Three-Quarters of EV Drivers Report Less Stress, But 39% of Brits Still Find Driving Stressful

Three-Quarters of EV Drivers Report Less Stress, But 39% of Brits Still Find Driving Stressful originally appeared on Autoblog.

A new study commissioned by DS Automobiles has revealed that three-quarters of electric vehicle drivers find their cars less stressful to operate than gasoline or diesel equivalents. Yet despite the calming benefits of EV ownership, nearly 39% of British motorists still cite driving as one of the biggest sources of daily anxiety. It’s an odd paradox: the technology makes the experience smoother, but the reality of congested, chaotic roads ensures the stress remains.

EVs as Stress-Busters on Wheels

Electric cars may be marketed on zero-emissions bragging rights, but owners increasingly value them for something more personal: peace of mind. Silent cabins, smooth torque delivery, and fewer mechanical vibrations all help create a calmer environment. In fact, it’s this very driving experience that has helped EVs rival—and in some cases surpass—traditional gasoline cars, a factor that contributed to the record-breaking 9.1 million global EV sales in the first half of 2025.

For drivers making the switch, that sense of serenity can be as persuasive as fuel savings or tax incentives. Yet the DS survey shows that serenity has limits. Even with a quieter car, drivers are still surrounded by the unpredictability of everyone else on the road—and that’s where stress creeps back in.

The Road Is the Problem, Not the Powertrain

While 75% of EV drivers said they felt calmer, the survey highlighted the factors that make journeys stressful regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Tailgating (58%), poor lane discipline (53%), and traffic congestion (44%) topped the list of complaints. In other words, the car may be stress-free, but the people around it are not.

This isn’t unique to Britain. Across the Atlantic, cities such as Baltimore and Detroit are considered among the most dangerous places to drive in America, where on average motorists will experience a crash once every three years. EVs may reduce cabin stress, but they can’t reprogram human behavior—or clear a clogged motorway.

Safety, Comfort, and the EV Advantage

When asked what would help reduce stress further, UK drivers overwhelmingly pointed to better in-car comfort and smarter features: supportive seats, high-quality suspension setups, accurate navigation, and reliable in-car entertainment. These expectations align with the strengths of many EVs, which are often equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, regenerative braking that reduces fatigue, and quieter ride quality.

Countries with stricter safety standards provide another clue to the equation. Canada, for instance, has seen steady declines in road fatalities thanks to stronger traffic laws and enforcement, while U.S. traffic deaths continue to rise despite higher overall EV adoption. That suggests EV adoption alone isn’t enough—roads and rules matter just as much as the cars themselves.

Driving Stress as a Catalyst for Change

For automakers, the findings point to an opportunity. Stress reduction may not be the headline of a glossy marketing campaign, but it resonates with everyday drivers. And in a country where nearly 40% of people admit driving is a major stress trigger, EVs provide an antidote. They’re not only cheaper to run in many cases, but they also make commutes calmer and less exhausting.

That edge could help sway undecided buyers, particularly as traditional motivators like tax incentives and rebates shrink. As DS Automobiles and other brands highlight, the future of EVs isn’t just about climate goals or cost—it’s about whether the car you sit in every day makes your life better. And in 2025, with EVs proving they can deliver a calmer drive even in stressful conditions, the shift toward electric may start to feel less like a sacrifice and more like a lifestyle upgrade.

Three-Quarters of EV Drivers Report Less Stress, But 39% of Brits Still Find Driving Stressful first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 19, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.