The great electric disconnect: New data reveals EV range now doubles the average UK weekly commute
New research from Close Brothers Motor Finance (CBMF) exposes a significant perception gap among the UK’s motoring public, revealing that modern Electric Vehicles (EVs) now offer nearly double the range required for the average driver’s entire week.
Despite range anxiety remaining a primary hurdle for adoption, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirms the average Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) range has surged to nearly 300 miles on a single charge. In contrast, CBMF’s latest consumer study shows that the average UK motorist covers just 141 miles per week.
This suggests that the fear of running out is increasingly decoupled from reality. When asked to estimate their weekly mileage, the vast majority of drivers fall well within the capabilities of a single charge. Nearly three quarters (74%) are driving fewer than 150 miles per week, and three in five (59%) are driving fewer than 100 miles in a week.
Even for those opting for Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), the average zero-emission range of 50 miles is more than enough to cover many daily commutes without ever touching the petrol tank.
However, while the technical capability is there, consumer sentiment remains cautious. CBMF’s data shows that while 48% of people are likely to consider a new EV for their next purchase, interest in the used market lags at 31%.
To bridge this gap, CBMF is tackling the four most persistent myths head-on:
- “The battery won’t last” – Modern EV batteries are engineered to outlast the car’s typical lifespan, often coming with 8-year or 100,000-mile warranties
- “You can’t get finance on EVs” – Specialist lenders such as CBMF now offer tailored finance products specifically for electric and hybrid models
- “There isn’t much choice” – The UK market has seen an explosion of models, from compact city cars to family SUVs, with nearly every major manufacturer now offering a flagship electric line
- “You can’t get a second-hand EV” – The used EV market is the fastest-growing sector in the UK automotive industry, providing a more affordable entry point for many families
John Cassidy, managing director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, commented: “The data is clear: the average UK driver could go nearly a fortnight without needing to plug in, yet range anxiety persists.
“We are seeing a landmark shift where technology has officially overtaken ‘mythology.’ Whether it’s range, finance, or the used market, the barriers to entry are falling faster than public perception is changing. Motorists would benefit from speaking to dealers to gain a full understanding of how EVs can comfortably meet their everyday needs, as well as getting an oversight on the finance products available.”