Research released earlier this month claims that 80% of the drivers in a trial of ultra low-emission vehicles now view electric vehicles as a viable mode of mobility, with 72% claiming such a vehicle is sufficient for their daily needs.
The research was undertaken by the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low-carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies (Cenex) in conjunction with Oxford Brookes University, and during the study, held between 2009 and 2012, more than 1.5 million miles were driven and over 51,000 charging events were recorded.
Drivers initially found EVs were simple to operators, and adapted to unfamiliar elements such as regenerative braking in the first trip, while the report found they were only concerned with driving at the most efficient levels on longer trips where range may become an issue.
The results also included a conclusion from drivers that public charging points remain vital to the uptake of ULEVs, and a 230-mile range, rather than that of around 100 miles with current EVs, would satisfy their requirements.
Despite that, 91% of the drivers in the trial would recommend an electric vehicle, and 50% stated an intention to replace their internal combustion engine model with an EV.
“Uptake of electric vehicles has been slower than some expected with real and perceived barriers including consumer concerns over range anxiety and limited public infrastructure,” said Cenex chief executive Robert Evans.
“However this report proves that EVs are extremely viable n daily life. Government and industry players are committed to sustained effort to support what is expected to be a gradual uptake of plug-in vehicles in the market, running in parallel with the increased use of plug-in capability, as a means of offering consumers fuel cost savings and improved environmental performance.”
