New research has found that most UK motorists still have concerns about making the switch to electric cars. Over half of the drivers questioned say that electric vehicles (EVs) cost too much and charging points are too scarce. The Opinium survey of 2,000 drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap, asked drivers what they thought of electric cars.
Price is the biggest concern for most drivers, with 56% saying EVs cost too much (58% men and 54% women), rising to 65% of 55 and overs, followed by 54% saying electric charging points are too scarce. Only a fifth (22%) of UK drivers are aware that the running costs of an electric car are significantly lower.
One in five (20%) drivers say they find the issues around electric cars too daunting to make them buy one (17% men and 24% women), and almost a quarter (23%) say the technology is not advanced enough (22% men and 25% women). Over a third (37%) are planning to wait a few years before buying an electric car (36% men and 38% women).
Fundamentally, four out of ten (40%) drivers say they have no way of charging an electric car at home (36% men and 45% women). Hanging around in public places, while a car is charging, is a concern for 41% of drivers (37% men and 44% women); and 37% say charging takes too long. Another 44% say electric cars do not travel far enough on a single charge (46% men and 42% women). When asked about their next car purchase, only 8% said they intended to buy an electric car (10% men and 6% women).
The survey highlighted the most common concerns that UK drivers have about electric cars:
1. 56% say electric cars cost too much (58% men and 54% women), rising to 65% of 55 and overs.
2. 54% say electric charging points are too scarce.
3. 44% say the government needs to sort out the charging infrastructure before they'll buy an electric car.
4. 44% say electric cars do not travel far enough on a single charge (46% men and 42% women).
5. 41% don't want to wait around in public places, like motorway service stations, while an electric car charges (37% men and 44% women).
6. 40% have no way of charging an electric car at home (36% men and 45% women).
7. 37% say the charging takes too long.
8. 23% don't feel the technology of electric cars is advanced enough (22% men and 25% women).
9. 20% find the issues around electric cars too daunting to make them buy one (17% men and 24% women).
In another survey carried out by What Car?, 23% of drivers are now thinking about switching to an electric or hybrid model. The survey of 1186 in-market car buyers was carried out during the October 2021 UK fuel crisis, which saw the military brought in to help with the delivery of fuel to some petrol stations.
10% of the people asked said they were now more likely to order an electric car, while 13% per cent said that fuel shortages meant that they were now more likely to consider a hybrid as their next car.
What Car?’s research comes after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that September 2021 was a record month for 100% electric vehicle sales, with just over 32,000 EVs registered during the new 71 plate-change month.
Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car?, said: ‘September was another record month in the UK for electric vehicle sales. While the fuel shortage is another concern the automotive industry has to face, the silver lining is that it is helping accelerate the transition towards electric cars.’
The number of EVs available to order through the Motability car scheme is growing all the time, and Motability customers who choose an EV now receive a complimentary home charging solution as a part of the deal. The Motability car lease package - available to people with a disability in the UK who receive an enhanced or higher rate Mobility Allowance - also includes comprehensive insurance for up to 3 drivers, servicing and maintenance, full RAC breakdown assistance, replacement tyres, replacement windscreens and a 60,000 mileage allowance over 36 months.
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