Bridgestone survey finds UK drivers hesitant about EV adoption

Bridgestone’s latest consumer survey suggests EV enthusiasm in the UK is stalling. While most drivers still plan to switch within five years, a growing minority say they never will—underscoring the hurdles tyre makers, car brands and policymakers must clear to accelerate electrification.

Survey highlights rising ambivalence

• 40 % of respondents feel unsure about adopting an EV—up from 27 % in 2024 and 22 % in 2022.
• 27 % now say they will “never” buy one, a five-point rise in two years.
• 53 % intend to go electric by 2030, while 7 % remain undecided.

Cost and charging remain top barriers

• Up-front price deters 59 % of drivers, up from 42 % last year.
• Charging access still worries 62 %, though this has eased slightly from 68 %.
• Charging costs concern 53 %, and 48 % cite range as a sticking point.

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Bridgestone positions ‘EV Ready’ tyre range

Bridgestone argues that appropriate tyres can ease day-to-day EV anxieties. The company’s ENLITEN® technology appears across its ‘EV Ready’ line-up, including the Turanza 6.

Turanza 6 ENLITEN at a glance

▪ Lower rolling resistance to help extend driving range
▪ High wet-grip rating for confident stopping distances
▪ Reinforced construction to carry extra EV weight and torque

Industry context and next steps

With EV demand softening and a 2035 UK sales deadline for new petrol and diesel cars, tyre performance is one part of a much wider infrastructure and affordability puzzle. Bridgestone’s data highlights the need for:

• Broader, reliable public charging coverage
• Continued cost reductions in vehicle purchase prices
• Clear consumer guidance on total cost of ownership, including tyres

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Tyre makers are increasingly adapting tread patterns, compounds and casing designs to manage EV weight, instant torque and low-noise targets. Bridgestone’s ‘EV Ready’ strategy mirrors a broader move towards adaptable platforms that suit both electric and combustion cars, helping manufacturers ride out uneven EV demand while preparing for a fully electrified future.

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Tagged with: Bridgestone, electric vehicles, EV tyres, charging infrastructure, Turanza 6 ENLITEN, UK motorists, EV adoption

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