EV myths
CBMF says several persistent misconceptions are still holding back adoption. These include concerns that EV batteries degrade quickly, that finance options are limited, or that there is not enough choice on the market.
In reality, most modern EV batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and come with warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles. The UK market has also expanded rapidly, now offering a wide range of electric models from compact city cars to large family SUVs. Meanwhile, specialist lenders are increasingly offering tailored finance packages for electric and hybrid vehicles.
The used electric car market is also growing quickly, becoming a more accessible entry point for many households.
John Cassidy, managing director at CBMF, said the findings show a clear shift in capability versus confidence.
“The average UK driver could go nearly a fortnight without needing to plug in, yet range anxiety persists,” he said. “We are seeing a landmark shift where tech has officially overtaken ‘mythology’. Whether it’s range, finance, or the used market, the barriers to entry are falling faster than public perception is changing.”
He added that drivers could benefit from speaking with dealers to better understand how electric cars match their everyday needs and what finance options are available.
Longest range electric cars
Here are the top three electric cars with the longest range that are currently on sale in the UK:
1. Mercedes EQS – 542 miles
The Mercedes EQS is one of the most luxurious electric cars you can buy, with a remarkable range of up to 542 miles on a single charge. It also has a high-quality cabin and is very comfortable to drive. However, it can feel quite large on narrow roads, and its massive screens may be distracting for some drivers.
2. Volvo EX60 – 503 miles
This mid-sized premium electric SUV is not only handsome, it’s surprisingly low-slung and offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge. The cabin is just as appealing as the exterior, with plenty of legroom in the rear seats and a 654-litre boot. That said, it’s rather expensive.
3. BMW iX3 – 500 miles
The BMW iX3 is great to drive and offers impressive infotainment, along with a solid electric range of around 500 miles on a single charge. However, the steering wheel controls can feel fiddly, some interior materials aren’t as premium as expected, and the boot space is only average for its class.
You can find 10 of the electric cars with the longest range below.
Car change? Carwow!
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