Eight in 10 UK drivers will not buy an EV vehicle because of rising electricity costs, finds survey
March 2023 - Automotive
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Eight in 10 UK drivers will not buy an EV vehicle because of rising electricity costs: A survey of car buyers has found that 80% are not interested in buying an electric vehicle at this time due to the rising cost of electricity, and a lack of government support (78%).
The survey by ChooseMyCar.com polled motorists across the UK as part of a wider study into consumer beliefs around EVs, unveiling that there are several barriers preventing drivers from making the switch.
For them to be more open to buying an electric vehicle, more than three-quarters of motorists (78%) said the Government needs to do more to support people who own EVs, with seven in 10 wanting to see plans for EV Taxation (due to be introduced in April 2025), axed, as well as Congestion Charge exemption maintained in London beyond Christmas Eve, of the same year.
Rising electricity costs
According to the research, drivers aged 55 and above had the greatest concerns about rising electricity costs, with 84% of those who were concerned about costs and how that would impact their vehicle use, saying it will prevent them from buying an electric vehicle. Female respondents were more likely to be concerned than men (79% versus 81%), found the research.
The most concerned regions
Looking at the regions of the UK that were most deterred from buying an EV due to electricity costs, the survey found Sheffield had the strongest views, with more than nine in 10 saying they would refrain at this time (92%). This was followed by Nottingham (88%), Liverpool (85%), Southampton (85%), Cardiff (84%), Plymouth (84%) and London (84%).
In contrast, the least concerned respondents were in Birmingham (68%), Leeds (69%) and Glasgow (76%).
Founder of ChooseMyCar.com, Nick Zapolski, said of the findings:
“EVs have hit the press for all the wrong reasons lately, with complaints about charging difficulties dominating the headlines. These stats prove that people have valid concerns about EV ownership - and instead of helping ease those concerns, the Government chooses to introduce extra barriers.
“If the Government truly wants to support its green agenda and encourage EV ownership, it needs to take action now, or EVs will become a disaster,” he added.
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