I’m a motors expert… less than half of Brits want to make the switch to electric – here’s two major reasons why
LESS than fifty per cent of Brits are prepared to switch to electric vehicles due to concerns over charging points and expense, according to a report.
From 2030 the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK.
But now a survey by Auto Trader has found that the majority of Brits have huge concerns over electric vehicles ( EVs.)
Its research, based on a poll of 4,000 drivers across the UK, reveals just 47 per cent of drivers consider that owning an EV would fit in with their lifestyle.
The two key stumbling blocks appear to be price and issues around charging EVs. Due to the high cost of batteries electric vehicles are more expensive than their petrol and diesel equivalents.
There have also been countless stories of EVs running out of power while on the road. There have also been some instances of EVs catching fire while charging or travelling on the road network.
New EVs are on average 33 per cent more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts. There has also been a reduction in the number of EVs on the market for less than £30,000.
However there has been price depreciation amongst used EVs, making them an alternative to petrol and diesel cars.
Auto Trader is calling for the Government to make EVs more affordable by using incentives in the tax system.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: "There is still much more work to be done to achieve a mass transition to electric vehicles before the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel models and ensure no driver is left behind.
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"Support from the tax system to put the used EV market on a more sustainable footing is vital for the sustainability of the entire EV market and our chances of successfully transitioning to EVs by 2030.
“Consumers are still worried about affordability and charging, which is why we need a clear statement of intent from the Government. Penalising drivers who have to charge in public with higher VAT is simply unfair: we need to end this charging injustice.
“Those charging their EVs at home can save £142 per 1000 miles compared to a £41 saving for EV drivers using public charging points. There are real benefits to be had but they need to be shared more widely across society.”