Electric vehicle owners are generally more positive about charging than expected, according to research commissioned by Tempcover. However, the survey found a clear difference between motorists who can charge at home and those who rely more heavily on public infrastructure.
Most EV owners describe charging as easy
Overall, 85% of electric vehicle owners surveyed said they found charging “easy”. That proportion increased to 89% among homeowners, while falling to 72% for renters.
The results suggest that access to a private charging location may have a significant effect on how convenient EV ownership feels. Homeowners are more likely to be able to charge without depending on a public station, while renters may face additional practical barriers before they can plug in.
Tempcover described the results as evidence of a divide between the two groups. The company’s research did not indicate that renters were unable to make EV ownership work, but it did show that their charging experience was less straightforward overall.
Renters rely more on public chargers
The survey found that 18% of renters use a public charging station every day. Among homeowners, the equivalent figure was 9%.
Renters also reported more frequent problems with finding an available charger. In total, 29% said they regularly faced challenges. The reasons included a charger already being occupied, cited by 34% of those reporting the issue; the cost of charging, also cited by 34%; and chargers being out of order, mentioned by 29%.
These figures highlight how the practical experience of charging can vary depending on a driver’s housing situation. A motorist with access to home charging may be able to plan around public stations, whereas a renter who cannot charge at home may need to use the public network as part of their everyday routine.
The findings do not establish how many people took part in the survey, nor do they provide a breakdown by vehicle type, location or charging network. They therefore show differences in reported experience among the respondents rather than a complete picture of every EV driver.
Regular public charging has not erased optimism
Despite the additional obstacles reported by renters, Tempcover said the people who depend most on public charging were among the most optimistic about the future of electric vehicles.
Claire Wills-McKissick, identified by Tempcover as a temporary car insurance expert, said regular use of public charging infrastructure may be strengthening confidence rather than reducing it. Her interpretation is that repeated exposure to the network can help drivers become more comfortable with the process, even when they encounter problems.
That optimism exists alongside concerns about availability, cost and reliability. The survey’s results suggest that drivers can remain positive about the long-term direction of electric mobility while still experiencing practical difficulties during day-to-day charging.
Access remains an issue for the transition
Tempcover said closing the gap between homeowners and renters will be important if the move to electric vehicles is to work for a broader range of motorists. The company’s comments point to housing circumstances as an important part of the ownership experience, alongside the vehicle itself.
For people considering an EV, the research indicates that the answer to whether charging is easy may depend partly on where the car is parked and how often public stations are needed. Home charging can coincide with a more positive reported experience, while renters may need to manage availability, pricing and equipment reliability more frequently.
Wills-McKissick also used the findings to promote temporary car insurance as a way for prospective buyers to borrow an electric vehicle from a friend or family member and try it before changing their own annual insurance policy. That suggestion is separate from the survey’s charging results, but reflects the company’s broader focus on helping drivers assess whether EV ownership suits their circumstances.
The central message from the research is therefore mixed but broadly encouraging: most surveyed EV owners found charging easy, yet the experience was noticeably less positive for renters. As more drivers consider switching to electric cars, access to convenient and dependable charging will remain a key part of that decision.