Home charging challenges are holding back EV adoption

More than a quarter of consumers considering an EV would not purchase one without guaranteed access to home charging, according to new research commissioned by Easee.

The survey, conducted by Opinion Matters, also found that 62% of respondents are put off by the perceived complexity of charger installation, highlighting a significant barrier to EV uptake.

The research findings coincide with the UK government’s latest reforms to planning rules around EV charger installation, which include removing the requirement for planning permission for most domestic and commercial installations. The changes are designed to make home charging accessible to a far wider proportion of the population including renters, flat owners and the estimated 40% of UK households that do not have a private driveway.

Welcoming the government’s direction of travel, Easee’s CEO, Anthony Fenandez, commented:

“These reforms send exactly the right signal. For too long installing a home charger has been perceived as complicated and bureaucratic, and our research shows that perception is still holding people back from making the switch to electric. Cutting planning red tape and making home charging more accessible are important steps.”

While much of the public debate around EV infrastructure has focused on public charging networks, the research reinforces how the home charging experience remains the primary consideration for most prospective buyers. Easee’s platform is designed to work across homes, apartment blocks and commercial sites from a single solution, reducing complexity for both installers and end users.

Anthony concluded:

“Home charging should be one of the simplest parts of owning an EV, not one of the things that puts people off. Our research shows complexity is still a barrier, which is why reforms that reduce friction matter. The opportunity now is to turn policy changes into a simpler real world experience for drivers.”