Skip advert
Advertisement

Costs and charging biggest barriers to EV ownership

New survey finds almost half of would-be EV buyers are concerned about available charging sites.

British car buyers need greater incentives and an improved charging infrastructure before they’d consider owning an electric car.

According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 51% of adults said the prospect of low running costs would lead them to buy an electric car. Cheap or zero road tax would encourage 46% of UK buyers to take the plunge.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Purchase incentives, such as the Governments Plug-in Car Grant was cited as important by 36% of motorists.

The most common reasons given by motorists for sticking with conventionally fuelled cars were linked to the charging and cost issues associated with electric vehicle ownership. Finding an available, working and compatible charge point was a concern for 48% of respondents, while 41% indicated higher purchase prices put them off.

The survey also found 68% of motorists were unaware of the new road tax changes coming in April. That is a marginal improvement on Carbuyer’s own survey in January, which found almost 90% were unaware. Just 6% were fully aware of it.

As the results of the survey were announced, the SMMT created what’s being billed as the “largest display of alternative fuel vehicles”. A total of 26 models from 16 different brands were on display near Tower Bridge in London, representing some of the 83 different alternative fuel cars and vans available to British buyers.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “Thanks to massive investment by vehicle manufacturers, British car buyers have never enjoyed so much choice and, as today’s display shows, that extends to every fuel type. However, our survey highlights the need for ongoing government support for this new market.

“We want to encourage more people to switch to ultra low emission vehicles in meaningful numbers but more must be done to boost buyer confidence. A consistent approach to incentives – fiscal and otherwise – and, most importantly, greater investment in the charging network is essential if we are to grow this emerging market.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024
Best electric SUVs
Best cars
2 Oct 2024

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024