Electric car owners in the UK are still dealing with two major issues on the roads in 2026, according to a leading EV specialist. While range anxiety is fading, drivers are now more concerned about the cost and convenience of charging.
Range anxiety replaced by new concerns
Melanie Lane, Chief Executive Officer at EV charging experts Pod, said motorists are now more worried than ever about the finances and convenience of a trip. Speaking exclusively to the Express, she said: "Range anxiety is no longer a problem for EV drivers. New car models can go further on a single charge and there are far more places to plug in, whether that’s at home, work or on the public network. For most drivers, the question is becoming less 'will I make it?' and more 'where can I charge to get the best rates?' or 'where is easiest to charge for my next journey?'"
Charging costs and locations
As of August 2026, ZapMap data shows the UK has a total of 123,677 public EV chargers across 47,810 charging locations. With charging rates so varied, it can be difficult for motorists to find the best prices to top up their battery.
Earlier this year, the Government launched its new FuelFinder scheme for petrol and diesel drivers, with fuel stations told to report costs to a national database. Services like Octopus Electroverse and Zapmap show road users a range of plugs nearby and the average costs they can expect to pay. However, these services don’t include every single charger available, with some independent networks missing.
Meanwhile, many of the more affordable electric charging bays are often located away from main roads and motorways, creating a logistical headache for EV users. Road users can expect to pay as much as 90p per kWh at motorway service stations, compared to around 54p per kWh in towns.
Home charging benefits
Topping up a battery at home can be easier for those with access to off-street parking, with research from Pod finding that 75% of customers say they rarely think about charging once their plug is installed.
