A new survey has found that only 16 per cent of drivers are in support of the Government's pledge to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from the end of the decade.
Only nine per cent of survey respondents said their next car would be electric, with a staggering 87 per cent saying EVs were too expensive.
Two-thirds of drivers also admitted that rising energy prices were putting them off from buying an electric vehicle.
The data, from Electrifying.com and the AA, in preparation for World EV Day on September 9, also suggested that 64 per cent of UK drivers were worried that a battery would not last as long as a petrol or diesel car’s engine.
Most UK drivers are still hesitant to purchase an electric car
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Ginny Buckley, founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, said surface sales of EVs were positive but car buyers are “increasingly hesitant” to switch to electric.
She called on the Government to take the lead to ease concerns from drivers and boost sales of electric cars before the 2030 deadline.
The TV presenter suggested a “cross-governmental” approach to help drivers with financial incentives, education and clear infrastructure targets.
Ginny Buckley added: “The transition to electric cars is a critical issue, not only for the air we breathe in our towns and cities, but also for the wider economy and the UK automotive industry.
“Policymakers need to pull the plugs out of their ears and start listening to the concerns of drivers across the UK.”
The UK’s charging network is also continuing to improve with many expecting the UK to breach the 50,000 charger mark next month, with 48,450 chargers already installed.
This is still short of the 300,000 figure which many have suggested will be the amount needed to cope with the 2030 deadline of banning sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles.
Earlier this year, the campaign groups sent a letter to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, calling on the Government to take action and help the UK achieve the switch to cleaner vehicles.
Some of the measures included appointing an EV Minister, filling any “EV deserts”, speeding up planning processes for charging stations and increasing support for local authorities.
Edmund King, President of the AA, said: “Ahead of World EV Day The AA and Electrifying.com are calling upon the Government to do more to help drivers switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.
“There is no doubt that the higher initial cost of EVs and charging difficulties, particularly for those without off-street parking, are putting off a significant proportion of drivers from being able to make the switch.
“Financial incentives are needed to help ‘level up’ the affordability for those drivers not able to benefit from salary sacrifice or company car discounts.
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Experts have called on the Government to act and boost EV uptake
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“Once drivers are able to go electric they will enjoy the financial, driving and environmental benefits and will not look back.”
