A new survey from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders suggests that almost half of UK motorists do not feel ready to make the switch to electric vehicles by 2035.
The survey by Savanta ComRes confirms keen interest from consumers in this technology with drivers most attracted to the lower running costs (41%) and chance to improve the environment (29%). However, while these cars now account for one in six models on sale (17%), they make up just one in 13 purchases (8%).
The survey found the biggest factors holding buyers back are higher purchase prices (52%), lack of local charging points (44%) and fear of being caught short on longer journeys (38%). While, encouragingly, just over a third (37%) are optimistic about buying a full EV by 2025, 44% don’t think they’ll be ready by 2035, with 24% saying that they can’t ever see themselves owning one.
In its upcoming Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review submission, the BVRLA will be urging the Government to make some ambitious and long-term investments in providing a supportive tax, incentives and infrastructure environment that will enable fleets to meet any decarbonisation targets.
In a recent press release BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said “Zero emission vehicle mandates are not the answer. We need to align our electric vehicle strategy with our closest markets in the EU, where grants and incentives have proved much more successful.”
