Almost half of all motorists (48%) are put off buying an electric vehicle because they’re worried about finding a charging point that works and is available.
That’s according to a survey conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Its survey also found that 41% won’t choose an EV because of higher purchase prices compared with petrol and diesel cars, while a third said that recharging an EV is too much hassle compared with filling up a conventional vehicle’s fuel tank.
A quarter of the 2,100 respondents, meanwhile, claimed they would not buy an EV thanks to increased insurance premiums associated with electric vehicles.
The SMMT said that despite the UK being the EU’s biggest market for electric vehicles, with registrations growing threefold over the last five years, alternatively-fuelled vehicle market penetration is at a low level considering 2.7m new vehicles were registered last year.
In January, AFVs made up 4.2% of the month’s car parc. At present, 83 different models are on the market.
“Our survey highlights the need for ongoing Government support for this new market. We want to encourage more people to switch to ultra-low emission vehicles in meaningful numbers but more must be done to boost buyer confidence. A consistent approach to incentives – fiscal and otherwise – and, most importantly, greater investment in the charging network is essential if we are to grow this emerging market,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
David Bushnell, mobility product manager at Alphabet added: “The problem we have is that EVs and ULEVs risk being thwarted by inconsistent Government tax policy that penalise instead of rewarding motorists moving to alternative, greener vehicles, as well as an ongoing lag in the development of our charging infrastructure together with a published Advisory Fuel Rate that recognises electricity as a fuel for transport.”
