More drivers planning to ‘go electric’

11.02 | 31 January 2020 |

Britain’s drivers are starting to embrace the idea of purchasing an electric vehicle, according to the RAC.

Research carried out for the RAC Report on Motoring suggests 15% of motorists intend to buy some form of zero or ultra-low emission vehicle when their existing vehicle needs to be replaced – compared to 12% in 2018.

This figure rises to 26% in London, where concerns about emissions are higher, incomes are on average higher and charging points more prevalent.

In terms of the different types of electric vehicles, 6% of respondents revealed their intentions to buy a battery electric vehicle – double the figure from 12 months ago.

A further 21% said they would buy a conventional hybrid, which uses a combination of a traditional combustion engine and a battery charged by the engine.

However, when asked whether they see themselves driving a battery electric vehicle before 2030, the majority of respondents said no.

Among the concerns cited included the minimum range of an electric vehicle.

Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of policy, said: “It is very encouraging there is an increased willingness among drivers to go full or part electric when they next change their vehicles. 

“But, while this is positive, it is also concerning that the average driver doesn’t see themselves owning a pure electric car until 2030 – a point borne out by the fact that less than 1% of cars on the road are currently of this type.”


 

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