The proportion of EVs running out of charge this year in the UK has dropped to the lowest ever, according to new AA statistical analysis.

The figures show ‘out of charge’ EV breakdowns, which are calculated as a percentage of all EV breakdowns, are at a record low in 2024 of less than 2 per cent.

In 2015 the proportion of ‘out of charge’ EVs was running at 8 per cent and has been on a downward trend apart from slight blips in 2017 and 2019.

The UK trajectory for EV breakdowns for the UK’s leading breakdown organisation 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. Ultimately, The AA expects the figures to drop to 1 per cent which is roughly the proportion of ICE cars running out of petrol or diesel.

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. The AA has also found the top 30 per cent of breakdown faults for EVs are almost identical to petrol and diesel cars which tend to be tyres, wheels and the 12V battery.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “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. Now is a brilliant time to switch as both new and used EVs are massively discounted, full of exciting tech, and for those who can charge at home, the economics and savings are a no-brainer.

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