The government’s Department for Transport has launched a campaign urging motorists to buy an electric car.
The DfT has bought television, internet and radio advertising space, telling drivers about the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, while also advocating that EVs can bring running-cost savings, and promoting that there are 87,000 public charging points across the country.
Ministers also say that if drivers buy an EV they will “back British industry” by “giving manufacturers and supply chains the confidence to invest”.
The DfT also promises that “charging will continue to be easier”, and says “the evidence is clear” that people who buy an EV “don’t go back”. Some 50,000 people have apparently already made use of the Electric Car Grant since it was launched in July last year. Given 473,348 electric cars were brought last year, this indicates retail, rather than business buyers, continue to be a small proportion of the EV market.
As part of its campaign the DfT has shared commentary from people who like electric cars, with Auto Trader’s chief customer officer, Ian Plummer, saying that almost two thirds of drivers are “considering” one, and that the vehicles are “a great option for many drivers”
Dominic Phinn, meanwhile, who works at a non-profit organisation called Climate Group that was launched in 2004 by Tony Blair, among others, says that “the government’s new EV marketing campaign is a very welcome step”. Phinn is also of the opinion that rather than people being capable of making informed choices when buying cars, ”myths and misinformation are holding the nation back” from relying on batteries and sockets.
