The U.K. is getting Ready for EVs According to the AA

It wasn’t long ago that tales of woe swarmed the social media networks telling us about huge queues at rapid charging hubs, and patches of the U.K. showing how baron the network was in rural areas.

However, the Automobile Association is on it and has been keenly tracking the U.K.’s readiness for the EV transition assigning it a readiness score.
The AA uses proprietary data to track and analyse eight key factors, combining them into their readiness score, which is an indication of how practical and appealing EV ownership is in the U.K.

They have reported that the readiness score has risen to 53.8 in Q1 2026 (up from 48.8 in Q4 2025) reflecting improved affordability in the used EV market, increased charging network and fewer breakdowns.

Rugby Services, M1 circa 2022

The AA notes that “while EVs are a good option for some drivers, significant barriers remain for mass adoption”. And this is a valid point, because without highlighting the issues, it would take significantly longer to address all the gaps, and thus accelerate the adoption given there is now less than nine years until the 2035 ban comes into effect.

However, the increasing score is perhaps indicative of good home charging solutions and an expanding network of rapid chargers in convenient locations. The AA digs deeper.

Affordability
A significant part of the puzzle is affordability, however, with price parity now beginning to be reached, and a rapidly growing used market, EVs are becoming more accessible. The used EV market grew by 45.7% last year according to SMMT data.

Concerns remain over higher depreciation levels that will impact fleets, but risks can be mitigated by mandating battery health certificates, the AA states.

The AA rate affordability with a score of 60 now, up 10 points from 2025.

Charging
The AA drew on Zap Map data and the Department for Transport to assess the charging status, noting it grants a higher score for charge installations, whilst acknowledging there is much more work to be done as the network still falls short of the required scale for mass adoption, despite plugs outnumbering pumps.
Rapid chargers and ultra-rapid chargers increased 35% over a year and home charging was ranked at 57%. But even so the score assigned by the AA was 43, up 3 points from Q4 2025.

Upkeep
Upkeep (maintenance and servicing) was given a high score of 60 comparing EVs favourably over petrol cars, thanks to significantly fewer moving parts resulting in fewer breakdowns.

And it’s breakdowns that scored the highest mark thanks to EVs actually breaking down less than their petrol and diesel counterparts, noting that running out of charge accounted for only 1.5% of all breakdowns.

In summary, by placing EVs with an overall average score of 53.8 points, the AA mark it as on the cusp of accelerating mass adoption of EVs, and with more work to be done on the charging network, and the Government’s focus on helping those without driveways, the charging score should improve.

But, Edmund King OBE, AA President as words of caution stating “Our AA UK EV Readiness Index shows that conditions for switching to electric cars are improving, with cheaper used EVs opening the door for more drivers. But the reality is that the transition remains fragile.”

Given the volatility in the Middle East compounding problems with manufacturing due to spiralling energy costs, budget constraints for buyers and uncertainty in UK Businesses PLC, there is reason to be cautious.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.