The UK Government has launched a media campaign to promote electric vehicles across TV, radio and digital outlets.
The Department for Transport (DfT)’s “Get that electric feeling” highlights how drivers can save up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric vehicle (EV) through the Electric Car Grant, alongside up to £1,400 on annual fuel and maintenance costs, and access to over 87,000 public charge points across the UK.
It also states that an additional additional 100,000 new local public chargers will be delivered over the coming years, and also promoted its funding and reforms to planning rules so residents without private driveways can install home chargers more easily and cheaply – enabling charging for as little as 2p per mile.
The campaign will be run across broadcast video on demand, connected TV, broadcast radio, digital audio (podcasts and spots), as well as out-of-home areas such as petrol stations, shopping centres, motorway service areas and roadside, digital display, social media, influencers and partnerships.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:
“Over 50,000 drivers have made savings of up to £3,750 off a new EV and £1,400 a year on running costs. Our campaign is here to show millions of Brits the benefits of making the switch, which could save their family budget thousands.
“With over 87,000 public chargers across the UK and thousands more on the way, our message is clear – going electric has never been easier and under this government, you can save thousands when you do.
“The evidence is clear: once drivers go electric, they don’t go back. The campaign taps into that reality with testimonials from real EV owners, explaining how the switch has transformed everyday driving for them – from the driveway to the high street.”
Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer, said:
“With almost two-thirds of buyers now considering electric vehicles, according to our latest research, reinforcement of the benefits of electric car ownership is key to ensure consideration translates into buying.
“Electric cars are a great option for many drivers and with 9 in 10 people who have already made the switch saying they won’t go back, now is a great time to find out more.”
Dominic Phinn, Head of Transport at Climate Group, said:
“The UK has positioned itself as a frontrunner in a fiercely competitive global race towards clean road transport. But myths and misinformation are holding the nation back from taking the next leap.
“Major UK businesses, like members of our EV100 network, have been leading on fleet electrification, but are warning that a much bigger perception shift in the population is now needed for them to keep driving the transition.
“The government’s new EV marketing campaign is a very welcome step towards galvanising the public around smarter, cheaper and cleaner road transport that benefits all.”
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said:
“Through the Motability Scheme, we’re helping thousands of disabled people make the switch to electric vehicles – unlocking greater freedom and independence. And once people switch, they stay.
“Our EV Transition Tracker found that nearly 9 in 10 would choose an EV again. This campaign brings that to life, showing how EVscan make journeys easier, cleaner and cheaper.”
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said:
“It’s positive to see the Government actively promoting the benefits of going electric and helping more drivers understand the savings EVs can offer. Campaigns like this play an important role in building confidence, but more must be done to make switching realistic for everyone.
“Public charging must be affordable for drivers who rely on it, and stronger support to help lower income households access both the new and used EV market will let more people enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles without the barrier of high upfront costs. Taking these steps is essential to making the EV transition work for all drivers.”
Image from Shutterstock
