Half of all drivers now know someone who owns an EV or own one themselves, according to new research.
The study of 6,500 people by YouGov with analysis by Persuasion UK and IPPR found 55% feel positive about EVs, which suggests they are increasingly looked upon as normal.
But it also discovered those who were less enthusiastic about EVs were driven by practical concerns such as cost and convenience rather than “culture war” issues. As a result, it suggested addressing these concerns would likely prove effective in overcoming wider EV ownership.
Issues include cost, range, and charging, with respondents often stating they like EVs “in theory” but persuasion is required.
Figures suggest that 49% of drivers either drive an EV or have a family or friend who has such a vehicle. It found 40% of non-graduates and 44% on average incomes fell into this group.
Other practical proposals put forward by the IPPR include lowering VAT on public charging to 5%, setting up social leasing schemes, and regulating to ensure all public chargers are compatible with different charging apps.
The research also suggests that more potential EV drivers would be encouraged to make the switch by emphasising increasing levels of take up and the steps being taken by the government to tackle issues of charging and cost, while also reminding them of the benefits to the environment and UK energy independence.
Sam Alvis, IPPR associate director for environment, energy security and nature, said:
“If government is looking for ways to improve people’s lives in ways they themselves want to see, there are few better places to start than transport. We know the public wants it to be cheaper and easier to get around, and that people see EVs as a positive step they can take towards energy security.
“Government needs to help them in taking that step by sorting out off-putting problems with charging, and making it easier for a wider range of people to buy an EV.”
Steve Akehurst of Persuasion UK said:
“This research shows that EVs are becoming increasingly normalised across the UK but that it would be a mistake for the government to assume that there is nothing more to do. To avoid a backlash the government must minimise the cost and inconvenience of EVs while persuading the public that switching is necessary to protect the environment and create energy independence.”
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