Fewer electric car drivers than ever are running out of charge, according to new data from the AA. The figures, show that ‘out of charge’ callouts represented just 1.4% of all electric vehicle breakdowns in June, the lowest figure on record. The rolling 12 month figure of 2.2% is also a record low. 

The figures highlight the fact that the UK’s charging infrastructure has improved significantly over recent years. According to the AA’s own figures, callouts for ‘out of charge’ breakdowns hit a peak of 8% of all EV breakdowns in 2015 when public charging points were few and far between and electric cars generally had much lower ranges. 

The AA’s analysis suggests that the UK’s breakdown trajectory is following that of Norway, which was one of the first countries in the world to adopt electric cars on a large scale. In June 2024, an incredible 84.5% of all new registrations were for fully electric cars. It has seen out of charge callouts drop dramatically with range improvements, better charging technology and more charging points. 

According to the AA’s figures, the organisation receives around six callouts per day that it categorises as ‘out of charge’ breakdowns. However, in many cases, the cars involved are not out of charge, but drivers have called because they don’t think that they are able to reach a charge point. In the 12 months from October 22 to Oct 23 the average figure for vehicles out of charge was 2.3%. Of those around half were not out of charge but low on charge.

Based on the current trajectory, callouts from drivers running out of charge will drop to the same level as those for petrol and diesel cars, which is currently 1% of callouts. Commenting on the figures, Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has the biggest database of breakdowns in the UK and our figures clearly show that year on year the proportion of EVs running out of charge has dropped dramatically.

“In fact, in the last eight years the proportion of EVs running out of charge has dropped by about 80% which is due to an increase in the number of chargers and their reliability, better charge post support for customers, improved range on newer EVs and better driver education and information.

“We understand why many drivers have been hesitant about switching to EVs as it is a massive change, but it is important that their decisions are based on accurate information. Once drivers have made the switch the vast majority will not look back.”

The AA’s figures also reveal that the top 30% of breakdown faults are the same, regardless of fuel type. Tyres, wheels and failed 12 volt batteries remain the three components that leave drivers requiring assistance. 

The vast increase in public recharging sites has helped ease range anxiety for drivers