Drivers resistant to switch to EVs

A quarter of drivers would rather choose a used petrol or diesel car than switch to an electric vehicle (EV) once the ban on the sale of new ICE cars takes effect, according to a survey carried out by Aston University for EV salary sacrifice and fleet management specialist, Fleet Evolution.

Results from the attitude survey, which went out to around 10,000 drivers, fleet and HR managers, small businesses and private motorists, indicate a lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes continue to exist towards EVs, the company said.

For example, when asked about the government’s ban on the sale of new ICE cars by 2030, 27% of respondents said they would continue to buy used petrol or diesel models for as long as possible after the ban came into force.

When asked if they had a car or were planning their next car how was it or how would it be fuelled, some 40% said diesel, 13.33% said petrol, while 30% said electric and 13% hybrid.

And when asked what impact the introduction of a local Clean Air Zone would have on their commuting habits, a third (32%) said it would have no impact as they would choose to pay the charge on their existing vehicle, while a further 21% said they would switch to public transport rather than swap to an EV.

Looking at the factors that made people hesitate in making the transition, 36% of respondents said cost, 28% said range anxiety and 25% said lack of public charging.

Misconceptions

Fleet Evolution said the survey findings show “a high degree of misconceptions and driver ignorance around electric cars”. For example, when asked about the typical cost incurred to travel 1,000 electric miles, the average estimate across all respondents was around £50, whereas in reality the cost is nearer £20.

In addition, two thirds (67%) of those surveyed said they did not live within five minutes of a public charge point, but further analysis found that some 40% of those who said they did not have a chargepoint nearby actually had one or more within a five-minute walk of their home.

Andrew Leech, Fleet Evolution founder and managing director, said: “There are still a number of misconceptions around EVs, particularly the costs involved, and we found it quite staggering that over a quarter of people surveyed said they would never switch to an EV come what may.

“This is rather at odds with the government’s decision to embrace an all-electric future as laid out in its Road to Zero strategy as it strives to achieve net zero by 2050.

“It was disappointing that cost was still seen as the major barrier to more widespread EV adoption given the wider availability of more affordable electric models.

“There also seemed to be a genuine lack of awareness that an EV acquired under a corporate salary sacrifice scheme is extremely cost and tax efficient given the current tax regime which is highly beneficial for electric cars.”

Leech said the concerns around the charging infrastructure overlooked not only the rapidly growing public charging network, but the benefits of having chargers installed at the workplace.

In order to try and help businesses make charging more widely available, Fleet Evolution is currently offering free installation of two-port chargers at the office car park of any customer with more than five of its cars on their fleet.

“That way, employees without the opportunity for home charging can charge their vehicles whenever they go into the office and help make charging easier and more accessible,” he explained.