A new survey conducted by the AA highlights a significant level of reluctance among drivers concerning the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
The poll revealed that one in five motorists would never consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
While the survey of 7,000 people showed that most drivers are, according to the AA, “not hostile” to the concept, the results underscore the need for greater incentives to stimulate demand. The survey results reveal that exactly 22% of people stated they would never switch to an EV.
The AA stated that, in order to increase the demand, petrol car users need to be shown that EVs are a desirable option, and not simply an unavoidable switch.
The AA is calling on the Government to coordinate a public awareness campaign in conjunction with the motoring industry. This campaign should directly target drivers who are doubtful of the viability of EVs.
The organization has also urged ministers to consider “targeted incentives” to help reduce the cost of owning electric vehicles.
One possible incentive is to lower the VAT on public charging from 20% to match the 5% rate for home charging. Such a measure would particularly benefit drivers without off-street parking, making EVs more accessible.
Under the zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) mandate, at least 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold by UK manufacturers in 2024 had to be zero-emission, which generally means pure electric. The mandate percentages are set to increase annually. This year, those percentages are scheduled to rise again, to 28% of new cars and 16% of new vans. By 2030, the ZEV mandate dictates that 80% of new cars sold and 70% of new vans will need to be electric.
If manufacturers fail to comply with the ZEV mandate, or do not make use of permitted flexibilities, such as buying credits from competitor companies or increasing sales in future years, they will be required to pay the Government £15,000 for each polluting car sold above the limits. The Government is currently examining responses from a recent consultation on proposed changes to the rules, which could include making it easier for non-compliant manufacturers to avoid penalties.
In September 2023, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chose to delay the ban on the sale of new conventionally fueled cars and vans from 2030 until 2035, but the government has previously committed to reversing this decision.
Jakob Pfaudler, the AA Chief Executive, said: “Our message to the Government is that more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.
“Generally drivers are hesitant but most are not hostile to the change. Our research shows many people are confused by the transition which is not surprising as the main catalyst for change, the Zev mandate, only governs supply but does little to encourage demand for EVs.
“The ambitious goal of the Climate Change Committee that 80 per cent of cars and 74 per cent of vans should be electric by 2040 shows how much needs to be done to get there.”
In February, pure battery electric vehicles held a 25% share of the new car market, but DVLA figures show that only 5% of cars currently registered in the UK as of the end of June 2024 were pure electric or plug-in hybrid. A Department for Transport spokesperson said that the government is investing over £2.3 billion to help both consumers and industry make a supported switch to EVs. This includes installing a public chargepoint every 28 minutes, keeping EV incentives in the company car tax regime until 2030, and extending 100% first-year allowances for zero-emission cars for an additional year. Second-hand EVs are also becoming more affordable; one in three are available for under £20,000, and 21 new models are available for under £30,000.
The spokesperson added that “We’re seeing growing consumer confidence as a result.”
