Highly charged misinformation
Initiative aims to reassure the public about EV ownership
Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, has partnered with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and ChargeUK to combat persistent misinformation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs).
Backed by the Department for Transport, the initiative aims to provide consumers with accurate, accessible facts to help dispel common myths about EV ownership.
At present, new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from sale from 2035, though the government has proposed bringing this forward to 2030.
Plugging in
The new collaboration has produced a series of straightforward, evidence-based statements addressing misconceptions.
Key points include confirmation that EVs are greener than petrol or diesel cars, less prone to fires, and that charging infrastructure and driving range are more robust than often portrayed.
The group plans to regularly update the data to reflect ongoing advancements and ensure its reliability.
Addressing concerns
The initiative responds to growing concerns about the impact of misleading narratives on consumer confidence.
In February, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee published a report, “EV Strategy: Rapid Recharge Needed”.
This emphasises the need for a trusted, clear source of information to guide consumers in their vehicle choices.
Further research by Auto Trader in April revealed that 72% of consumers had encountered the false claim that EVs are more likely to catch fire.
Of these, 44% believed it to be true, deterring them from going electric.
Similarly, 70% had heard the misconception that EVs are not cheaper to run, with 33% agreeing—a perception that has further slowed adoption.
Among automotive retailers, confidence in selling EVs has also faltered.
Only 35% of retailers stock EVs on Auto Trader in 2023 and 2024, down from a 57% increase in 2022.
Despite these challenges, 83% of current EV owners report high satisfaction, stating they would purchase an electric car again, highlighting the disconnect between perception and reality.
State and industry
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood welcomed the initiative, saying: “Zero-emission vehicles are central to our net-zero ambitions. Ensuring consumers have clear, accurate information is essential, and this industry-led effort is a vital step toward boosting confidence in EVs.”
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, encouraged hesitant consumers to explore EVs for themselves: “Change brings uncertainty, but the reality is overwhelmingly positive. Consumers should seek fact-based content or even talk to current EV owners—many of whom are thrilled with their switch.”
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes states that “accurate information” is essential in what is effectively a huge transition to personal, commercial, and public transport.
Reducing the carbon footprint is essential, and EVs are now the simplest, most effective and reliable move forward.
Reliability, costs, and range anxiety remain major obstacles for consumers, but much of this is based on outdated and incorrect facts.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasises how the role of charging infrastructure has and is dramatically changing.
For example, Vicky states that “a new charge point is installed every 25 minutes” as part of a “£6 billion investment by 2030.”
“Alongside infrastructure, debunking myths is key to encouraging more drivers to make the transition.”
Call to Action
The new initiative underscores a shared commitment to accelerating EV adoption by addressing confusion and hesitation.
With eight in 10 EV drivers saying they’d never go back to ICE vehicles, the positive message for the rest of the motoring world is clear: the future is electric, and the time to make the switch is now.
A summary of the facts and more detailed explanations of the key facts can be found here.