UK drivers not willing to make electric car switch despite 2030 petrol and diesel ban
There has been a 23 per cent slide in the price of used EVs
PA
Fewer than half of British drivers are willing to make the switch to electric vehicles, with a number of concerns holding them back from ditching their cars.
New data has suggested that only 47 per cent believe an electric vehicle will fit in with their lifestyle, with more than 4,000 people questioned as part of the survey.
More than half of Britons believe that electric vehicles are too expensive, while a further 47 per cent are worried about a lack of charging points.
The data, which comes from the latest Road to 2030 report, found that there are just nine electric models for sale for under £30,000, a decrease from 11 in December 2022.
There are just nine electric models for sale for under £30,000
PA
Despite the average household only needing to plug in once a week, two-fifths of motorists believe they would have to charge their cars every three days.
The UK Government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, with a similar ban affecting hybrid vehicles five years later.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, stated that drivers needed to have confidence in the infrastructure to switch to electric.
He said: “There is still much more work to be done to achieve a mass transition to electric vehicles before the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel models and ensure no driver is left behind.
“Support from the tax system to put the used EV market on a more sustainable footing is vital for the sustainability of the entire EV market and our chances of successfully transitioning to EVs by 2030.”
There has been a 23 per cent slide in the price of a used electric car over the past 12 months, with drivers now having a greater opportunity to switch to an EV.
Electric vehicles between three and five years old have seen price drops of 40 per cent, with some models, like the Nissan Leaf, being cheaper than petrol or diesel equivalents.
As a result of the price drops, used electric vehicles are selling as quickly as petrol and diesel vehicles, with all types taking 28 days to sell last month.
Ian Plummer also highlighted how there were still concerns from drivers about some of the key aspects of owning an electric car.
Issues around affordability and charging need to be addressed with the expert calling on the Government to give a clear statement of intent.
He added: “Penalising drivers who have to charge in public with higher VAT is simply unfair: we need to end this charging injustice.
“Those charging their EVs at home can save £142 per 1,000 miles compared to a £41 saving for EV drivers using public charging points.
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There are almost 50,000 charging stations around the UK
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“There are real benefits to be had but they need to be shared more widely across society.”