EV breakdowns due to running ‘out of charge’ at lowest ever

The proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) running out of charge has fallen to the lowest ever this year, according to new AA analysis.

The figures show ‘out of charge’ EV breakdowns, which are calculated as a percentage of all EV breakdowns, are at a record low of less than 2% (1.85%). The rolling 12-month figure for 2023 was 2.26%.

In 2015, the proportion of ‘out of charge’ EVs was running at 8.26% but has been on a downward trend since.

The AA deals with approximately 8,000 breakdowns each day across all vehicle categories but only deals with 5 or 6 out of charge vehicles per day.  

Often the vehicles are not actually ‘out of charge’ but are low on charge, or not able to charge due to technical problems, leaving the driver worried about getting to the next charger. 

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.

AA president, Edmund King, 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.”

The UK trajectory for 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, improved charging performance and reliability, charge post support and better driver and dealer knowledge have all helped. 

King continued: “We understand why many drivers have been hesitant about switching to EVs as it is a major change, but it is important that their decisions are based on accurate information. 

“Once drivers have made the switch, the vast majority enjoy the ride and won’t go back.”

Ultimately, the AA expects the figures to drop to 1% which is roughly the proportion of ICE cars running out of petrol or diesel.

Technology and legislation is evolving rapidly in the developing electric vehicle sector. Fleet News highlights four potential changes which will impact fleet.