Some 44% of drivers have said they plan for their next car to be a low emissions vehicle, according to fresh data from Kwik Fit.
The company’s survey, which is the highest proportion on record, is a jump from the 33% who said they planned to buy an EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid in 2020.
Of the 59% of drivers currently owning a petrol-engined car, only 30% of drivers said they plan for their next car to run on petrol.
Just over two thirds (67%) of drivers have plans to change their vehicle. On average, they expect to do so in 22 months – with nearly a third (31%) planning to swap their car in the next 12 months.
Kwik Fit’s annual research looks at the reasons why drivers are not yet considering buying an EV. In previous years the most commonly cited factor has been a restriction on range. This is again the top concern; however, the level is falling: 35% of drivers mentioned range in this year’s research, compared to 41% in 2023.
This year, the second most stated concern by drivers (35%) is that they would not be able to charge an EV at home. This is up from sixth most common factor last year.
ZEV Mandate
30% of drivers planning to buy an EV next say that the decision to consult on relaxing the ZEV Mandate has made them less likely to opt for an EV as their next car.
The uncertainty is even having an impact on some drivers who have already switched, with 25% of EV owners questioned saying the consultation has made it less likely that their next car will be an EV.
Overall, drivers are broadly split over whether the government should stick to the ZEV Mandate, with 36% agreeing that they should and 29% disagreeing. However, for current EV drivers there is a marked difference, with 56% saying the current schedule should be kept and only 15% disagreeing.
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, said:
“This research shows how quickly the make up of the UK car parc could change as people buy their next vehicle. Over the last six years Kwik Fit’s research has shown a consistent rise in the number of drivers planning to switch to an EV or hybrid. It’s really interesting that more than a quarter of those planning to buy a car in the next year intend to go fully electric.
“It is vital that the ZEV Mandate phasing treads the right balance between encouraging the transition to low emissions and the practicalities vehicle manufacturers face. However, it’s notable that any potential changes have a clear risk of creating uncertainty among drivers.
“Whatever the powertrain choice of an individual driver we know that UK roads will contain a wide mix for the foreseeable future and all those drivers need to be supported. At Kwik Fit we put major investment into training our staff to work on all types of vehicles. This way, we ensure that whatever fuel powers a car, we can help keep it running as efficiently and as safely as possible.”
Image courtesy of Kwik Fit
