Drivers across the UK are "confused" about the transition to electric vehicles, according to a major new survey.
Research from the AA found that while most drivers are "not hostile" to electric vehicles, many misunderstand key aspects of the technology.
Around seven per cent of respondents incorrectly believe the sale of used petrol and diesel cars will be banned.
Of the more than 14,000 AA members who took part in the survey, around a third think manual EVs are available, despite all electric vehicles being automatic.
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A large number of drivers are still 'confused' by electric vehicles
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Despite the push for electric vehicles by the Government and manufacturers, a concerning 22 peer cent said they would never buy an EV.
The AA's report concluded that drivers of conventional vehicles need to be persuaded that EVs are "desirable, not just unavoidable."
AA chief executive Jakob Pfaudler said: "Our research shows many people are confused by the transition which is not surprising. Our message to Government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone."
He added that while drivers are generally hesitant about the change, they are not opposed to it.
The motoring organisation has called for the Government to coordinate a public awareness campaign alongside the motoring industry to target drivers who are hesitant to switch.
Ministers have also been urged to consider "targeted incentives" to reduce the cost of EV ownership, including reducing VAT on public charging from 20 per cent to five per cent, matching the rate for home charging.
This change would particularly encourage drivers without off-street parking to switch to electric, in addition to tax breaks, which have been supported by motorists.
Under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, at least 22 per cent of new cars and 10 per cent of new vans sold by each manufacturer in the UK in 2024 must be zero-emission. By 2030, the mandate will require 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans to be zero-emission.
Manufacturers failing to meet these targets face penalties of £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle sold above the limits.
The Government is currently reviewing feedback on proposed changes to the rules, which could make it easier for non-compliant manufacturers to avoid fines.
Ministers have also committed to reversing Rishi Sunak's 2023 decision to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles until 2035.
Pure battery electric vehicles took a 25 per cent share of the new car market in February.
Sue Davies, head of consumer rights and food policy at Which?, said: "When it comes to making sustainable choices such as switching to an electric car, our research shows that people are often held back by high costs, complex choices or uncertainty.
"The Government needs to provide the right information on electric vehicles and other sustainable choices so that people have the confidence to switch."
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport confirmed that it was investing more than £2.3billion to help more drivers switch to EVs.
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A new public electric vehicle charger is being installed every 28 minutes
PAThey added: "This includes installing a public chargepoint every 28 minutes, keeping EV incentives in the company car tax regime to 2030, and extending 100 per cent first year allowances for zero emission cars for another year.
"Second-hand EVs are also becoming cheaper than ever, with one in three available under £20,000 and 21 brand new models available for less than £30,000. We're seeing growing consumer confidence as a result."
