Thousands of British drivers have admitted that they could be heavily influenced to buy a new zero emission vehicle thanks to Labour's new Electric Car Grant, despite many people admitting that an EV is not in their future.
The new findings come as the AA launches a new EV Readiness Index to support motorists in the ongoing switch to cleaner vehicles ahead of the looming 2030 deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
It will track eight factors which could influence how ready drivers are to switch, with new data finding that many drivers are unsure "how far and how fast" to transition.
At present, the current Readiness Rating is around 47.5 out of 100, stating that electric vehicles are a viable and attractive option, but "significant barriers" remain.
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The new AA EV Readiness Index will assess how prepared the UK is for zero emission motoring
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The AA also found that of around 15,000 drivers, 38 per cent said it is still too expensive to buy a new EV, even with the new £650million Electric Car Grant.
Concerningly, a further 24 per cent said they would never switch to an electric car, while one in five reported that they only buy used cars, meaning the ECG is useless to them.
A handful of drivers admitted that they were already in the process of buying a new electric vehicle as a direct result of the grant.
The AA Readiness Index depends on these factors:
- Cost of new EV
- Cost of used EV
- Cost of EV insurance
- Cost of home charging and home charger
- Cost of public charging
- Access to charging
- EVs running out of charge
- Roadside EV repair rates
Edmund King OBE, President of the AA, said that many drivers were excited about electric vehicles and the technology, but many were still "confused and cautious".
He added: "Our Index shows that upfront costs and charging access are still major concerns. Our polling also suggests battery health and resale values are still issues for some.
"Our index is an independent barometer of the issues that are either holding drivers back or propelling drivers to go electric. It is neither pro nor anti EV."
The AA already monitors the uptake of electric vehicles, with it reporting strong demand for EVs across used and leasing platforms through AA Cars.
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The Electric Car Grant supports motorists with a reduction of either £1,500 or £3,750 off the price of a new electric vehicle if it is eligible with the Government's sustainability quotas and costs less than £37,000.
Then-Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood admitted that the environmental criteria would likely outlaw Chinese car brands from being eligible for the scheme.
She noted that most Chinese manufacturers still produce electric vehicles in production facilities which run on coal and other fossil fuels.
However, a number of brands, including BYD and Leapmotor, have launched their own original incentives including free servicing or a like-for-like £3,750 price cut.
Electric vehicles made up 26.5 per cent of new car sales in August
| PAMr King OBE noted that the cost of an electric vehicle was still a stumbling block for motorists, although the Electric Car Grant was helping lower prices for consumers.
He said: "Many drivers are unsure how far and how fast they should move to an EV with some waiting for future technological developments to enhance better range and in-car systems.
"We are confident that the readiness rating will increase with more chargers, less expensive products, targeted incentives and better information."
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that the market share of electric cars is rapidly advancing, making up more than one in four new vehicles in August.