Almost half of drivers have range anxiety and fear being stranded in an electric car
Range anxiety is still causing concerns for drivers
PA
New data has found that one fifth of drivers are unlikely to switch to an electric vehicle because of brand loyalty and their love of old cars.
Registrations of petrol vehicles has increased by 13 per cent since the start of the year, despite the looming ban of internal combustion engine vehicles at the end of the decade.
In a survey of 2,000 motorists, 43 per cent of those over 55 years old said they would put off driving an electric car due to a love of their older petrol cars.
One of the key reasons for people not wanting to switch was a lack of public charging stations.
Sales of used electric cars are soaring
PA
Around 43 per cent of drivers are fearful of losing charge and being stranded on the roads, especially on longer journeys.
Toby Kernon, founder and CEO of Wagonex, commented on drivers being cautious with electric cars and what needs to happen to remove any EV fears.
He said: “It is clear drivers are concerned about a permanent switch to EVs, and that these concerns go beyond range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure.
“Car nostalgia and brand loyalty, alongside general confusion surrounding the cost and maintenance of an EV are high on the list.”
He said it was critical for drivers to get an opportunity to try an electric vehicle and get a feel for it to help them dispel any concerns they may have about the cars.
More subscription services are being launched which allows motorists to temporarily try an electric car for a few months to get a feel for it.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), electric car sales are growing steadily, with one new EV registered on average every 60 seconds.
In July, 143,921 new vehicles were registered, with 51,033 battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids helping boost the new car market by 28.3 per cent.
Mr Kernon continued, saying: “It’s also worth noting that many of the UK’s favourite manufacturers do have a good range of EVs to consider.
“Given our research shows brand loyalty is a major consideration when thinking about EVs, this should help alleviate concerns for those who are worried about having to change to a new make and model.”
Sales of used electric cars are also soaring, accounting for a record 1.7 per cent of the total second-hand market share.
Drivers and businesses selling second-hand vehicles helped grow the market by a staggering 81.8 per cent to 30,645 units.
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Drivers are avoiding EVs because of brand loyalty
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Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “It’s great to see a recharged new car sector supporting demand for used cars and, in particular, helping more people to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.”
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