Home | Blog | What’s stopping people move across to electric?

by Paul Baxter | 14th June 2024

Category: Electric vehicle

Despite the increasing prevalence of EVs on British roads, 41% of petrol and diesel car drivers intend to stick with fossil-fuel engines for their next vehicle according to our new research. The findings reveal there is still work to be done in convincing petrol and diesel car owners to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The study highlights several barriers preventing a broader adoption of EVs, primarily the fear of not finding convenient charging points, which 68% of respondents cited as their main concern.

The affordability of electric models compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts is another significant deterrent, with 58% of motorists pointing to the higher costs associated with EVs. Additionally, 57% worry about the practicality of keeping their car charged on long journeys, and a similar number are concerned about the future cost of replacing the electric battery.

Moreover, more than half of drivers are satisfied with their current petrol or diesel vehicles, indicating no need to switch, while 42% express concerns about finding overnight charging locations. Insurance costs also play a role, with 24% of motorists believing that premiums are higher for electric cars.

However, the research does show that once drivers transition to electric vehicles, they rarely consider going back to fossil fuels. An overwhelming 92% of electric vehicle owners plan to purchase another EV as their next car, while only 2% would consider returning to a petrol or diesel vehicle.

But how do we address these concerns and accelerate the adoption of EVs? Our survey indicates that financial incentives could play a pivotal role. Nearly half of the surveyed motorists (47%) said they would consider switching to an electric vehicle if the government removed the 12% Insurance Premium Tax on EV insurance premiums. This suggests that targeted financial policies could effectively encourage more drivers to opt for electric cars.

The slow adoption of EVs is a significant concern for meeting climate goals. However, once motorists switch to EVs, they tend not to revert to petrol or diesel cars. So, while there still exist substantial barriers to EV adoption, strategic financial incentives and improved charging infrastructure could significantly mitigate these concerns and encourage more drivers to embrace greener transportation options.