Survey Finds Over a Third of UK Drivers Planning to Buy a New Car in the Next Year Intend to Go Electric
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in the UK, with more than a third of drivers planning to buy a new car in the next year expressing their intention to go electric. This finding, revealed in a recent survey conducted by Onward, a centre-right think tank, highlights the growing interest in EVs among UK consumers.
According to the survey, 37% of respondents planning to purchase a new car within the next year are considering buying an electric vehicle. This marks a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. On the other hand, 24% of drivers indicated their preference for sticking with petrol or diesel engines, showcasing the ongoing debate between traditional and electric vehicles.
The survey also delved into the factors influencing consumers’ decisions when it comes to choosing between EVs and traditional vehicles. Among drivers planning to buy a new car in the future, 30% expressed interest in purchasing a pure-electric car, while 31% preferred a hybrid vehicle. Concerns such as the lack of public charging infrastructure, upfront costs, and the perceived difficulty of driving longer distances were cited as the main barriers to adopting EVs.
Despite these challenges, the survey revealed that current EV owners are highly satisfied with their overall experience, including aspects such as charging, comfort, driving experience, safety, running costs, and driving range. This positive feedback underscores the potential of EVs to revolutionize the automotive industry and drive the transition towards a greener future.
However, there is still work to be done to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the UK. Ned Hammond, head of energy and environment at Onward, emphasized the need for government intervention to make buying an EV more attractive to consumers. He suggested measures such as reducing VAT costs on public charging, ensuring the right to charge for tenants and leaseholders, and streamlining the process for installing chargers to enhance the accessibility and affordability of EVs.
The report also highlighted the importance of addressing key policy issues to support the growth of the EV market. Recommendations included removing planning barriers for public charger installations, increasing the number of rapid battery car chargers, introducing smart charging regulations, and incentivizing the production of more efficient vehicles under the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
As the UK aims to transition towards a greener transport system, these findings underscore the need for concerted efforts from both the government and industry stakeholders to drive the mass adoption of EVs. With the looming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, the time is ripe for decisive action to accelerate the shift towards sustainable mobility in the UK.