More than half of UK motorists say proposed pay-per-mile road charging for electric vehicles would make them less likely to switch, according to new research from Electrifying.com and the AA. The findings suggest that debate around future road taxation is influencing consumer confidence at a critical stage in the transition to electric transport.

The nationally representative survey of 11,833 UK drivers who do not currently drive an electric vehicle as their main car found that 55% believe mileage-based charging would deter them from choosing a new or used EV. The data was collected in December 2025 and reflects attitudes among drivers yet to make the switch.

The research comes amid ongoing discussion about how the Government will replace declining fuel duty revenues as EV adoption increases. While no formal pay-per-mile system has been introduced, the prospect of such a policy appears to be shaping perceptions of the financial case for electric cars.

Financial Confidence Remains Fragile

The survey also points to broader uncertainty about EV running costs. When asked whether they agreed with the statement, “The overall running costs of an electric car are lower than those of a petrol or diesel car,” only 14% agreed.

This contrasts with independent analysis indicating that lower fuel and maintenance costs can make EVs cheaper to operate over time, particularly for drivers who can charge at home. However, the findings suggest that this message has yet to reach a significant proportion of motorists.

Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, said:

“This data should be a wake-up call for Whitehall. Once again, we’re seeing confusing Government decision-making around electric vehicles that raises questions rather than builds confidence among car buyers considering making the switch.”

“As our survey shows, the proposed pay-per-mile tax sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. Instead of accelerating the EV transition, it risks slamming on the brakes. You cannot claim to support mass adoption while undermining it with the threat of additional taxation.”

“No driver would expect to move forward with one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake – and neither should the Government.”

Awareness of Off-Peak Tariffs Low

The research also found limited awareness of electricity tariffs designed to reduce charging costs. Only 25% of drivers said they were aware of off-peak energy deals that allow EV owners to charge at substantially reduced rates overnight.

Time-of-use tariffs have become a key part of the affordability argument for EV ownership, particularly as energy suppliers offer lower overnight rates to support grid balancing. The findings suggest that greater communication may be needed to ensure prospective buyers understand available savings.

If drivers remain unconvinced that EVs are cheaper to run, the introduction of additional road pricing mechanisms could reinforce concerns about long-term costs. The survey indicates that uncertainty over how a mileage-based system would operate is also contributing to hesitation.

Questions Over Implementation

Discussion has included the possibility of integrating mileage reporting into the MOT system. However, new electric cars are not subject to MOT testing for their first three years, raising practical considerations around how usage would be recorded for recently registered vehicles.

There are also questions about whether in-car monitoring technology would be required and how any associated data collection would address privacy concerns. While no formal model has been confirmed, the early debate appears to be influencing public sentiment.

Edmund King, AA president, said:

“This Electrifying.com and AA survey shows that there is still some way to go to convince most drivers to go electric. The latest AA UK Readiness Index*, which currently stands at 48.8 out of 100, also shows that the conditions which would help most drivers go electric have not yet been met.”

“Mixed messages from the Government are confusing drivers and leaving uncertainty. The early adopters have already made the switch, but mainstream motorists need more accurate information to convince them, even with e-VED, if they can charge at home, they will still be better off going electric. The EV transition is essential, but drivers still need the right incentives and information to make that leap of faith.”

Calls for Policy Clarity

Electrifying.com argues that the transition to electric vehicles must be affordable, predictable and fair, particularly as consumers commit significant sums to new vehicle purchases. The organisation says clarity around future taxation and regulatory frameworks is essential to maintaining momentum in EV uptake.

Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive said:

“This research should give policymakers real pause for thought. When more than half of drivers say pay-per-mile charging would deter them from going electric, it is clear this is the wrong tax at the wrong time.”

“Any reform must protect those who have already made the switch in good faith; it should not retrospectively move the goalposts for drivers and businesses who have invested early.”

“We need a rethink. The future of road taxation must be fair, workable and supportive of continued EV adoption. eVED ticks none of those boxes”

The findings come at a time when the UK is seeking to accelerate transport decarbonisation while addressing long-term fiscal questions around road funding. As the shift away from petrol and diesel continues, policymakers face the task of balancing revenue requirements with maintaining public confidence in the economic case for electric vehicles.

*The AA EV Readiness Index is available at: https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/aa-ev-readiness-index-dec-2025