Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shared an update on their initiative combatting misinformation surrounding electric vehicles (EV).
The group has created a collection of facts to offer a “balanced and data-backed view” on owning and driving EVs, which has now been updated, following the launch edition in November 2024.
Updates include:
- Public charge points up to 75,675 and ultra-rapid chargers up to 15,109.
- Price difference between EVs and ICE has dropped from 33% to 23% in March.
- Share of used EVs under £20,000 is now at 38% – up from one in three in November.
- 29 new EVs with a retail price under £30,000 compared to 21 last year.
- Potential annual savings increasing from £750 to £790 due to an increase in fuel costs.
Additionally, charge point tracking company Zapmap and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) have committed to champion the initiative by promoting it to their audiences.
Data points will be regularly reviewed and updated, with new versions issued when required, with the endorsed by the Department for Transport.
New data from Auto Trader shows an increase in retailers stocking used electric vehicles, a sign of market confidence.
Franchise retailers still dominate the used electric market, due to the young age profile of these cars, with 79% (3,400) stocking at least one used electric car – a 7% year-on-year (YoY) increase.
While 17% (1,900) independent retailers stock electric cars, this is just a 2% YoY increase, a much slower rate of growth. Despite consumer and retailer nervousness, 83% of current electric car owners said they would buy electric again.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:
“We’re investing over £2.3 billion to help the country make a supported switch to electric vehicles, creating high-paid jobs, tapping into a multi-billion pound industry and making the UK a clean energy superpower as part of our Plan for Change.”
Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, said:
“Zapmap welcomes the opportunity to be part of this co-ordinated effort to get the facts on the reality of charging out into the market. Through our app, we give confidence to current EV drivers when they are out and about, whilst our unrivalled charging data and insights gives the next wave of EV drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric.”
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said:
“As the consumer-facing end of the industry, NFDA members have the professional knowledge and understanding in UK electric vehicle sales, with many accredited through NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme. They provide comprehensive guidance on EV purchases and offer expert after-sales support, with highly trained EV technicians to meet customers’ ongoing needs.”
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, said:
“We’re delighted to have the NFDA and Zapmap join us on our mission to provide more balanced and fact-based narratives to both retailers and consumers. We know a change as significant as electrification can leave lots of room for confusion, but we believe if the industry works together, we can help everyone feel confident as they electrify. One highlight of the recent update is the growth of affordable EVs – we need to make sure there’s an EV for everyone and two in five used electric cars now under £20,000 is a good sign.”
Image courtesy of the campaign group
