New study reveals six in ten motorists could bring forward their EV purchase if Chancellor announces new incentives in Autumn budget

• - 61% of UK motorists would consider bringing forward an EV purchase if new government incentives were announced in the Autumn budget

• - 11% say they are already going to buy an EV

• - 55% say uncertainty over government policy could deter them from going electric

• - Lower public charging costs top motorists' wish list for government support

For immediate release – October 22nd, 2026 00:01 BST: Almost two thirds of UK motorists could bring forward their purchase of an electric vehicle if the Chancellor announces new incentives in the Autumn Budget on Wednesday (October 28), according to new research by road safety technology company OOONO.

The study of 1,500 UK drivers, conducted by independent researchers on behalf of OOONO, reveals that 61% would consider bringing forward an EV purchase if the Government introduced additional financial incentives. Of those surveyed, 21% said they would accelerate their EV purchase if new incentives were announced, while a further 40% said they possibly would. Another 11% are already planning to purchase an electric vehicle.

However, the findings also suggest that uncertainty surrounding future government policy is holding back the transition to electric vehicles, with 55% of respondents identifying concerns over government support and the possibility of additional charges, such as pay-per-mile taxation, as a reason not to make the switch.

With the Chancellor preparing to deliver the Autumn Budget, the research suggests that government decisions on incentives and motoring taxation could have a significant influence on the pace of EV adoption in Britain.

Younger motorists were particularly receptive to additional incentives. Among drivers aged 18–34, 29% said they would also accelerate their switch to electric, compared with just 10% of drivers aged over 65.

The findings also reveal that motorists are looking beyond the initial purchase price when considering the financial implications of EV ownership.

Lower public charging costs emerged as the most popular measure drivers would like to see addressed in the Budget, while the upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle remains a significant financial obstacle. Of those surveyed 46% said high purchase prices would prevent a switch to an EV while 41% said limited public charging infrastructure would be a barrier.

When asked what level of financial incentive would encourage them to switch sooner, the amount they would consider was between £1,001 and £2,000.

The survey also suggests that uncertainty surrounding the future cost of electric motoring is particularly concerning for those who have already made the transition.

Among existing EV drivers, 73% cited uncertainty over future government policy as a concern. Meanwhile, a third of motorists (33%) who took part in the OOONO survey identified rising fuel and electricity prices as their biggest concern about motoring costs over the next 12 months.

OOONO is best known for its CO-DRIVER range of devices, which alert motorists to speed cameras, accidents, roadworks and other potential hazards. Its CO-DRIVER NO1 and NO2 devices are supported by a European community of more than five million drivers who share real-time information to help make everyday journeys safer and less stressful.

Mike Skyte, UK market lead for OOONO said: "The research suggests there is considerable appetite among British motorists to make the switch to electric vehicles, but government policy has an important role to play in determining when they take that decision.

"With almost two thirds of motorists potentially willing to bring forward an EV purchase if new incentives were introduced, the Autumn Budget presents an opportunity to give drivers greater confidence about the future costs of electric motoring.

"However, the findings also demonstrate that uncertainty over future taxation and government support risks having the opposite effect. Motorists need clarity and confidence if they are to make what remains a significant financial commitment."

ENDS

Media contact:
Liam O’Neill at CrowdPull
Email: liam@crowdpull.co.uk
Phone: +44 7753540673

Notes to editors

The research was conducted through an online survey of 1,500 UK drivers, commissioned by OOONO and carried out through CrowdPull using an independent market research partner employing MRS-certified researchers and operating in accordance with the MRS Code of Conduct.

About OOONO
OOONO was founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneur Christian Walther. The inspiration came from a simple, relatable moment - bursting out an “Oh No!” while driving. Whether it was a speed camera, a sudden stop, or an unexpected road hazard, that instinctive reaction sparked an idea: What if drivers never had to say “Oh No” again?

From this frustration came a concept: To make driving smarter by giving drivers the right information at the right time, avoiding surprises and instinctive reactions. The solution? A simple, yet powerful device that enables drivers to share real-time traffic information with just a single click of a button. A few days in the tech-lab (ok maybe a bit more), and voila, the OOONO CO-DRIVER NO1 was born.

Fast forward to today, OOONO is one of the fastest growing companies in Denmark, with a wide product portfolio. We also sell products that aren’t designed for the road, but that’s another brand book. Our main markets count Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, and we’re more than 130 talented people across offices in Copenhagen, Berlin and Oxford.