More than 70 per cent of drivers say they have been put off owning an electric vehicle (EV) by increases in energy prices, a new survey suggests. An AA poll of more than 12,500 motorists indicated that rising energy bills are the main reason for not switching to an EV for 10 per cent of people.
A further 63 per cent said the cost of electricity has made them more reluctant to buy an EV, but it is not the main reason for sticking with a conventionally-fuelled model. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of those surveyed appear to be taking a long-term view, stating that they have not been put off going electric. Some 3 per cent already own an EV.
Energy bills soared by 54 per cent for the average household on a standard variable tariff at the beginning of April when the price cap on bills was increased. AA president Edmund King believes the cost-of-living crisis means many drivers are holding on to existing vehicles longer than normal, but will consider EVs once energy markets settle down.
In a speech at the Highways UK conference in Birmingham on Wednesday, he is expected to say: “Today there are almost half a million full EVs on the roads in the UK, with more models coming to market each month. However, the cost of living and higher electricity costs are deterring almost three-quarters of drivers from making the switch now.
“For some drivers it is a big psychological and practical leap from tried and trusted petrol or diesel cars to full electric models. However, after making that leap drivers will not go back, and the switch ultimately will lead to lower running costs and less damage to the environment.”
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK will be banned from 2030. But latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show the rapid increase in sales of new pure electric cars has slowed in recent months.
The number of registrations during the first three months of the year was 102 per cent more than during the same period in 2021. At the end of September, the year-to-date increase had fallen to 40.3 per cent.
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