'I’m a car expert - this one electric car issue is not going away’

More than a decade on from when electric cars and plug-in hybrids started to become mainstream in the UK, the models are still struggling to appeal to the masses. Yes new EV sales figures show a slight year-on-year rise with second-hand sales also on the up in 2024. But there seems to be a whiff of concern that the switch away from petrol and diesel cars is not happening as fast as many expected.

Earlier this year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) admitted there was “weak private demand" for EVs with many company cars under salary sacrifice. Could it be the price? Possibl, as brand new and used EVs are still a lot more expensive than petrol and diesel vehicles.

But it’s becoming clearer and clearer that batteries have always been, and still are, the biggest concern preventing road users from making the transition.

Initially, it was range anxiety with drivers worried they would be breaking down on the side of motorways as their brand-new EV trundled to a halt.

Those fears have slightly dissipated in recent years as thousands of new charging stations popped up across the country.

Back in 2016, a poll from Leaseplan found that 76% were against EVs simply due to concerns around range anxiety

However, recent data from the AA shows that just two in five road users now worry about the risk of breaking down with no charge.

Instead, fears around EV batteries have moved onto the next stage, how quickly will these batteries deteriorate and drain a vehicle’s overall range.

A survey by Which? found that EVs bought around 2017 or 2018 had seen their overall battery capacity drop to approximately 93% of it's original state.

However, another analysis from Generational found that EVs from 2016-2017 only had an average battery health of 75.87% at 90,000 miles.

Newer models built from 2023 fared better with cars recording around an 86% battery health after covering the same distance.

Experts have raised warnings with some openly calling for the Government to introduce “battery health certificates" to give motorists peace of mind.

Ric Baird, spokesperson for the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), recently said: “What we really need to see very quickly is the establishment of an industry-backed battery health check designed to reassure consumers in this respect, providing them with the credible information they need to make an informed buying decision.”

This is seemingly a major worry for consumers with recent surveys putting battery concerns among the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

A recent poll from AXA insurance of 1,501 UK motorists found that almost two-thirds (63 percent) are not interested in purchasing an electric model. Closer analysis found 37% of these individuals had concerns over the battery's lifespan.

Some manufacturers aren’t hanging around with American giant Polestar introducing battery state-of-health (BSOH) certificates for pre-owned Polestar 2 models.

Marco Distefano, managing director of AXA Retail has predicted that battery health certificates would help “stimulate the used EV market”.

However, he also warns that pushing the can down the road and not addressing the concerns of road users could risk a world where “EV uptake will remain low”.

It’s not hard to disagree. Batteries are still road users' number one concern, and the fear seemingly isn’t going away.