Electric vehicle (EV) inequality is one of the key barriers to the UK’s ambitious climate targets, according to a new report from Cornwall Insight. Without urgent action to tackle affordability, access to EVs will remain out of reach for millions of lower- and middle-income households, threatening the government’s goal of reaching 80% zero-emission car sales by 2030.
The report - Driving Down UK Transport Emissions: Tackling the Key Barriers - highlights that while 80% of current EV owners benefit from cheaper home charging, around 75% of UK street-side households - particularly in lower-income, urban areas - lack driveways. As a result, these households must rely on more expensive public or workplace chargers if they purchase an EV. According to Cornwall Insight’s EV Insight Service1, public charging can cost over £1,500 more per year compared to using an off-peak home charging tariff.
Expensive public charging, combined with the high up-front cost of EVs, with new EVs costing around 40% more than petrol or diesel alternatives, is undermining the environmental and financial benefits of switching. The second-hand EV market also remains significantly more expensive than fossil fuel alternatives, further limiting access to EVs.
EVs are gaining momentum across the country, with the UK reaching a record EV market share in 20242, a clear sign that public enthusiasm for clean transport is strong. However, unless urgent action is taken on subsidies, affordable financing, and charging infrastructure millions will continue to be priced out of the EV transition and government targets are likely to be missed.
To bridge the gap and maintain momentum in EV uptake, the report recommends:
- Reintroducing targeted subsidies for both new and used EVs, especially for lower-income buyers
- Scaling up interest-free loan schemes, like Transport Scotland’s 0% loans for second-hand EVs
- Making public and workplace charging cheaper and more accessible, particularly for households without driveways
- Accelerating growth of the second-hand EV market, to create more affordable entry points
Tilly Boultwood, Analyst at Cornwall Insight:
“Affordability is now a critical barrier to EV adoption. If EVs remain the preserve of the wealthy, the transition to zero-emission transport will be delayed and uneven. If you only target one section of society, you will eventually run out of customers.
“Government intervention is essential, not only to subsidise up-front purchase costs but also to address high public charging prices that disproportionately affect those without access to private home charging.
“The UK has a tremendous opportunity to lead the world in an inclusive and sustainable EV transition. Strong consumer interest and expanding vehicle availability create the perfect conditions for bold action. With targeted policy action and support, we can ensure the EV transition is both environmentally and socially sustainable.”
Reference:
1. Cornwall Insight - EV Insight Service - April 2025
2. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - January 2025
