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Electric vehicles are more reliable than you think – and the data backs it up
New data shows a roadside recovery is more achievable for electric vehicles, and that more garages than ever are equipped for fixes when needed.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 14 January 2026 | 0 min read
One of the biggest worries about switching to an electric car is what happens when something goes wrong. Will it leave you stranded? Are electric vehicles more likely to break down than petrol or diesel cars?
We recently collaborated with the AA on our latest “The Facts” campaign, and it turns out worries about electric car break downs aren’t fully rooted in the truth. In fact, electric vehicles are proving to be pretty dependable and, in many cases, easier to deal with when something does go wrong.
We recently collaborated with the AA on our latest “The Facts” campaign, and it turns out worries about electric car break downs aren’t fully rooted in the truth. In fact, electric vehicles are proving to be pretty dependable and, in many cases, easier to deal with when something does go wrong.
AA data shows roadside fixes are more achievable for electric vehicles
Research we carried out in December found that 44 per cent of UK drivers are concerned about the risk of breakdowns or roadside repairs when considering an electric vehicle. More than a quarter (27 per cent) believe electric cars are more likely to break down than petrol or diesel models, a view that’s even more common among people who aren’t currently thinking about making the switch.
The reality looks very different. AA data shows that since 2015, electric vehicles have accounted for less than two per cent of all breakdowns attended, with 5.1 per cent of cars on UK roads being electric by the end of 2025. By contrast, almost 95 per cent of breakdowns involve petrol or diesel cars. And when an electric car does need assistance, it’s more likely to be sorted at the roadside. In 2025, nearly nine in 10 electric call-outs were resolved on the spot, outperforming petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles aren’t “breakdown-free”, but they are rare in the wider context and highly fixable when something does happen. As Edmund King, President of the AA, puts it: “One thing prospective electric drivers don’t need to worry about is breaking down. We fix a greater proportion of EVs at the roadside than petrol and diesel cars.”
The reality looks very different. AA data shows that since 2015, electric vehicles have accounted for less than two per cent of all breakdowns attended, with 5.1 per cent of cars on UK roads being electric by the end of 2025. By contrast, almost 95 per cent of breakdowns involve petrol or diesel cars. And when an electric car does need assistance, it’s more likely to be sorted at the roadside. In 2025, nearly nine in 10 electric call-outs were resolved on the spot, outperforming petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles aren’t “breakdown-free”, but they are rare in the wider context and highly fixable when something does happen. As Edmund King, President of the AA, puts it: “One thing prospective electric drivers don’t need to worry about is breaking down. We fix a greater proportion of EVs at the roadside than petrol and diesel cars.”
But what happens when there’s been a breakdown?
Many see electric vehicle repair and servicing as a barrier to adoption, SMMT data shows over 80 per cent of UK workshops are already equipped to service electrics, with most investing further in skills and tools to support electrification.
The SMMT’s “What the Aftermarket Needs to Deliver” report shows the switch to electric cars is something garages are already handling well. Most workshops are confident they can service electric vehicles and are investing in the right tools and training to keep them on the road. While the industry does need more trained technicians and better access to technical information, these are practical challenges being worked through, and many garages see electric vehicles as an opportunity and are actively preparing for them.
The SMMT’s “What the Aftermarket Needs to Deliver” report shows the switch to electric cars is something garages are already handling well. Most workshops are confident they can service electric vehicles and are investing in the right tools and training to keep them on the road. While the industry does need more trained technicians and better access to technical information, these are practical challenges being worked through, and many garages see electric vehicles as an opportunity and are actively preparing for them.
Affordable options are moving electric cars to the mainstream
The UK now has almost 88,000 public charge points, including more than 17,800 ultra-rapid units. The price gap between new electric and petrol cars has narrowed to around 17 per cent, down from 25 per cent a year ago, and there are now 38 brand-new electric vehicles priced under £30,000.
We’re also seeing growing momentum in the used EV market. Our own data shows electric cars have been the fastest-selling fuel type for the last three months of 2025, and 15 per cent of enquiries for used cars under five years old are now for electric vehicles – up from just two per cent in 2020.
We’re also seeing growing momentum in the used EV market. Our own data shows electric cars have been the fastest-selling fuel type for the last three months of 2025, and 15 per cent of enquiries for used cars under five years old are now for electric vehicles – up from just two per cent in 2020.
Find the right electric vehicle for your budget on Autotrader
On Autotrader, you can explore a huge range of electric cars, from nearly-new models to growing numbers of used EVs at more accessible price points. That breadth of choice means it’s now possible to compare what works for your budget, your driving habits and your charging options, side by side.
Going electric isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. But with more models, more price points and a clearer picture of what ownership is really like, finding the right car - electric or otherwise - has never been easier.
Going electric isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. But with more models, more price points and a clearer picture of what ownership is really like, finding the right car - electric or otherwise - has never been easier.