Experts have called for an industry-wide guarantee to provide electric vehicle drivers with an equivalent EV courtesy car if an accident occurs.
This proposal has garnered significant support, with 88 per cent of electric car drivers wanting an equivalent electric vehicle as a replacement.
The initiative aims to boost the sustainability credentials of insurers, fleet operators, and dealerships while also supporting the UK’s move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Currently, UK drivers are entitled to an equivalent replacement vehicle following a non-fault accident, but this does not result in a like-for-like vehicle swap.
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Nearly two thirds of EV drivers would likely refuse a petrol or diesel replacement car
PAA survey conducted by Motor Assist revealed that two-thirds (67 per cent) of EV drivers would likely refuse a petrol or diesel replacement car if their vehicle was off the road due to a non-fault accident.
The proposed guarantee aims to address this issue by requiring insurers and accident management providers to supply an EV replacement.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at AX, said: "We were the first to introduce an EV-for-EV guarantee and after its successful implementation three years' ago, we have raised the bar again with EValuate, our EV for ICE test drive initiative.
“The feedback we've received and the research we have conducted shows that customers, both drivers and fleet managers, want this commitment to be more widespread.”
He added: “Anything that can help to positively impactthe UK’s transition from fossil fuel powered cars to zero emission vehicles is a welcome step. Our industry can make a significant contribution to supporting sustainable mobility.
“As well as offering convenience and continuity, it reduces average CO2 emissions for our business while helping the fleets, insurers, and dealers we work with to minimise their environmental impact, too.”
This initiative comes at a time when EV sales increased by 18.8 per cent in July compared to the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
When asking drivers about their preferences, 46 per cent of respondents said it wouldn't be fair to revert to a diesel or petrol car.
Additionally, 45 per cent cited environmental reasons for not wanting to return to ICE vehicles.
Furthermore, 84 per cent of respondents believe that petrol and diesel car drivers should have the opportunity to try an electric courtesy car following an accident.
Sarah Clarke, consumer marketing manager at Europcar, commented on how electric vehicles will continue to become more popular in the coming years.
Zapmap data shows that there were almost 67,000 devices across the UK at the end of July 2024 - a significant year-on-year increase of 46 per cent, with 21,000 installed since last July.
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Experts called for EVs to be given as service cars
GETTYClarke stated: “Drivers are becoming more confident in the growing network of vehicle charging points across the country.
“Significant investment is being made across the UK to boost the infrastructure, and that is likely to be accelerated under the new Government, following its manifesto commitment to reinstate 2030 as the deadline for the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles."