More than 70 per cent of drivers have been so shocked by the surge in electricity prices that it has tainted their view of EVs, according to a recent poll of more than 12,000 drivers by the AA.
One in 10 say the hike in electricity costs is the main reason for being put off switching to an EV, while 63% say they have been left uncertain by the price hikes, but other factors are a stronger influence against a decision to buy an electric car.
Almost one in four drivers (24%) are taking the long view on the surge in electricity prices and haven’t been deterred from wanting an EV sometime in the future. It is thought that many of those left doubting will come round to this view once the domestic energy price shock recedes.
However, there remain other factors holding back a faster transition to EVs, addressed by the AA’s president Edmund King at a conference at the Highways UK conference today at the NEC earlier this month.
The AA believes many drivers left in doubt by the energy price shocks will sit tight for the moment and look again at EVs when energy markets settle down again.
Meanwhile, the AA’s president listed other reasons why the switch to EVs is still in the slow lane, albeit beginning to speed up:
What is slowing greater uptake of EVs?
High purchase prices, range anxiety and lack of public chargers have traditionally been the reasons that drivers give as hurdles to Electric Vehicle (EV) uptake.
But in periods of austerity drivers tend to hold onto their current cars longer as they worry about their diminishing disposable income.
Mindset:
When it comes to EVs, or any form of brand-new technology which breaks with the past, there are always some consumers who are slower to adapt. There may be a reluctance to change from what they know. Some drivers argue that they have always filled up at petrol stations and don’t want to have to plan journeys or think about charging at home or work.
Some still suffer from the uncertainty around the length of the main battery life. Almost half worried about other neighbours using their home chargers without permission – even though most chargers can be locked to prevent access. Some people just don’t like change.
Reasons to switch:
An AA Yonder poll of 13,062 drivers in May 2022 showed that helping the environment was the top reason for switching to an EV
What do you think would be a good reason for buying an EV?
62% Helping the environment
54% Lower fuel costs
32% No congestion charge
26% No need to visit the petrol station
23% To be ahead of the 2030 ban
22% No benefit
17% Free parking spaces
15% EVs are quiet
10% Having the latest technology
6% Feelgood factor
2% Having a green number plate
1% Status symbol
Do financial incentives help?
Earlier this year the Government removed the grant for homeowners to install a home charge point. Views on home charge points after grant has gone.
59% Additional cost would put me off buying an EV
42% A home charge point would increase the value of the house
45% Consider it a necessary investment to unlock cheaper motoring
Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “Today there are almost half a million full EVs on the roads in the UK with more models coming to market each month. However, the cost of living and higher electricity costs are deterring almost three quarters of drivers from making the switch now.
“For some drivers it is a big psychological and practical leap from tried and trusted petrol or diesel cars to full electric models. However, after making that leap drivers will not go back, and the switch ultimately will lead to lower running costs and less damage to the environment. The AA is here to help drivers make that switch from learning to drive in EVs, through fixing, repairing, leasing, and servicing EVs.”
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