Growing opposition to transitioning to electric vehicles revealed by Shell's survey findings
In a recent survey conducted by Shell, it has been revealed that high costs are the primary obstacle preventing many petrol or diesel car drivers from transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. The survey, known as the 2025 Shell Recharge Driver Survey, gathered responses from over 15,000 drivers across the United Kingdom, Europe, United States, and China.
The survey found that 43% of non-EV drivers in the European marketplace cited affordability as their main concern, with the high cost of owning an electric vehicle being a key barrier. Despite falling battery costs, vehicle prices in Europe have stagnated overall due to factors such as high energy bills and broader economic pressures. These factors are negatively shaping consumer sentiment towards EV adoption.
This cost barrier is reflected in the declining interest among internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers to transition to EVs. In Europe, interest dropped from 48% in 2024 to 41% in 2025, and in the US, it fell slightly from 34% to 31% during the same period.
However, existing EV drivers are increasingly confident and satisfied. For instance, 61% of EV drivers are less worried about running out of battery charge compared to a year ago, and 72% note improved public charging availability. More than 90% of current electric car drivers said they would consider another EV as their next vehicle.
Shell Mobility's executive vice president, David Bunch, stated that the transition to electric vehicles is experiencing a growing disparity. He further added that while existing EV drivers feel more confident, the relatively high cost of owning an electric vehicle and broader economic pressures make it a difficult decision for new consumers.
Interestingly, European EV owners experience less satisfaction with public charging reliability compared to drivers in China (74%) and America (80%). Despite this, more EV owners are relying solely on their electric car, rather than having an ICE 'backup car' as well.
For further information about electric vehicles, you can visit Motoring Electric. The survey also highlighted ongoing debates about whether to buy a plug-in hybrid or an electric car.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the cost of EVs remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to encourage more drivers to make the switch.
- The high cost of owning an electric vehicle (EV) is the primary concern for 43% of non-EV drivers in the European marketplace, preventing them from transitioning from petrol or diesel cars.
- Despite falling battery costs, vehicle prices in Europe have stagnated due to factors such as high energy bills and broader economic pressures, affecting consumer sentiment towards EV adoption.
- Interest in transitioning to EVs is declining among internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers, with Europe seeing a drop from 48% to 41% and the US from 34% to 31% in 2025.
- Conversely, existing EV drivers are increasingly confident and satisfied, with 72% noting improved public charging availability and more than 90% considering another EV as their next vehicle.
- Shell Mobility's executive vice president, David Bunch, has stated that the transition to electric vehicles is experiencing a growing disparity, with existing EV drivers feeling more confident but the high cost of EVs a challenge for new consumers.
- As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, addressing the cost of electric vehicles remains crucial to encourage more drivers to make the switch, and for further information, you can visit Motoring Electric, a reliable source for electric vehicle information.
