Over a third of UK drivers feel nervous about driving EVs in winter
New study finds 35% of UK road users feel nervous about driving EVs in winter
Only 11.7% of UK drivers currently fit winter-suited tyres, despite 82% believing they improve safety
Nearly half of drivers call for more information about how to drive electric vehicles safely in the winter
As temperatures fall and the number of electric vehicles on UK roads surges, new research from YouGov, commissioned by Michelin, reveals over half of drivers don’t realise their electric car might behave differently in cold weather – and more than a third admit they feel nervous driving them in winter.
The data suggests a striking gap between what drivers believe about vehicle safety and how they actually prepare their cars for the cold. Around 90% of adults agree that drivers should take steps to prepare their cars for winter, with 82% believing that tyres make a difference to safe driving. Despite this, the majority admit they don’t use them, with just 11.7% currently using winter tyres on their car.
According to the survey, 20% of respondents believed that EVs are “generally less safe” than petrol or diesel cars in winter, and nearly half of those surveyed (43%) said they would like to receive more information about how to drive an EV safely.
“Winter doesn’t just challenge drivers – it challenges their vehicles and tyres too,” said Joe Brammer, Technical Manager at Michelin UK. “Cold weather can affect braking distances and grip for all cars, yet too many drivers still aren’t fitting tyres designed for these conditions.
“With more electric vehicles on the road than ever, its vital drivers understand how winter temperatures impact performance and safety as these cars can perform differently in winter compared to combustion vehicles. Choosing tyres built for cold weather or all-season use can make a real difference in maintaining control, confidence, and protection on the road.”
The survey also asked respondents to rank their biggest concerns about driving in poor weather conditions which showed that 67% of drivers considered losing control on ice or snow to be their biggest worry, followed by getting stranded (14%) and damaging the car (6%).
Michelin notes that tyre performance depends heavily on temperature. Below 7°C, standard summer tyres begin to harden, reducing their ability to grip the road. Winter and all-season tyres use specially engineered rubber compounds and tread patterns that remain flexible in the cold, offering better traction, braking and cornering stability in wet, icy or snowy conditions.
This is particularly important for rear-wheel-drive electric vehicles, which deliver instant torque and can behave differently on slippery surfaces. Winter tyres, designed to handle the extra weight and torque of electric cars - which all Michelin winter tyres are - can help maintain stability and range during colder months.
This survey highlights an urgent need for drivers to be equipped with better information about how to drive an EV safely, particularly in winter conditions. Respondents called for car manufacturers (64%), the government (55%) and dealers or retailers (44%) to take the lead in educating drivers.
Brammer added: “It’s encouraging that drivers understand how important winter preparation is, but awareness needs to translate into action. Whether it’s checking tyre pressures, fitting winter-ready tyres, or booking a professional inspection, a few small steps can make winter driving safer and less stressful. It’s clear too that there is an opportunity for those selling, promoting and encouraging uptake of EVs to help equip drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.”