A third of all drivers will never switch to an electric vehicle despite the Government’s ICE policy ambitions, according to new research.
The study by Auto Trader revealed drivers saw EV affordability as a big factor with 32% stating they “never intend to buy an EV regardless of the incentives offered”.
Some 30% of respondents said cutting the upfront cost of EVs was the most important factor in encouraging switching, with a new EV typically 36% more expensive than an ICE equivalent at present, according to Auto Trader data. As an example, the MG ZS is £8,400 more than its ICE alternative.
A further 11% of respondents called for a scrappage scheme for petrol and diesel vehicles to help cut the cost of an EV, and 7% said cheaper public EV charging would encourage switching. Currently VAT is charged at 20% on public charging points, compared with a VAT rate of just 5% for those charging cars at home. The survey also revealed nearly half (47%) would resist going electric even after a rise in fuel tax.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: “We are now less than seven years away from the banning of new petrol and diesel sales in the UK under the Government’s 2030 ambitions, so it is extremely worrying that a third of drivers say they will simply never switch.
“The market suffers from a lack of affordable EV models, which new entrants this year should begin to address over time, but there are also concerns over the charging network too. If we want to deliver on ambitions for a greener, fairer society then ministers should be ready to use the tax system to incentivise drivers to make sure they achieve their goals – and cutting 20% VAT on public charging would be a good start.”
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