EV roadside repairs more achievable than petrol or diesel

Autotrader and AA explore realities of repairing electric vehicles

In the event of a breakdown electric vehicles are more likely to be fixed roadside than internal combustion engine cars, despite many drivers expressing a concern about repairing EVs.

Autotrader and the AA report that new research, conducted in December 2025 of over 2,000 consumers, shows that 44% of consumers are concerned about the risk of breakdowns or roadside repairs when considering switching to an EV.

The most concerned age group was the 75-plus cohort, more than half (56%) of whom were concerned. 

The North East was the highest concerned region with 52% of respondents sharing reservations, whilst women were slightly more likely to be concerned (46% vs. 41% for men).  

Fresh data from the AA reveals that EVs are more likely to be successfully repaired at the roadside than petrol or diesel cars. 

Similarly, despite consumer concern about battery health, data from the AA reveals that the 12 volt battery in an internal combustion engine car is more likely reason for a call out than the battery of an electric car.

Additionally, a recent SMMT survey of aftermarket businesses found that 81.2% of UK workshops are already equipped to work on EVs, reinforcing the improved ease of repairing EVs.  

The AA has joined the cross-industry Facts initiative as part of the campaign’s quarterly update. The campaign promotes a set of user-friendly, simplified facts that offer a data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars to dispel popular misconceptions.  

Updates include: 

• the number of public chargepoints around the UK increasing to 87,796. The number of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers is now 17,935?up from 17,132. 
• the upfront price difference between new electric and petrol cars dropping is now just 17%, down from 25% in January 2025 
• 38 brand new electric cars with RRP under £30,000.

Edmund?King, AA president, said: “For many drivers the switch to electric is a big step and some are understandably hesitant. However, one thing prospective electric drivers don’t need to worry about is breaking?down. The AA has the biggest database of EV breakdowns in the UK and our data shows EVs running out of charge is a tiny proportion of EV breakdowns and has fallen dramatically since 2015. In addition, we fix a greater proportion of EVs at the roadside than petrol and diesel cars and the small number we can’t fix can easily be towed with our free-wheeling hub.?

“These are ‘The Facts’ when it comes to electric breakdowns, so we are delighted to join with Autotrader, ChargeUK, OZEV and SMMT to share these facts to give confidence to drivers.”

Erin Baker, Autotrader’s editorial director, said: “It’s fantastic to have the AA join our campaign to make sure that drivers have the right information to make informed choices. Their data shows EVs can offer high levels of reliability, far more than many drivers may expect. Whilst electric cars might not be right for all buyers right now - if you can charge off-street, it could be a great option - we hope The Facts help provide confidence for those that are considering going electric.”

The AA joins Fleets News, the Institute of the Motor Industry, Zapmap, the National Franchise Dealer Association, the British Vehicle Rental Leasing Association, Cox Automotive Europe and EVA England as supporters of Autotrader’s The Facts initiative. 

As well as pricing and charging infrastructure, the Facts campaign clarifies points such as how electric cars are greener, are no more likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine car, and that the range is better than some might think. 

The data points are reviewed and updated quarterly. This information is endorsed by the Department for Transport. 

Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said: “We know confidence is key when it comes to families going electric, so I welcome this report highlighting the reliability of EVs which are less likely to break down than petrol and diesel cars. Data shows the vast majority of EV owners would never go back, and to support more people access the benefits of making the switch we’re investing over £7.5 billion, including £2 billion for the Electric Car Grant which has helped nearly 50,000 people save up to £3,750 when buying a new EV.” 

A summary of The Facts can be found here