Drivers ‘Confused’ by Electric Cars
Ministers have been warned that many drivers are ‘confused’ by electric vehicles (EVs), their advantages, and the necessary shift towards battery-powered cars. The AA, a prominent motoring organization, has indicated that while most drivers are hesitant but not against EVs, greater education and incentives are vital to broaden their appeal among motorists. Concerns exist that EV sales are lagging behind targets.
Based on a survey of over 14,000 members, the AA found that some drivers have limited knowledge regarding how EVs function and the government’s plans to move away from internal combustion engine cars. The survey revealed that a third of respondents erroneously believe that manual EVs are available, despite all current models being automatic. Moreover, 7% believe that sales of used petrol and diesel cars will be banned in 2030 alongside new models.
However, the AA acknowledges that a significant portion of the population remains unconvinced about making the switch. Over one in five (22%) polled said they are ‘diehard’ against buying an EV and would ‘never own one.’
The AA concluded in the report that Britons need to be shown that EVs are ‘desirable, not just unavoidable’ and that confusion played a big part in the slower-than-expect transition to electric cars
The report identified four distinct categories of drivers regarding EV adoption:
- Rejectors: (20%) Firmly against EVs, stating they will never own one.
- Doubters: (20%) Neutral or unlikely to purchase an EV as their next car. They prefer to keep their petrol or diesel vehicles for as long as possible.
- Potentials: (52%) Likely to buy an EV as their next car within the next five years or thereafter, but are delaying purchases due to concerns about high prices, range anxiety, and charging issues.
- Adopters: (7%) Motorists who already drive an EV.
The AA’s report highlighted that Britons need to be convinced that EVs are ‘desirable, not merely unavoidable,’ and that confusion significantly hinders the transition to electric cars.
The ZEV Mandate and Incentives
The AA also criticized the government’s reliance on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which compels manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of EVs each year over the next decade. The AA argues that this mandate will fail unless more incentives are introduced to benefit ownership.
Under the ZEV mandate, at least 28% of new cars sold by mainstream manufacturers this year must be zero-emission, which generally means pure electric. These percentages escalate annually, reaching 80% by 2030. Failure to comply with the mandate will result in a fine of £15,000 per polluting car sold above the limits.
The government is examining feedback from a recent consultation on proposed changes to the rules, which could include making it easier for manufacturers to avoid penalties. The government has also committed to reversing the decision made in September 2023 to delay the prohibition of conventionally fueled new cars from 2030 until 2035.
The AA suggests that while the ZEV mandate will push car manufacturers to increase their EV sales, many drivers are being ‘left behind’ in this transition, and ministers must ‘understand their views.’ The fact that 73% of motorists in the UK have no experience with EVs, according to the poll, further underscores this point.
Calls for Action
Key figures in the automotive and consumer sectors are calling for governmental action. Jakob Pfaudler, AA chief executive, stated, “Our message to Government is more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.”
Sue Davies, head of consumer rights at Which?, added, “When it comes to making sustainable choices such as switching to an electric car, our research shows that people are often held back by high costs, complex choices or uncertainty.” The AA urged ministers to coordinate a public awareness campaign with the motoring industry directed at drivers who doubt the viability of EVs and to consider ‘targeted incentives,’ such as reducing VAT on public charging to align it with domestic rates. The AA also highlights that around 40% of drivers in Britain lack access to home chargers because their properties lack off-street parking.
Official figures released shortly after the AA’s warning revealed that EVs accounted for 25% of new cars entering the road in February. Despite this increase, they remain behind the 28% threshold set by the ZEV mandate. Additionally, government figures indicate that only 5% of cars licensed in the UK at the end of June 2024 were pure electric or plug-in hybrid.
