Drivers put off from buying electric cars due to series of problems, experts say
DRIVERS have been put off from buying electric cars due to a series of problems, according to experts.
Motor experts think that the main problems are the high cost of electric cars and the introduction of the EV tax.
And Jeremy Hunt's plan could also harm those looking to buy an EV ahead of the 2030 ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars.
Dorry Potter of National Scrap Car said to the : "An EV road tax is being introduced to make the UK’s motoring tax ‘fairer’ with half of all new cars sold due to be fully electric by 2025.
"The change means those buying a new zero-emission car on or after April 1, 2025, will have to pay the lowest first-year rate of VED at £10 a year.
"After that, EVs will be charged the same as petrol and diesel vehicles with a standard rate of £165 per year."
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The motor expert also thinks that the high cost of EVs is a problem too.
Ms Potter added: "Along with major issues with charging infrastructure across the UK, and now with the additional cost of taxing these vehicles too, the appeal of switching to electric will be lessened for the general public- who are currently in the midst of a cost of living crisis.
"The introduction of increased running costs, incentives being scrapped, as well as high energy bills, are starting to dull the advantages of going electric, making EVs less appealing to many.";
A recent study conducted by backs up Mr Potter's claims.
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The study found that the typical annual running cost of an electric vehicle (EV) is currently £528 cheaper than a petrol-fuelled car.
But, this could change with the EV tax introduced in 2025.
And from the second year of vehicle registration, this will cost EV owners £165 annually if tax is levied at the present rate.
In addition, EVs worth £40,000 or more will attract a further £355 per year in tax for the first five years of ownership.
According to experts, the combined £520 tax bill would "wipe out" the current disparity in operating costs between EVs and petrol-powered vehicles.