Electric vehicle breakdowns from running out of charge at all-time low

The AA has recorded its lowest ever proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) running out of charge in June.

Out of charge breakdowns, which are calculated as a percentage of all EV breakdowns, are at a record low in June of 1.4%.

The rolling 12-month figure of 2.2% is also a record low.

It was the lowest monthly figure on record and is down from 1.6% in June last year, 2.8% in June 2021 and 4.6% in June 2019.

The AA deals with approximately 8,000 breakdowns each day across all vehicle categories but only deals with five or six out of charge vehicles per day.

Often the vehicles are not actually ‘out of charge’ but are low on charge but the driver is worried about getting to the next charger.

Source: The AA

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has the biggest database of breakdowns in the UK and our figures clearly show that year on year the proportion of EVs running out of charge has dropped dramatically.

“In fact, in the last eight years the proportion of EVs running out of charge has dropped by about 80% which is due to an increase in the number of chargers and their reliability, better charge post support for customers, improved range on newer EVs and better driver education and information.

“We understand why many drivers have been hesitant about switching to EVs as it is a massive change, but it is important that their decisions are based on accurate information. Once drivers have made the switch the vast majority will not look back.”

The UK trajectory for AA EV breakdowns remains very similar to the AA’s equivalent, NAF in Norway, which has the highest penetration of EVs in Europe.

New battery technology, better range, charging performance and reliability, charge post support and better driver and dealer knowledge have all improved.

Historical data

The number of ‘out of charge’ EV breakdowns was running at 8% of all EV breakdowns in 2015 but this dropped to 4% of breakdowns in 2021/22.

From October 2022 to October 2023, the average figure for vehicles out of charge was 2.3% Of those 2.3% approximately half were not out of charge but low on charge and the drivers worried they would not find a charger.

Following June’s low, the AA expects the figures to drop to 1% (same as running out of petrol/diesel).

The AA has also found the top 30% of breakdown faults for EVs are almost identical to petrol and diesel cars which tend to be tyres, wheels and the 12V battery.

Alfonso Martinez, UK managing director of ALD Automotive LeasePlan UK, has called on the Government for further investment in the UK’s charging network and greater access to reliable and affordable public charge points to support EV drivers nationwide.

He said: “When drivers are well-informed about their vehicle’s capabilities and the available charging infrastructure, they are more confident in moving to electric and can enjoy the experience of driving an EV. 

“However, while the UK has made significant progress in recent years in improving its charging network and the number of public EV chargers across the country, there is still much work to be done.” 

According to the 2024 Ayvens Mobility Guide, analysis showed the UK has 10 charging stations/100km, 23.1 per vehicle in 2023.

“To continue this momentum, we need greater access to reliable and affordable public charge points and further investment to expand the UK’s charging network to support EV drivers nationwide,” said Martinez.

“The Government will require 99% reliability for rapid charging points and contactless payments for most public networks from November, but the cost of charging remains a challenge. 

“Introducing measures such as reducing VAT on public charging from 20% to 5% - aligning it with plugging in at home - will help to incentivise EV ownership, especially for drivers without off-street parking.” 

With the new Government outlining its commitment to the EV sector, including the development of the nation’s charging infrastructure network, Martinez says he would welcome “greater joined-up thinking” among local councils, facilitated and enabled by a Government-issued road map as well as a commitment to the continued implementation of the 2023 Public Charge Point Regulations. 

“Through this, we can continue to instil a greater sense of confidence in drivers around EVs, particularly around access to public charging, to encourage them to make the switch,” added Martinez.