New poll shows high satisfaction among EV drivers. It also reveals they are also increasingly confident about driving long distances.

Zap-Map, the UK’s No.1 electric vehicle (EV) charging app, has released the results of a new survey of EV drivers. It shows strong evidence of a continuing shift in positive consumer attitudes towards EVs. 

The poll reveals more than 90% of drivers are extremely happy with their EV and will not be turning back. It highlights the positive impact of EVs including a great driving experience, low running costs and low emissions. Less than 1% wanted a return to a petrol or diesel vehicle.

new poll shows high satisfaction among ev drivers

Tellingly, the results are remarkably similar to those of last year’s Zap-Map survey. It indicates that this year’s influx of new EV drivers are just as satisfied with their switch. Many of the respondents to the survey were indeed first-time EV drivers. More than 48% of respondents said that their current vehicle was their first EV, with 28% making the purchase in 2020.

In parallel, driver satisfaction was notably higher for both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. EV drivers report a satisfaction score of 91 out of 100 (electric 92, hybrid 84), compared with only 74 for petrol or diesel vehicle ownership.

higher satisfaction for evs than for petrol or diesel vehicles

For the first time, drivers were also asked about the furthest distance they have travelled in an EV in a single journey.  

The majority of the respondents (53%) said they have driven more than 200 miles in their EV in a single trip. The figure shows that drivers are habitually using their EVs on longer trips, and should put to bed concerns over the range of EVs, at least for the average driver. The average car journey in the UK was just 8.4 miles in 2019, according to data from the Department for Transport. 

Furthermore, almost a quarter of respondents (24%) said they have driven more than 300 miles in one trip – with over 7% doing the long haul and driving more than 500 miles in a single journey. For around 31%, between 101 and 200 miles was their longest trip in an EV, while for 15% it was less than 100 miles.

most ev drivers have done a 200+ mile trip

EV sales are continuing to rise. The latest figures show that sales of battery-electric vehicles accounted for almost 19% of all new car sales in November, a growth of 110% compared with November 2020 when the figure was 9%.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said:

“These survey results show that drivers are becoming increasingly confident in making the switch to electric vehicles,” says Transport Minister, Trudy Harrison. “I hope this data encourages others to consider going electric as we work towards the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets. 

“We’ve committed £2.5bn to accelerate the rollout of zero emission vehicles and charging infrastructure across the country, ensuring the transition is as simple as possible for motorists, as we take steps towards a greener transport future.” 

Read the the full results and more about EVs here.