Poll Highlights Hesitancy Towards Electric Vehicles
A new poll conducted by the AA reveals that a considerable segment of drivers in the UK are not yet sold on the idea of electric vehicles (EVs). The survey of 7,000 people found that 22% of respondents stated they would never purchase an electric vehicle, even as automakers are pushed to increase EV sales.
The AA emphasizes that convincing drivers of petrol and diesel cars that EVs offer true desirability rather than simply representing an unavoidable shift is crucial.
To this end, the AA is advocating for the Government to collaborate with the motoring industry on a public awareness campaign. This would directly target drivers who are skeptical about the feasibility and benefits of EVs. Furthermore, the organization is urging ministers to consider targeted incentives aimed at reducing the financial burden of electric vehicle ownership.
One potential incentive suggested is lowering the Value Added Tax (VAT) on public charging to match the rate for home charging. Currently, public charging faces a 20% VAT, while home charging benefits from a 5% rate. This change could stimulate EV adoption among those without off-street parking.
Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate and Industry Compliance
The UK’s zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) mandate is designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Under the mandate, at least 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold by each manufacturer in 2024 had to be zero-emission (pure electric). These percentages are slated to increase annually, reaching 80% for new cars and 70% for new vans by 2030.
Manufacturers who fail to comply with the mandate or don’t appropriately utilize flexibilities – such as buying credits or increasing sales in subsequent years – face a penalty of £15,000 per polluting car sold above the established limits.
The Government is evaluating feedback from a recent consultation regarding proposed alterations to the rules. These changes could potentially ease the path for non-compliant manufacturers to avoid penalties.
Notably, the Government has already committed to reversing a previous decision to delay the ban on sales of new conventionally fueled cars and vans from 2030 to 2035.
Calls for Demand Stimulation
Jakob Pfaudler, the AA’s chief executive, commented on the findings, stating, “Our message to the Government is that more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone.” He added, “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.”
Pfaudler acknowledged how ambitious the goals of the climate change committee (requiring 80% of cars and 74% of vans to be electric by 2040) were and called for more support to reach those targets.
While pure battery electric vehicles accounted for a 25% share of the new car market in February, statistics from the DVLA reveal that only 5% of cars licensed in the UK as of the end of June 2024 were either pure electric or plug-in hybrids.
Government Initiatives
A Department for Transport spokesman reported that “We’re investing over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs.”
These investments include installing a public charge point every 28 minutes, maintaining EV incentives in the company car tax scheme until 2030, and extending 100% first-year allowances for zero-emission cars for another year.
The spokesman continued, “Second-hand EVs are also becoming cheaper than ever, with one in three available under £20,000 and 21 brand new models available for less than £30,000.” They added, “We’re seeing growing consumer confidence as a result.”
