UK drivers are experiencing a wave of “confusion” as the country transitions to electric vehicles, raising concerns among ministers. While most drivers are open to the idea of electric cars, a significant portion find themselves puzzled by the impending changes and timelines, as revealed by recent research conducted by the AA.
Surveying over 14,000 AA members, the study uncovered that 7% of participants believed the government planned to prohibit the sale of used petrol and diesel vehicles. Additionally, a surprising third of respondents erroneously assumed the existence of manual electric vehicles, despite all electric cars being automatic. Moreover, more than one in five individuals expressed their reluctance to ever purchase an electric vehicle.
Government’s Emphasis on Electric Vehicles
The government’s strategy for increasing the adoption of electric vehicles in the UK primarily revolves around ramping up the supply of such vehicles. By the year 2024, each manufacturer must ensure that 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold are zero-emission, typically encompassing pure electric vehicles. These percentages are set to escalate annually, with the target aiming for 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2030. Failure to meet these targets will result in manufacturers facing fines of £15,000 per vehicle.
Challenges and Calls for Action
Despite the gradual increase in electric vehicle sales, manufacturers caution that the market may not inherently support the rapid growth needed to align with the government’s ambitious electric vehicle objectives. In response, they advocate for consumer incentives, as well as the extension of tax breaks, to stimulate demand for electric vehicles. The AA urges ministers to orchestrate a comprehensive public awareness campaign in collaboration with the automotive industry, targeting drivers who harbor reservations about the feasibility of electric vehicles.
Recognizing the barriers hindering consumers from embracing electric vehicles, Sue Davis, Head of Consumer Rights at Which?, emphasized the need for accessible information and support to alleviate concerns regarding high costs, complex choices, and uncertainties. In response, Jakob Pfaudler, Chief Executive of the AA, stressed the importance of making electric vehicles more accessible to the general populace.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport underscored the government’s commitment to facilitating a smooth transition to electric vehicles, citing an investment of over £2.3 billion to aid both industry stakeholders and consumers. Initiatives include the installation of a public charging point every 28 minutes, the continuation of EV incentives in the company car tax regime until 2030, and the extension of 100% first-year allowances for zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, the availability of second-hand electric vehicles at increasingly affordable prices, with one in three priced under £20,000 and 21 new models priced below £30,000, has bolstered consumer confidence in electric vehicles.
