Drivers remain hesitant about switching to an electric car as just six per cent of petrol and diesel drivers planning on changing their vehicles despite manufacturers pushing to manufacture more EVs.
New data has found that just six per cent of drivers vow to get an EV this year, while a further 48 per cent said they had no intention of ever switching.
Around 45 per cent of motorists are still hesitant about making a switch, citing potential issues like the upfront cost of an EV and the national charging network.
Although Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban would be delayed by five years, it is still pushing ahead with the rollout of EVs.
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Some drivers are still put off by the upfront price of EVs
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This includes pledging to have 300,000 public EV chargers by the end of the decade and the new Zero Emission Vehicle mandate forcing manufacturers to produce a minimum level of EVs.
One-third of motorists said they were put off by the high costs associated, while 43 per cent identified range anxiety as their main barrier for switching.
Toby Kernon, CEO of Wagonex, commented on the data, saying that drivers were still interested in making the switch despite the research.
He said: “With pressure mounting for UK drivers to make the switch to EVs, many motorists will be weighing up the pros and cons of switching to this type of vehicle.
“Only 16.5 per cent of newly registered cars on UK roads are electric vehicles, so 115,000 newly registered EVs are needed every month to hit 2035 Government targets.
“It’s clear that efforts to ease concerns about the number of charging points and range anxiety are failing to convince drivers to take the leap in making the EV switch.
“Despite this, we are predicting that Google searches for the term ‘EV’ to hit an all-time peak in the final week of January, showing that while drivers are reluctant to make the switch, many are EV-curious.”
The research also found that drivers over the age of 65 were the least likely to switch to an EV with just one in 10 saying they would make the switch.
On the other hand, younger motorists between 18 and 24 are the most inclined to invest in cleaner vehicles, with a third planning to make the switch eventually.
Toby Kernon added: “Many of the obstacles that are preventing people from committing to a more environmentally friendly car can now be avoided thanks to the flexibility of subscriptions.
“Just like TV streaming, household appliances or the gym, you can now subscribe to a new car, meaning you can have an EV for as long (or as short) as you like, try different models, and see what will suit your family and lifestyle.”
The research also found that Scottish drivers were more resistant to EVs with 55 per cent saying they have no plans to switch to an electric vehicle.
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Drivers are also concerned about the state of the UK's EV charging network
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Drivers in the West Midlands were the most concerned with the price of EVs, with three in 10 claiming the cost is their main hesitation.
Almost all electric vehicles cost more than £30,000, although manufacturers are making movements to cut prices for consumers.
